Ceiling Collapse Accident Attorneys in NYC

A ceiling collapse accident can cause a tenant to suffer severe injuries that affect the rest of their life and incur a tremendous amount of medical bills. What starts as peeling and cracking or a water leak, can lead to a portion of the ceiling collapsing and injuring someone. Even though the tenant may have complained to his super or building management, these types of problems are not always fixed timely.

Causes of Ceiling Collapses

 There are numerous reasons why ceilings collapse, but negligence is the most common denominator. Some examples include:

-Failure to inspect, maintain, and repair the ceiling;

-Ignoring signs of possible structural damage such as brown spots;

-Hiring unqualified or incompetent labor to construct a building;

-Neglecting to fix leaky pipes;

-Failing to address infestations of insects and rats, which eat and weaken structures;

-Painting over a problem area rather than fixing it;

-Structural issues due to contractors’ cutting corners and using inadequate materials.

Landlord and or management of a building has a duty to ensure that his or her premises are maintained in a safe manner such that those living in the building are not injured by a ceiling collapse. After a ceiling collapse accident, it is important that you hire a qualified ceiling collapse lawyer to investigate who was at fault for your injury. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the collapse, any number of people may have been at fault, including the property owner, building manager, construction company, or building contractor.

Common Types of Ceiling Collapse Injuries

Ceiling collapses can cause serious injuries. Because the victim is often hit in the head a traumatic brain injury or concussion can often occur. Other common injuries from a ceiling collapse are:

-lacerations,

-skin abrasions,

-bruises,

-neck injuries,

-spinal cord injuries,

-fractured or broken bones.

Depending on the severity of the ceiling collapse, you could end up with very serious injuries that affect the rest of your life or possibly even death can occur.

Providing Notice

Ceilings usually fall because they become too heavy. The most common reason that a portion of a ceiling falls is that there is a leak above the ceiling. Usually, the leak is an ongoing problem, and the tenant has complained to the building landlord or super many times before the ceiling collapses. When the collapsing ceiling is heavy enough, even death can occur from a falling ceiling.

A tenant will generally have a case against a landlord’s negligence when injuries like this occur. However, it is a good idea to have other evidence available to present to your lawyer, since the landlord or management will likely dispute fault and fight any charges. A powerful piece of evidence is a prior request you made in writing for the landlord to fix the plumbing issue. Keep records of all repair requests.

Warnings are usually present when a ceiling is about to collapse, particularly when consistent wet spots are seen on your ceiling for weeks or months at a time. If your landlord ignored your written requests for repair, your case is very strong.

What To Do After a Ceiling Collapse Occurs?

If possible, it is important to take certain steps following a ceiling collapse:

-Seek medical attention even if you do not feel like you are badly hurt.

-Take pictures of the ceiling immediately after the collapse.

-Take note of times when you have complained to management about a leak, crack, or other concern regarding the ceiling.

-Contact Karasik Law Group, a New York City ceiling collapse attorney.

New York City Housing Authority Statute of Limitations

In some cases, a ceiling collapse occurs as a result of a municipality’s negligence and failure to make repairs. For example, a ceiling collapse could happen in housing operated and managed by the New York City Housing Authority. If you have a lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority, the City must be put on notice before it is sued; this requirement is known as a Notice of Claim and MUST be filed within 90 days from when the accident occurred. If you have been injured in a ceiling collapse accident, it is crucial to seek knowledgeable legal representation from a New York City ceiling collapse attorney.

How Can a New York Ceiling Collapse Attorney Help?

A ceiling collapse can be traumatic to deal with. It can also be very difficult to prove that a landlord was negligent in causing the collapse. But an attorney can investigate and determine if an injured party has a claim against the owner and/or property manager, which is why it is so important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a ceiling collapse accident. Leading Law Firm Karasik Law Group will fight for your right to compensation for every dollar you are entitled to under the law. Call us to today at (718) 502-9112 to schedule a Free Consultation. And be sure to visit our website at www.karasiklawyers.com. At Karasik Law Group, winning matters. Win with us! We speak for the injured; our results speak for themselves.