15.07.2008

New York gag

New York Crane the owner of the Kodiak crane that collapsed on May 30th, killing two workers will be in court today when the lawyers of one of the men who died will demand that the company unconditionally hand over the cranes maintenance and inspection records.

According to the lawyers representing the families of the two men the company has insisted that they sign “a very broad confidentiality agreement” barring any information from the records being leaked to the public.

They added: "We asked them to turn over numerous documents in regards to the inspection and repair of this crane. In order for us to frame the complaint, we need this information, and I think every part of this case should be made open to the public."

In early June, a judge barred New York Crane from collecting the wreckage of the crane after the lawyers representing the family of Donald Leo filed a request.

So far five claims have been filed with the city relating to this accident, according to the New York City Law Department. The owner of the building at East 91st Street and First Avenue that was hit by the crane was probably the largest so far with a $100 million lawsuit against the contractor and other parties.