New Jersey Hoist Accident Attorneys

Hoist accidents are a serious risk in the construction, manufacturing, and warehousing industries. When a hoist fails or is improperly operated, workers can suffer life-altering injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, electrocution, and even fatalities. If you were hurt in a hoist accident while on the job in New Jersey, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits should cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and disability, but obtaining them is not always easy. Employers and insurance companies often delay or deny claims, leaving injured workers without the support and treatment they need.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have spent over 35 years fighting for injured workers, securing over $100 million for our clients. Our firm understands how to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under New Jersey law. As a Certified Trial Lawyer, Todd J. Leonard leads a team committed to protecting workers’ rights. We consider it a privilege to put our entire firm to work for you, and we don’t get paid unless you win. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a hoist accident, do not wait to take action. Call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm today at (973) 920-7900 for a FREE consultation.

Understanding Hoists and Their Workplace Dangers

Hoists are essential lifting devices used to move heavy materials in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation. These machines rely on chains, wire ropes, or fiber ropes to safely lift, lower, and transfer loads. Hoists come in various forms, including manual, electric, and pneumatic models, each designed for specific lifting capacities and job site requirements. While they improve efficiency, hoists pose significant risks when operated improperly or when safety precautions are ignored.

A hoist accident can result in catastrophic injuries, including fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, electrocution, and even fatalities. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reveal that nearly 80% of crane tip-overs occur when operators exceed the crane’s operational capacity. Additionally, mobile crane-related accidents account for a significant percentage of workplace fatalities, with over 50% of these incidents occurring in the construction industry. Understanding where and how hoist accidents happen can help workers recognize risks and take steps to protect themselves. Types of hoists include:

• Material Hoists
• Manual Chain or Chain Block Hoists
• Electric Hoists (including Electric Wire Rope Hoists)
• Hydraulic Hoists
• Pneumatic air hoists or air powered hoists 

Industries in New Jersey That Rely on Hoists

New Jersey’s diverse economy relies on hoists across multiple industries to transport heavy materials and complete critical tasks. Workers depend on these machines daily, from construction projects shaping the state’s skyline to warehouses supporting global shipping networks. When safety protocols are ignored or equipment malfunctions, serious injuries can occur.

Construction and Infrastructure Development

New Jersey has a booming construction sector, with large-scale commercial and residential developments in cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton. Hoists are essential for lifting concrete, steel beams, and other heavy materials to upper levels of high-rise buildings and bridge projects. However, unstable ground conditions, improper outrigger use, and overloading frequently lead to accidents. A failure in hoist operation on a construction site can cause collapses, crushing injuries, or falls from heights.

Manufacturing and Industrial Operations

New Jersey is a leader in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial equipment. Factories in areas like Camden, Paterson, and Edison rely on hoists to move heavy machinery, raw materials, and finished products throughout their facilities. If hoists are not regularly inspected or workers are not appropriately trained, mechanical failures and falling loads can result in catastrophic injuries, or even death.

Shipping, Warehousing, and Port Operations

With the Port of New York and New Jersey being one of the busiest in the nation, hoists play a crucial role in loading and unloading cargo containers at shipping docks and warehouses. Large distribution centers like Secaucus and Elizabeth use hoists to transport freight and organize massive inventories. Improper load securing and equipment overload are common causes of warehouse accidents, leading to serious injuries from falling cargo.

Transportation and Public Works

New Jersey’s public infrastructure, including train stations, tunnels, and bridges, relies on hoists for maintenance and repairs. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and private contractors use hoists to lift roadway materials, repair equipment, and conduct bridge inspections. When used on uneven terrain, hoist-related accidents in this field can lead to electrocution hazards, dropped loads, and tip-overs.

Heavy Equipment and Utility Work

Utility companies across New Jersey, including PSE&G and JCP&L, use hoists in electrical line work and pipeline maintenance. Workers operate hoists to lift power transformers, underground cables, and gas line components. When hoists are positioned too close to power lines, electrocution becomes a serious risk—one of the leading causes of hoist-related fatalities in the utility industry.

Each of these industries relies on hoists for efficiency, but when safety is compromised, workers face life-threatening hazards. If you were injured in a hoist accident in New Jersey, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full financial support you are entitled to under New Jersey law.

How Do Hoist Accidents Occur?

Hoist accidents happen when equipment is misused, overloaded, poorly maintained, or operated on unstable ground. Workplace safety regulations are designed to minimize these risks, yet preventable errors continue to cause injuries and deaths. Some of the most common causes include:

Failure to Use Outriggers Properly

Outriggers are designed to provide stability when lifting heavy loads, preventing tip-overs and collapses. However, 54% of all crane tip-overs result from operators swinging the boom or making a lift without fully extending the outriggers. When outriggers are not deployed correctly or are used on an unstable surface, the hoist’s load capacity decreases significantly, making it prone to tipping. For instance, a construction worker attempting to lift a steel beam without extending the outriggers on a construction site may cause the crane to lose balance. As the load shifts, the crane can tip over, putting nearby workers in immediate danger of severe injuries or fatalities.

