The Dangers of Ceiling and Roof Collapses in NYC
Ceiling and roof collapses in New York can result in devastating injuries and even fatalities. Victims and their families are often left facing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our ceiling and roof collapse lawyers in New York City have decades of experience in handling personal injury cases, including those involving construction accidents and premises liability. We can help you identify all the at-fault parties, collect strong evidence to prove liability, and maximize your financial compensation.
Causes of Ceiling and Roof Collapse in New York
Here are some of the common causes of ceiling and roof collapses:
- Structural Defects: Weak support beams or subpar construction materials increase the risk of collapse.
- Neglected Water Leaks: Lack of upkeep, including ignoring water leaks, can weaken roofs and ceilings, leading to collapse.
- Construction Defects: Poor construction practices or improper material installation can create weaknesses that may lead to collapse.
- Age of the Building: Older buildings, especially those not renovated to modern standards, may be more susceptible to collapse due to wear and tear.
Injuries that Necessitate Legal Action after an NYC Ceiling or Roof Collapse
- Respiratory injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Fatalities
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
If you or a loved one have been a victim of any of the above injuries, or a similar injury, you should contact a ceiling and roof collapse lawyer in New York City immediately. We can get you the help you need.
Legal Elements to Establish Negligence in Premises Liability Claims
Our ceiling and roof collapse lawyers will prove the following for a successful claim:
Foreseeability
The dangerous condition was foreseeable, meaning a reasonable person in the property owner's position would have anticipated the risk of harm and taken steps to address it.
Breach of Duty
The property owner or manager breached their duty of care by failing to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition or failing to warn you of known hazards.
Causation
The breach of duty directly caused your injuries. It must be established that the hazardous condition on the premises was a factor in causing the injuries.
Duty of Care
The property owner or manager owed a duty of care to you.
Damages
The injured party suffered compensable damages as a result of the hazardous condition, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Notice
The property owner or manager had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition. Actual notice means they were aware of the dangerous condition, while constructive notice means they should have known about it through reasonable inspection or maintenance procedures.
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Contact UsWho Can Be Held Liable For Ceiling Collapse Claims in New York City?
- Property Owners
- Contractors or Construction Companies
- Property Managers
- Maintenance Companies
How Will Our Lawyers Prove Liability and Obtain Maximum Compensation for You?
The legal team at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff uses a twin-pronged approach of collecting and presenting compelling evidence, including expert analysis and witness testimony. Our approach provides incredible results and includes:
Evidence Gathering
- Maintenance Records: Our lawyers will collect documentation of routine maintenance performed on the property, including inspections and repairs related to the ceiling or roof.
- Inspection Reports: We’ll get reports from qualified inspectors detailing the condition of the ceiling and roof prior to the collapse.
- Building Code Violations: Our attorneys will find evidence of any violations of local building codes or regulations relevant to the structural integrity of the ceiling or roof.
- Witness Testimonies: Our lawyers will obtain statements from individuals who observed or were aware of the condition of the ceiling or roof before the collapse.
- Surveillance Camera Footage: We will exhaust all possible sources for surveillance camera footage, which might reveal the condition of the structure or the actual collapse event.
- Photographs or Videos of the Scene: We will procure visual evidence documenting the state of the ceiling or roof and any contributing factors leading up to the collapse.
Types of Experts We May Hire
- Structural Engineers can identify weaknesses by assessing building integrity.
- Forensic Architects investigate design flaws or construction errors.
- Building Code Experts can identify code violations for proving liability.
- Meteorologists are usually consulted to establish that natural calamities and weather did not lead to the collapse.
- Material Scientists are used for analyzing construction material defects.
- Safety Experts can assess safety protocols for proof of negligence.
Establishing Property Owner’s Awareness of Hazardous Conditions
Demonstrating actual or constructive notice is essential for establishing the property owner or manager's responsibility. Actual notice refers to direct knowledge or awareness of the ceiling issues by the responsible party. Constructive notice, on the other hand, implies that the property owner or manager should have known about the ceiling problems through reasonable inspection or maintenance practices.
Establishing notice is important because it demonstrates that the property owner or manager had a duty to address the hazardous condition but failed to do so, leading to injuries sustained by the claimant. This evidence of notice can strengthen your argument for negligence and plays a significant role in determining liability.
Types of Compensation We will Pursue to Maximize Your Ceiling or Roof Collapse Injury Claim
Our dedicated team of skilled New York City ceiling and roof collapse attorneys can handle the complexities of your case and pursue maximum compensation available under the law, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Disability and Disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium
- Property Damage
- Punitive Damages
To ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your ceiling collapse claim, our lawyers will evaluate your case, gather compelling evidence, and use their extensive knowledge of personal injury law to advocate for your rights.
Steps Our NYC Roof and Ceiling Collapse Attorneys will Take to Protect Your Rights
When you hire Michael "The Bull", you can trust that your case will be handled with utmost professionalism and dedication. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC our team of dedicated attorneys bring decades of experience and a relentless commitment to advocating for client rights.
- Investigation: We’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ceiling collapse, gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Case Building: Our lawyers will build a strong case on your behalf, including documentation of injuries, property damage, and any negligence on the part of property owners or managers.
- Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to obtain a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’ll represent you in court, advocating for your rights and seeking the maximum compensation available under the law.
Proven Record of Large Settlements
Our ceiling collapse attorneys have a history of obtaining substantial settlements for our clients. We have the resources and skills to pursue maximum financial compensation by negotiating with insurance companies and litigating complex legal matters. These are a few recent settlements and verdicts ‘The Bull” has obtained for clients:
$1,000,000: Awarded to a construction worker who fell through a skylight in a warehouse.
$1,350,000: Settlement obtained for a 14-year-old.
$1,500,000: Recovered for an injured victim in an unsecured scaffold accident
Discuss a Winning Legal Strategy with our Attorneys to Maximize Damages
The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, led by “The Bull” and his team of personal injury attorneys in NYC, have successfully represented numerous clients, obtaining substantial verdicts and settlements along the way. While many of our personal injury cases are resolved through negotiated settlements, we are always prepared to pursue aggressive litigation when necessary to achieve the largest possible damages on your behalf.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.