New York City Ceiling Collapse Lawyer

New York City apartment building owners and other property owners have a legal obligation to adhere to building codes, perform routine inspections, and promptly repair hazardous conditions. Still, despite his reasonable duty of care, many New York City apartment buildings, hotels, and businesses are in disrepair.

When property owners cut corners or postpone necessary maintenance, the result could be serious injury to someone lawfully on the property. A ceiling collapse in New York City is one of the most dangerous examples of property owner negligence.

Contact a premises liability lawyer in New York City to pursue compensation for any injuries you suffered — call (212) 564-2800 today.

What Causes Ceiling Collapses In New York City Buildings?

New York City residents wish to feel safe in their own homes. Unfortunately, no one prepares for a sudden ceiling collapse, yet this preventable disaster is more common than you might think, especially in New York City apartment buildings. The most common causes of ceiling collapses include:

Plumbing problems
Leaking roofs
Snow accumulation
Lack of routine repairs
Pest infestation
Construction defects
Deteriorated structures
Improper repairs
Failure to address warning signs, such as cracks, sagging, and dark or wet spots

Whether a ceiling collapse results from a structural defect or insufficient maintenance, the property owner is liable for the injury victim’s damages. Head trauma is common with ceiling collapses from large and heavy debris — a brain injury attorney in New York City can provide the legal aid you need to pursue compensation.

Proving Notice In New York City Ceiling Collapse Cases

After suffering serious injuries as well as property damage from a collapsed ceiling in New York City, an injury victim has the right to seek compensation for their damages through civil action against the property owner. A ceiling collapse lawsuit in New York City is a category of premises liability claims. Proving a property owner’s liability requires showing that they were aware of the hazard, they had a duty of reasonable care to the injury victim, they violated this duty, and the violation caused the claimant’s injury.

A critical component of a ceiling collapse case is showing evidence that the property owner was aware of the condition of the ceiling before the collapse. For instance, evidence in these cases could be copies of emails, text messages, and written complaints made to the property owner or building manager about the condition. If no such notice exists, the case requires compelling evidence that the problem was visible or evident and the property owner should reasonably have been aware of the danger and taken action to prevent a collapse.

Injuries in Ceiling Collapses

A dangerous condition leading to a ceiling collapse may take time to develop, but when the collapse occurs, it happens suddenly and without warning. The collapse of thousands of pounds of plaster, sheetrock, and wood onto those below the ceiling can cause severe injuries such as the following:

Traumatic brain injuries that range from mild concussions to severe brain damage
External head, facial, and dental injuries
Skull fractures
Neck injuries
Back injuries
Fractures
Soft-tissue injuries
Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions
Internal organ injuries
Respiratory illnesses from plaster dust inhalation
Crush injuries

A ceiling collapse in an apartment building also causes extensive property damage. Emotional damages may also occur, such as PTSD, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression.

Recovering Damages In a New York City Ceiling Collapse Case

Injuries are expensive as well as painful and traumatic, especially when they involve emergency medical care, ongoing treatment, and prevent a prompt return to work. Some injuries preclude a return to work in the previous capacity because of disability. These are the “damages” in a ceiling collapse premises liability case. A successful claim recovers compensation for damages such as:

Past and future medical expenses
Past and future income loss
Out-of-pocket expenses
Reduced earning ability
Compensation for pain and suffering

If a ceiling collapse in New York City causes catastrophic injury or the death of a loved one, additional compensation may be available. Call a NYC wrongful death lawyer to fight the justice your loved one deserves.

How Can a New York City Ceiling Collapse Attorney Help My Case?

It takes substantial evidence showing that a property owner was aware of a hazard and neglected to take reasonable repair measures to obtain the maximum compensation available.

Call The Law Offices of Jay. S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at (212) 564-2800 or contact us online to learn about your right to full and fair compensation.