If you were injured at the Jacob Riis Houses because of a condition ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA failed to repair, you may have a legal claim, but the deadlines are short and begin the day of your injury. A claim against the New York City Housing Authority follows municipal rules, including a 90-day Notice of Claim requirement, that differ sharply from an ordinary apartment case. Speaking with a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA injury lawyer early can protect your evidence and your right to recover. Here is what residents of this Lower East Side development should know.

About the Jacob Riis Houses

The Jacob Riis Houses are a large ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA development in the Alphabet City section of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, running between Avenue D and the FDR Drive across superblocks from roughly East 6th Street to East 13th Street. Completed in 1949 and named for the reformer Jacob Riis, who documented tenement living conditions a century earlier, the development consists of 13 buildings ranging from six to 14 stories, with roughly 1,190 apartments housing thousands of residents. As one of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA’s older Manhattan public housing developments, its buildings and systems have aged well beyond their original design life, and like much of the LES waterfront, it was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which left it without power and prompted a major infrastructure repair grant years later.

A documented record of falsified inspections

Riis sits within a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA system with a documented history of inspection and record problems that matter directly to injury cases. A 2020 report found that ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA personnel had falsified work orders and signatures on scores of lead-abatement projects, certifying removals that were incomplete or never done, and an earlier investigation found false federal certifications claiming inspections had occurred in tens of thousands of apartments when they had not. Records like these matter because an injury claim often turns on whether ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA knew about a hazard and whether its inspection and repair records can be trusted. When the authority’s own paperwork is unreliable, the documented complaint and work-order trail becomes even more important.

Common hazards that cause injuries at developments like Riis

• Stairwell falls from worn treads, loose or missing handrails, and poor lighting in the taller 14-story buildings
• Elevator failures including misleveling, door malfunctions, sudden stops, and extended outages that force residents onto stairs
• Ceiling and wall leaks creating slippery floors and falling-plaster hazards, a recurring problem in aging buildings
• Lobby and entryway hazards such as defective thresholds, uneven floors, and broken entry doors
• Heating and hot-water outages tied to aging boiler systems, especially serious in winter
• Security and lighting failures in common areas, including broken intercoms and dark corridors

How ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA’s responsibility works

Under New York law, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA must keep its properties in a reasonably safe condition and respond to known hazards within a reasonable time. The authority’s 311 complaint system, MyÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA app, and management-office records create a documented trail of what residents reported and how ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA responded. A complaint history showing the same stairwell, elevator, or leak was reported repeatedly before an injury can be powerful evidence of notice. Where a private contractor maintained the elevator, boiler, or security system that failed, that company may share liability as well. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, our overview of suing ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA for negligence explains how these claims can work.

The deadlines that control a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA claim

• Notice of Claim within 90 days. You must serve a written Notice of Claim on ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA within 90 days of the injury. This is a mandatory prerequisite, and courts rarely excuse a late filing.
• Lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Most claims against ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA must be filed within this window from the injury date.
• 50-h hearing. After the Notice of Claim, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA may require a sworn, deposition-style examination before any lawsuit proceeds. Having counsel at this stage is important.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on the process for filing a lawsuit against ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA.

What to do if you were hurt at the Jacob Riis Houses

• Get medical attention promptly and follow your treatment plan
• Record the exact location: building, entrance, stairwell or elevator bank, and floor
• Photograph the condition and collect witness names and contact information
• Report the condition to building management and keep written confirmation
• Do not give a recorded statement to ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA before speaking with a lawyer

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a claim against ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA?

You generally must serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury and file any lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Because the 90-day window is strict, consult an attorney as soon as possible.

How do I prove ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA knew about the hazard?

You do not need that proof yourself. A lawyer can demand ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA’s maintenance records, work orders, complaint logs, and inspection histories to establish what the authority knew and when.

What might a claim recover?

Depending on the facts, a claim may seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. Every case is different, and an attorney can assess your specific situation.