Unstable Ground Conditions

A hoist’s stability depends not only on outriggers but also on the surface it is positioned on. Loose soil, uneven terrain, or deteriorating cribbing timbers can cause shifts, leading to unexpected collapses. Employers are responsible for ensuring that outrigger pads are placed on solid, level ground and that blocking materials remain stable throughout multiple lifts. For example, a mobile crane positioned on gravel may appear stable at first on a roadwork project. However, after several lifts, the ground beneath the outrigger pads can begin to shift. Without proper stabilization, the crane may tilt to one side, causing the hoisted load to crash, seriously injuring a nearby worker.

Overloading the Hoist

Every hoist has a maximum weight limit based on design and operating conditions. Exceeding this limit stresses mechanical components, increasing the risk of cable failure, tipping, or boom collapse. Overloading is one of the most common causes of hoist accidents, and many incidents occur when workers miscalculate the load’s weight or disregard manufacturer guidelines.

Electrocution Hazards

Cranes and hoists are often operated near power lines, increasing the risk of electrocution. Nearly one-quarter of all fatal crane-related accidents result from hoists coming into contact with overhead electrical sources. Workers who touch the hoist or are near the electrical current can suffer severe burns, nerve damage, or fatal shock.

Improper Load Securing

A poorly secured load can shift unexpectedly, causing the hoist to become unbalanced or sending materials falling onto workers below. A review of recent Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data found that over 40% of crane-related fatalities involved a worker being struck by an uncontrolled hoisted load or crane part. Using improper rigging techniques or failing to inspect lifting straps before operation puts workers in immediate danger.

Each of these industries relies on hoists for efficiency, but when safety is compromised, workers face life-threatening hazards. If you were injured in a hoist accident in New Jersey, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full financial support you are entitled to under New Jersey law.

Workers’ Compensation for Hoist Accidents in New Jersey

Workers injured in hoist-related accidents have the right to seek benefits under New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation Act. This system is designed to provide medical care, wage replacement, and disability compensation for employees injured on the job—regardless of fault. However, securing these benefits is not always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies frequently challenge claims, delay payments, or offer less than what injured workers are entitled to receive.

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws protect employees from financial hardship following workplace injuries.  

What Benefits Are Available Under New Jersey Workers’ Compensation?

A successful workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey may provide several forms of financial and medical support.

Medical Coverage for Injury Treatment

Workers’ compensation should cover all necessary medical treatment for your work-related injuries, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Under New Jersey law, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer has the right to select the treating physician. This means that you must seek treatment from an approved provider, except in cases of emergency. If an employer delays or denies coverage for essential medical treatment, an attorney can challenge this decision to ensure you receive proper care.

Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits

When a hoisting accident leaves a worker unable to return to their job immediately, temporary total disability benefits provide wage replacement. These payments amount to 70% of your average weekly wage, subject to New Jersey’s statutory maximum and minimum limits. Disability benefits begin after missing more than seven days of work.

If a hoist accident results in a long-term impairment, permanent partial disability benefits may be awarded. The extent of compensation depends on the type and severity of the injury. For workers who cannot return to any form of employment, permanent total disability benefits are available, potentially lasting for life.

Types of Benefits Available to New Jersey Workers:

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If the claimant is determined to be permanently totally disabled, they continue to receive 70% of their average weekly wage.
• Medical Expenses – For doctor appointments and other reasonable treatments, such as rehabilitation.
• Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) – Receive 70% of their average weekly wages for days missed from work.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Payments for a permanent impairment of bodily function, but the claimant can still work. Benefits are granted according to the type and degree of impairment or disability.

What To Do If Your NJ Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied

Despite clear evidence of a workplace injury, insurance companies often attempt to deny claims by arguing that:

• The accident did not occur at work or during job-related duties;
• Your injury is related to a pre-existing condition; or
• You did not notify your employer of your injury within the required timeframe

When a claim is denied, or benefits are unreasonably delayed, workers have the right to file a formal claim with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. A workers’ compensation attorney can file a Claim Petition or Motion for Medical and Temporary Benefits, forcing the employer and insurer to justify their denial before a judge. Having legal representation significantly increases the chances of securing full compensation.

Third-Party Lawsuits for Hoist Injuries

If a third party (e.g., a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, etc.) was responsible for your work accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. These claims allow for additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including damages for pain and suffering.

For example, if a hoist malfunctioned due to a design defect or manufacturing error, the injured worker may have a claim against the equipment manufacturer under New Jersey’s product liability laws. Similarly, if an independent contractor or subcontractor caused the accident, they may be held liable for negligence.

Third-party liability claims allow workers to recover personal injury compensation beyond the financial support workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate your injury claim to identify all responsible parties and secure the maximum compensation available for your recovery.

If You’ve Been Injured, Contact Our New Jersey Hoist Accident Lawyers Today!

If you were injured in a hoist accident on the job, you should not have to fight for the compensation you are entitled to. New Jersey workers’ compensation laws provide benefits, but employers and insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disabilities can leave you struggling to recover physically and financially. You need an attorney who will fight for your rights.

Our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing construction, manufacturing, and warehouse workers seriously injured in hoist accidents. Our personal injury lawyers have also assisted workers in their third-party claims involved in all types of accident claims, including slip and fall accidents, dog bite attacks, car accidents, etc. We have successfully handled thousands of claims involving injured New Jersey workers, recovering over $100 million for our clients.

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a FREE and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.