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Tragic NYC Crane Collapse Results in Settlements; NY Post Reports


Posted on Aug 03, 2011

The New York Post reported last week on the status of pending lawsuits regarding a 2008 crane collapse on the East Side of Manhattan, which killed a handful of people, injured many others, and damaged property.

It has now been revealed that six of the wrongful-death cases against the crane's operator, Rapetti Rigging Services, have been settled out of court. One remaining case will head to Manhattan Supreme Court on September 12. These seven cases included six construction workers and a Florida tourist. Also named in the suit was the city, Kennely Development Company, and building contractors.

Outstanding claims today for all of the personal and property damage total almost $500 million, split among 43 lawsuits. This figure comes after much litigation has already been settled. William Rapetti, the crane rigger, was acquitted last year of criminal responsibility. He was accused of using faulty straps, which broke, allegedly causing the crane to collapse. He also used half as many straps as he should have.

Many property damage claims remain. A demolished bar, known as FUBAR, is looking for $15 million. The owner of the building is also looking for millions. An injured employee of the pub has already settled his suit.

If you would like more information about how negligence and accident cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website http://www.oginski-law.com. If you have legal questions,  I urge you to pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.

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Gerry practices law exclusively in the State of New York. Within New York he practices primarily in the following counties: New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk. Technically, Brooklyn is known as "Kings County," and Manhattan and New York City are known as "New York County." Staten Island is known as "Richmond County." These counties make up the New York metropolitan area.