Contact a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA injury lawyer

If you were injured at the Jacob Riis Houses because of a condition ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA failed to address, speak with a lawyer early, before deadlines pass and evidence disappears. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C. has represented ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA injury clients across all five boroughs for more than 35 years and handles these cases on contingency. Contact us today for a free case review.

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A Notice of Claim is a formal written notice you must serve on a government entity, such as ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA or the City of New York, before you can sue it for negligence. In most cases you have only 90 days from the date of the incident to serve it, and missing that deadline can permanently bar your claim.

How long do you have to file a Notice of Claim in ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´?

In many municipal tort cases, the Notice of Claim deadline is 90 days from the incident date. General Municipal Law §50-e governs this Notice of Claim timing requirement. The clock can move quickly in New York City cases, so early investigation and correct service are critical.

What happens if you miss the 90-day deadline?

Missing the deadline can lead to dismissal even where negligence appears strong. Courts can sometimes permit late filing, but relief is discretionary and fact-specific, not automatic.

What is a 50-h hearing and how does it follow the Notice of Claim?

After service, a municipality may request a 50-h hearing where the claimant testifies under oath before suit proceeds. General Municipal Law §50-h authorizes this pre-suit hearing process. This process is separate from trial and is part of municipal pre-suit procedure.

How long after the Notice of Claim do you have to file the lawsuit?

For many ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ municipal defendants, the action is generally commenced within one year and 90 days from the event date. General Municipal Law §50-i governs this suit-filing timeline. This suit deadline is separate from the initial Notice of Claim deadline.

Which accidents require a Notice of Claim?

The requirement often applies where a public entity may be responsible, including certain ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA incidents, public-property defects, and crashes involving government vehicles or operations. Correctly identifying the legal entity is often one of the hardest and most important early steps.

How a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA or municipal injury attorney helps

Counsel helps identify the proper defendant, complete timely service, preserve evidence, and prepare for statutory hearing demands. Early legal review can prevent procedural mistakes that are difficult or impossible to fix later.

FAQ

Can you file a late Notice of Claim in New York?

Sometimes, but only with court permission and under strict standards. It is not automatic, and delay can reduce your options.

Is a Notice of Claim the same as a lawsuit?

No. It is a required pre-suit notice in many government-entity cases. The lawsuit is a later, separate filing.

Who do you serve the Notice of Claim on for a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´HA injury?

Service must be made on the proper public entity under applicable rules. The correct recipient can vary by defendant and filing channel.

If you were injured and think a government entity may be responsible, The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm can review your situation. Contact us to discuss whether a Notice of Claim applies to your case.

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If you are a construction worker who suffered a broken bone in an accident, you may be entitled to monetary recovery beyond Workers’ Compensation by filing a personal injury action. A broken bone lawyer can assist you with obtaining the compensation you deserve for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered due to a third party’s negligence.

Specifically, a personal injury lawyer who focuses their practice on construction accident cases and broken bone injuries can help you with the following:

1. Providing Legal Advice

A broken bone lawyer can help you after a construction accident by providing you with advice regarding your rights and options. They will take the time to understand your injury and the impact it had on your life to give you the legal guidance you need. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you avoid any potential pitfalls that could adversely impact any personal injury claim you might file.

2. Collecting Evidence

One of the most important things a broken bone lawyer can assist you with after a construction accident is collecting evidence. They will know how to investigate your claim and obtain medical records, accident reports, video footage, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence to support your case.

3. Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim

A broken bone lawyer can evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding your claim and determine whether a third party can be held liable for negligence. They will have knowledge of the applicable statutes of limitation and can help you navigate the legal procedures associated with filing a personal injury claim. In addition, they can determine the value of your case by assessing your damages, including:

• Unreimbursed medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future lost earnings
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering damages

No matter how complex your case, a broken bone attorney helps ensure you take the necessary steps to build your claim in order to secure your rightful compensation.

