Mr. Goodwin is everything you want in an attorney: professional, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring. He always explains things clearly, so I understood exactly what was happening and what to expect next. His attention to detail and persistence really stood out. Looking back, I feel lucky to have found him. He guided me through the whole process expertly, and I deeply appreciate all his hard work. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
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Attorney for Deck, Porch and Balcony Accidents in New York City
If you were injured in a deck, porch, or balcony collapse in New York City, you need an attorney who understands premises liability and structural failure cases. Attorney Albert Goodwin represents victims of these accidents throughout the five boroughs.
A deck, porch, or balcony collapse happens without warning. One moment you are standing on what appears to be a solid structure. The next moment the floor gives way beneath you. You fall. Debris falls on top of you. Other people fall with you. These accidents cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. Some victims suffer permanent paralysis. Some do not survive.
Why These Structures Fail
The single biggest cause of deck, porch, and balcony collapses is poor maintenance. Water seeps into the supports and the connection points where the structure meets the building. Water causes wood to dry rot and metal to rust. Over time, the damage weakens the structure until it can no longer hold weight.
New York City's freeze-thaw cycles, rain, snow, and ice are punishing on outdoor structures. A structure that passed inspection a few years ago can deteriorate rapidly over a single winter. Property owners who fail to inspect and maintain these structures put every tenant and guest at risk.
Many buildings in New York City are old. Decades of exposure to the elements take a toll on wooden decks, fire escape landings, and balconies attached to apartment buildings and brownstones. Other common causes of collapse include defective design, improper construction, substandard materials, and overloading. A contractor who cuts corners during construction can create a hidden defect that does not reveal itself for years. A property owner who ignores visible signs of deterioration is gambling with human lives.
Who Is Responsible
New York law requires property owners to maintain safe premises. This includes decks, porches, balconies, fire escapes, and all other structural components of the property. Under New York City's building code and housing maintenance code, landlords have a duty to keep structures in good repair and in a safe condition.
A premises liability claim requires proof that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it. Maintenance records, inspection reports, building permits, Department of Buildings violations, and eyewitness testimony all play a role in building the case.
The property owner is not always the only responsible party. Contractors, builders, architects, management companies, and materials manufacturers may also bear liability. A contractor who failed to follow building codes during construction may be responsible. A manufacturer who supplied defective fasteners or lumber may be responsible. A management company that ignored repair requests may be responsible. An experienced attorney will investigate every party who contributed to the failure.
Injuries We Handle
Victims of deck, porch, and balcony collapses often fall one or more stories before hitting the ground. They are then struck by falling debris and sometimes by other victims. The injuries are often catastrophic.
Common injuries include broken bones in the arms, legs, hips, and spine. Victims suffer herniated discs, torn ligaments, and crush injuries. Head trauma can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis. Internal organ damage and internal bleeding require emergency surgery. Some victims suffer disfigurement and scarring that lasts a lifetime.
Many of these injuries require extended hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and months or years of rehabilitation. Some victims never fully recover.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If a property owner's negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation. This includes medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
New York law gives you a limited time to file a personal injury claim. Acting early preserves evidence and protects your rights. Key evidence can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long. Structures are often repaired or demolished shortly after a collapse.
What to Do After a Collapse
Get medical attention immediately. Some injuries from a structural collapse do not show symptoms right away. Internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Document everything you can. Take photographs of the scene, the debris, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
When you call our office during business hours, you reach Albert Goodwin directly. He personally handles every case. If you or a loved one was injured in a deck, porch, or balcony collapse in New York City, call today for a free consultation. You can contact us by phone at 212-233-1233 or by email at [email protected].
About the Author
Albert Goodwin Esq. is a licensed New York attorney with over 18 years of courtroom experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him well-qualified to write authoritative articles on a wide range of legal topics. He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].
