New York has many old buildings, sidewalks, and public spaces. When owners don’t take care of them, serious accidents can happen. A broken stairway, a collapsing ceiling, or a faulty elevator can cause injuries or even death. If you’ve been hurt because of unsafe conditions, you may be able to get money for your injuries. A New York construction accident lawyer helps injured New Yorkers understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.
What is unsafe infrastructure?
Unsafe infrastructure means anything built or maintained poorly that puts people at risk. In New York, this includes:
- Collapsing stairways, balconies, or parking garages
- Broken sidewalks or potholes
- Elevator or escalator malfunctions
- Falling bricks or debris from old buildings
A real example involving public infrastructure happened in April 2023, when a parking garage in Lower Manhattan collapsed. One worker was killed, and several others were hurt. The four-story structure suddenly gave way, crushing cars and injuring people nearby. Investigators later found that the garage had violations from the NYC Department of Buildings, and it wasn’t properly maintained.
Who is responsible when something goes wrong?
In New York, the law says property owners are responsible for properly maintained infrastructure. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible. This is called premises liability. Many serious injuries occur due to infrastructure accidents, and these include slip and falls, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Possible parties who may be responsible include:
- Landlords and building owners
- City or government agencies (for sidewalks, streets, and public property)
- Contractors or workers who failed to fix the problem
For example, under New York City Building Code §28‑301.1, owners must maintain their buildings in a safe and code-compliant condition at all times.
Also, under New York Premises Liability Law, if an owner knows, or should know, about a dangerous condition and doesn’t fix it, they can be sued.
Can you get money for your injuries?
Yes. You may be able to file a personal injury claim. If you were working when you got hurt, like a construction worker or building staff, you might also qualify for workers’ compensation.
Compensation may cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care or lost income
In rare cases, you may also get punitive damages if someone’s actions were especially reckless.
How The Weinstein Law Group can help
Steven Weinstein has over 30 years of experience helping injured people in New York. Our team is known for being detail-oriented and finding the facts that matter. In past cases, a small detail in a photo or medical record has helped win large settlements for our clients.
We handle cases involving:
- Building collapses
- Elevator accidents
- Sidewalk or stairway falls
- Construction site injuries
- Subway or train accidents
We’ll investigate what happened, gather evidence, and deal with insurance companies and government entities so you don’t have to. You’ll never feel like just a case number; we’re here to answer your questions and fight for the best result.
Why timing matters
There are strict deadlines for filing a claim in New York. If your infrastructure injury involves a city agency, for example, a public sidewalk, subway, or city-owned building, you must first file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
After that, you must wait 30 days and comply with any hearing requests before filing a lawsuit in court. The lawsuit must be filed within one year and 90 days of the incident date. For other personal injury cases not involving the city, the deadline is generally 3 years. Contacting a lawyer early can help you meet these deadlines and protect your rights.
Get a free consultation today
Injuries caused by unsafe infrastructure can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to deal with the legal aftermath alone. The Weinstein Law Group has years of experience handling cases involving collapsing structures, elevator accidents, sidewalk falls, and other dangerous conditions in New York. We’re here to manage every part of your case, from the first consultation to final resolution, so you can focus on healing.
Founding attorney Steven Weinstein has spent over 30 years fighting for injured New Yorkers. He’s known for his attention to detail and dedication to every client he serves. At The Weinstein Law Group, we believe in treating you with respect and providing the support you need throughout the legal process.
To learn more about filing personal injury claims for unsafe infrastructure and to discuss your specific case, contact us online or call us at (212) 741-3800. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us help you take the next step