Dedicated New York City Ceiling Collapse Lawyer

Ceiling Collapse Injury Attorney

Although New York City is known for its skyscrapers and modern architecture, it also has its share of historic buildings, some dating back more than 100 years. While the rich history that these buildings provide is a valuable part of New York’s story, they can also pose a significant hazard to tenants or other individuals who choose to live and work in these structures when the crumbling infrastructure finally breaks down and the ceiling collapses.

Unfortunately, it isn’t just historical buildings that have ceilings waiting to collapse and cause an accident. There are plenty of other ways that ceiling infrastructure problems could spell disaster for unsuspecting residents, tenants, and other individuals.

If you have been injured or suffered severe property damage because a ceiling has caved in or collapsed, it’s time to talk to an experienced New York premises liability attorney. The attorneys with David Resnick & Associates are dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve after a ceiling collapse accident. If you want more information on how we may be able to help, contact us online today.

How David Resnick Can Help You with a Ceiling Collapse Claim

Seeking compensation in ceiling collapse cases can be challenging. In some instances, multiple parties could potentially have contributed to the conditions that caused the collapse and might share responsibility for the harm you suffered. It often takes an experienced New York premises liability attorney to find and sift through the evidence it takes to identify them and hold them accountable.

If the at-fault party had a chance to identify and address a hazardous condition and failed, are you sure you can trust them to offer the fair compensation you deserve? At David Resnick & Associates, we work with accident victims to help recover the compensation they need following collapsed ceiling accidents.

Providing Notice to Your Landlord of a Potential Ceiling Collapse

Ceilings typically don’t just collapse without warning. There might be signs that something is wrong and needs to be inspected by a professional. Documenting and reporting these issues is crucial. Some of the potential warning signs that a ceiling is structurally unsound or might be at risk for collapse include:

  • Obvious signs of water damage and discoloration
  • A leaking ceiling in an apartment
  • Cracks in the ceiling
  • Cracking noises or sounds coming from the ceiling
  • Rippling under the paint or in the plasterboard
  • Rows of nails or screws coming loose or pulling away from beams or sheeting

If you notice any of these concerning signs, document the damage with photos and keep a journal noting the date and time you first saw the damage. Also, keep a record in writing and with photographs documenting how the damage changes over time.
Notify your landlord or management company as soon as you notice your ceiling falling down.

Evidence to Establish a Ceiling Collapse Claim

If the ceiling gives way and ultimately collapses, it will be essential to have evidence to support your ceiling collapse claim. Compelling evidence of the conditions that led to the collapse might include:

  • Pictures of the ceiling and rubble
  • Pictures of surrounding damage
  • Pictures of damaged belongings
  • Pictures of the ceiling before the collapse
  • Documentation showing you complained about an issue with the ceiling, emails, voicemails, texts, or written letters
  • The broken pieces of the ceiling
  • Building permits
  • Inspection reports
  • Requests for repairs
  • Repair invoices

Evidence that can establish your expectations for compensation includes:

  • Medical bills and records
  • Employment records
  • Entries in a pain journal regarding your pain and suffering

Who Can Be Liable for a Ceiling Collapse in New York?

Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties could potentially be responsible for a ceiling collapse. These might include:

  • Landlords – Landlords in New York are required by law to keep their premises safe for tenants and to repair known hazards on the property.
  • Building owners – Property owners must use reasonable care to inspect their properties to discover and remedy any dangerous conditions present on the property. A ceiling collapse is sometimes due to the owner’s negligent maintenance or repair.
  • Property management companies – Property management companies take on the building owner’s responsibility to maintain the building. When they fail to uphold this responsibility, they may be responsible for the resulting damages.
  • Contractors – Substandard work by contractors or violation of building codes can cause conditions that lead to a ceiling collapse.
  • Government agencies – Sometimes, maintaining a property is the responsibility of a government agency, such as the New York City Housing Authority or Department of Education.
  • Building material manufacturers – Sometimes ceiling collapses are due to faulty products, such as leaking bathtubs, faucets, or other fixtures. When a defective product causes a ceiling collapse, the product manufacturer may be responsible for the damage.

Potential Compensation for a Ceiling Collapse

Having your ceiling suddenly collapse on top of you can be a traumatic and frightening event, especially if you’ve been injured by the debris. In many cases, victims involved in this type of accident may be entitled to compensation to cover their injuries and other expenses.

This compensation can cover losses, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Cost of living in another space while repairs are being made
  • Loss of income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability

These types of claims can be complex. Many times, liable parties do not want to pay victims fair compensation when they know they will also have to shell out money for repairs. In-ceiling collapse accidents, it’s important to have a seasoned lawyer who can investigate liability and gather evidence that shows the extent of your losses.

Contact a Ceiling Collapse Lawyer in New York City

If you’ve been injured in a ceiling collapse and have suffered property damage as a result of a ceiling collapse accident, you deserve knowledgeable and dedicated legal help to recover the money you deserve.

At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., we are committed to assisting you in seeking compensation. Every step of the way, we will communicate with you about the specifics of your case and what we are doing to fight for you. Our open and transparent communication process begins with a free legal consultation. Contact us today to get started.

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