Manhattan Ceiling Collapse Accidents

Manhattan Ceiling Collapse Accidents

New York City is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Although many of Manhattan’s buildings are less than 100 years old, many of them are in poor condition. With the lack of care and maintenance put into so many of the buildings here and our extreme variations in weather, it is really no surprise how many ceilings collapse here every year.

If you have experienced a ceiling collapse, you know how scary and destructive it can be. What you may not know is that you could be entitled to compensation regardless of where you were during the collapse. No matter if you were in a public building, your own apartment, or even a friend’s house, The Barnes Firm may be able to help you recover damages from the liable party.

Who Is Liable for Ceiling Collapses in Manhattan?

When a ceiling is correctly built and maintained, it should remain secure and supported. Ceilings that have been taken care of properly don’t just fall without warning. More often than not, if a ceiling collapses, it’s because somebody repeatedly ignored past signals that its integrity was compromised. A few reasons a ceiling could collapse are:

• Damage to ceiling supports
• Failure to repair leaks or crack
• Structural issues created by poor contractor workmanship
• Heavy items stored on the drywall in the attic
• Construction that is not up to building codes
• Inadequate shoring
• Attic pressurization

A ceiling collapse could fall under the responsibility of anyone from the building’s owner to the management company to the construction company. Normally, the collapse of a ceiling falls under premises liability. For a premises liability claim to be successful, proof that the party responsible for the maintenance of the building was neglectful will need to be provided. If the person, or persons, in charge of maintaining the building knew that the ceiling needed to be repaired but failed to do so, it would likely be determined that they are liable.

However, if a contractor or construction company performed poor workmanship or did not follow building codes when they built or repaired the ceiling, they could also be found liable for a collapse. In some cases, the collapse could be blamed on a faulty product used during construction. Ceiling joists, sheetrock, and even drywall screws used to hang sheetrock could be to blame if they cause a ceiling to collapse, leaving the product manufacturer liable.

What Compensation Could You Receive for a Ceiling Collapse in Manhattan?

Property owners that neglect to repair leaking roofs in order to save money place innocent lives in danger. Some Manhattan landlords have even been found to paint over leaking or damaged ceilings to camouflage their condition. These damaged ceilings are not just unsightly, they are dangerous. Ceilings that are not maintained are at risk of crashing down on innocent people and could cause severe injuries or death.

Severe injuries caused by a ceiling collapse could require long-term medical treatments and physical therapy. They can also cause mental distress to victims and could lead to lasting feelings of depression or anxiety. Medical bills for both physical and mental ailments caused by ceiling collapses add up quickly, leaving victims with even more stress.

If you have experienced a ceiling collapse in Manhattan, The Barnes Firm could help you recover compensation for damages such as:

• Property damage
• Medical bills and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Alternative shelter during repair, such as a hotel room
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages and future lost wages
• Wrongful death

Depleting finances, piling medical bills, and emotional and physical suffering are things nobody should be forced to deal with because of the negligence of another person—which is why our goal is to maximize your compensation.

Contact an Experienced Manhattan Ceiling Collapse Attorney

Reach out to our skilled personal injury attorneys to learn more about how you can recover damages from a ceiling collapse in Manhattan. Our team has helped victims receive millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call (800) 800-0000 or complete an online contact form today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000