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A ceiling is rarely considered to be a possible hazard. We walk into a room beneath it and assume that it is adequately safe for the duration of our presence. By all rights every ceiling should be safe and secure for all who exist beneath it.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Old, rotten, or damaged ceilings that are left unaddressed can eventually fall on an unsuspecting victim beneath it. The property owners who choose to forgo the ceiling repair or ignore the leaky roof to save a few bucks put many innocent people at risk.

A damaged ceiling can be incredibly heavy, causing unimaginable damage when coming into contact with a victim. Falling or collapsed ceilings cause significant and extensive harm when crashing down on the people below them.

Many of them are composed of cement and have heavy wooden or metal parts that come down with the rest of the ceiling. The fact that most ceilings are white and do not ‘appear’ to be heavy is one of the greatest optical illusions of modern society.

It also allows many “penny pinchers” to paint over a leaking ceiling and disguise it.

If you or a family member have sustained a serious injury due to a ceiling collapse in the New York area, call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, today. Our attorneys have over a century of collective experience and a track record of success in the field of ceiling collapse claims.

What causes a ceiling collapse?

There are many different reasons that a ceiling may collapse and cause bodily injury. Unattended cracks in the ceiling and water leaks that go unaddressed by landlords or property owners can pose a significant threat. Additionally, an attempt to ‘paint over’ the problem so that it seems to disappear for a period of time is a common but dangerous practice.

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff

Accumulated snow and/or debris on the roof can also cause a ceiling collapse. Vermin, rats, and other critters that move into the attic and are not removed can eat away at and weaken structures causing the ceiling to collapse. 

Other unfortunate incidents include engineering or structural issues, such as a contractor cutting corners to increase profits. Sometimes laborers will use substandard material or exercise inadequate weight bearing procedures to save money. Unfortunately, an innocent person usually pays the price for these practices.

What types of damages can be recovered from a ceiling collapse claim?

Of course, every case is different and treated on an individual basis. The type and amount of damages awarded in a case will depend on the severity of the injuries suffered and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Many of the common damages awarded in these types of cases include the following:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Rehabilitative services
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Physical impairment
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Mental anguish

A dedicated attorney with experience in the field of ceiling collapses will utilize all of the medical, forensic, and engineering material available to educate the jury and maximize your claim. As one of the best personal injury law firms in New York, we are committed to protecting your interests while representing your case and fiercely protecting your rights as a victim.

What if the building is owned by the city or other municipality?

The Law Offices of Michael S, Lamonsoff, PLLC can still help. We are not afraid to stand up to those theoretical giants and represent your rights as a law-abiding citizen. However, the statute of limitations is much shorter when dealing with a municipality or municipal entity, so there is no time to waste.

If you have been seriously injured by a collapsed ceiling in a municipal building, or a building owned by the city, you need to call us today. The attorneys at our firm are very well-versed on all of the legal rhetoric involved with dealing with a municipality in a court of law, and they will successfully navigate the court system for you.

What about ceiling collapses during construction?

Ceiling collapses during construction are not uncommon. State and federal laws require building owners, contractors and subcontractors to observe safety protocols. When corners are cut, injuries can happen.

OSHA investigated incidents of ceiling collapses that resulted in personal injury or death over an eighteen-year period, and the results were shocking. They showed that more than 80% of these incidents were the result of construction errors or omissions where contractors knowingly purchased inadequate material or disregarded building safety procedures.

Contact us for help with your ceiling collapse claim today

If you have sustained a serious injury from a ceiling collapse that could have been prevented with adequate maintenance, The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC will fight fiercely for your rights and represent your best interests so that you can concentrate on recovering.

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