“We disagree with these preliminary findings and are prepared to defend ourselves with extensive evidence and documentation,” said Heather Cuffel, the company’s director of business development, in a prepared statement.

 “For example, we will show that the wire rope used for hoisting materials was inspected at the beginning of every shift by licensed and properly trained personnel. It should also be noted that there were no findings of any willful negligent conduct on our part.”

Yonkers Contracting has a solid safety record and has reviewed safety procedures at all its jobsites since the accident, the statement added.

Simermeyer had been employed by J&E Industries, a company run by a relative, according to the New York Times, and which employed numerous other relations, including Simermeyer’s father.

The crane was operating below grade, adjacent to a pit in which laborers were placing rebar on the subway extension on Manhattan's west side. That’s when the boom fell, killing Simermeyer and injuring four others.