Queens Ceiling Collapse Accidents

Queens Ceiling Collapse Accidents

What starts as a small brown stain on a ceiling tile can turn into bulging plaster that can eventually fall on an unsuspecting tenant. This falling debris can cause injuries, damage property, and has the potential to make a home or workplace uninhabitable.

Here in Queens, this scenario happens more often than most people realize. Buildings in Queens, and all over New York City, are some of the oldest in the nation. These restaurants, apartments, and offices are not always properly maintained or repaired in a timely manner, leaving issues to multiply or worsen.

This negligence results in numerous ceiling collapses and injuries across the boroughs. If this scenario has happened to you, The Barnes Firm may be able to help recover compensation for any damages you have incurred.

What Causes Ceilings to Collapse in Queens?

Ceiling collapses almost always occur due to someone’s negligence. Ceilings that are properly taken care of seldom fall without showing warning signals that their integrity has been compromised beforehand. Property owners have allowed ceilings to collapse by:

• Failing to repair leaks
• Not treating infestations of insects or rodents that could weaken structures
• Painting over defects to mask damage instead of repairing it
• Hiring unlicensed or incompetent workers
• Not removing snow or ice from the roof
• Ignoring damage to ceiling supports
• Improperly ventilating the attic
• Not adhering to building codes
• Using inappropriate materials

All communications between a landlord and tenant about ceiling damage such as emails, text messages, or letters should be saved. Document any phone calls discussing ceiling issues with the landlord by jotting down the time and date of the call. Also be sure to keep detailed records of all of your expenses related to the collapse, such as medical bills and receipts for hotel stays as they should be eligible for compensation. This record of bills and communication will help your lawyer build your case and maximize its value.

How to Recover Compensation for a Queens Ceiling Collapse

Following a ceiling collapse, an investigation will begin to determine who is at fault. Depending on the details surrounding the accident, anyone from the property owner themselves to a construction crew or even an upstairs neighbor could be found liable, or at least partially liable.

New York’s comparative negligence laws see that all parties involved in an accident will be assigned a percentage of fault. For instance, if construction is ongoing and you ignore posted signage and enter a restricted area, you could be found to be at least partially liable for any injuries you sustained in a ceiling collapse. However, only a majority of fault will need to be assigned to another party in order for you to succeed in a settlement. Should you be found to be partially at fault, an experienced attorney may be able to help mitigate the share of fault that is assigned to you.

When you partner with The Barnes Firm, our team of seasoned ceiling collapse attorneys will start constructing a defense for your case right away. Our lawyers will help establish the negligence of the company or individual responsible so you can recoup costs and amend issues related to the failure of your ceiling, such as:

• Medical bills, including future medical bills
• Property damage
• Alternate accommodation during repair
• Lost wages and future lost wages
• Wrongful death
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress

If possible, photograph any damages before they are cleaned and repaired. Have a building inspector or engineer inspect and document the situation if you can. The more you are able to document the accident and prove negligence, the better.

Contact an Experienced Ceiling Collapse Attorney in Queens

Reach out to our skilled personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm to learn more about what your next step forward should be after experiencing a ceiling collapse in Queens. Our team has helped victims get millions of dollars in compensation from settlements and verdicts across the New York City area. We take great pride in bettering the communities we serve by helping clients achieve the best result possible. To schedule a free consultation and discover how you may be able to recover any losses you have sustained, call (800) 800-0000 or complete an online contact form today.