4. Negotiating a Settlement with the Insurance Company

One of the most crucial things a broken bone lawyer can help you with after a construction accident is negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. They will have insight regarding the tricks and tactics that insurance companies attempt to use to deny or devalue a broken bone claim. Critically, once you have the representation of an attorney, the insurance adjusters can no longer contact you directly — they must communicate through your attorney.

5. Ensuring You Secure Maximum Compensation

If the insurance company refuses to settle for the compensation you deserve for your construction accident injury, a skillful broken bone lawyer will know whether a better result can be achieved at trial. They will possess the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to argue your case in the courtroom and hold the negligent party accountable for the accident that caused your injuries. Importantly, they will be able to advocate for your interests and fight to obtain the maximum compensation available under the law.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you sustained a broken bone injury in a construction accident due to a third party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation by pursuing a personal injury action. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ensure you secure the compensation you need to move forward — and recover the economic and non-economic damages you to which you are entitled. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C., has handled construction accident broken cases for over three decades and is committed to obtaining the best possible outcome in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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With so many personal injury lawyers to pick from, it can be difficult to choose representation. Here are a few things you should look for when picking a construction brain injury lawyer who is right for your case:

1. Choose a Lawyer Who Focuses on Construction Brain Injuries

Construction brain injury cases are complex — and it’s essential to have a lawyer who regularly handles cases involving these types of injuries. An experienced construction brain injury lawyer will know the many different types of brain injuries and how they can impact a victim. Not only should a good lawyer have a deep understanding of the law, but they should also know medical terminology.

2. Select a Lawyer Who Understands the Construction Industry

The construction industry is highly nuanced, and there are a variety of labor and construction laws specific to accidents. Selecting a brain injury lawyer who is well-versed in the statutes, laws, and regulations applicable to your case is essential. In addition, you should be sure to choose a lawyer who understands the tactics the insurance company will use to devalue or deny your construction brain injury claim.

3. Work with a Lawyer Who Listens to Your Concerns

Suffering from a construction brain injury is stressful — and you need an advocate on your side who you can rely on. One of the most important qualities to look for in a construction brain injury lawyer is good listening skills. Your lawyer should be able to collect the facts in your case as well as respond to your questions and concerns. They should also communicate effectively and return your calls or emails within a reasonable amount of time.

4. Retain a Construction Brain Injury Lawyer with a Solid Reputation

Insurance companies and defense lawyers know the reputations of the plaintiffs’ lawyers they are regularly up against. Be sure to retain a construction brain injury lawyer who has a good reputation among their colleagues and former clients for pursuing maximum compensation — and not backing down. Your lawyer should have a solid track record and be known for their professionalism, candor, integrity, and dedication to clients.

5. Hire a Lawyer Who Has the Ability to Get You the Compensation You Deserve

It’s vital to find a construction brain injury lawyer you have confidence in. Hire a lawyer who not only has experience negotiating with insurance companies — but also litigating in the courtroom. A good lawyer will not allow you to settle for less compensation than you deserve, whether the result is achieved by settlement or bringing your case to trial.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Lawyer

If you sustained a construction brain injury due to a third party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you might be entitled to recover your economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury action. An experienced construction brain injury lawyer can represent your interests — and fight for the maximum compensation available in your case. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C., has advocated on behalf of construction accident victims for over three decades and strives to obtain the best possible results in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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Here are several things to look for when selecting a construction traumatic brain injury attorney to represent you in your case:

1. A Focus on TBI Cases

TBI cases are highly nuanced — not only can these injuries be severe, but they can also manifest in a variety of ways. It’s important to look for a construction traumatic brain injury attorney who focuses on such cases. A good construction traumatic brain injury attorney should know the different types of brain injuries and the medical terminology associated with them.

2. Experience Handling Construction Accident Cases

When choosing the attorney who is right for your brain injury case, it’s essential to select one with experience in handling construction accident cases. An attorney who is experienced in construction accident cases will know the applicable laws and statutes — and they will have a deep understanding of the tactics the insurance company and defense attorney will use.

3. Strong Communication Skills

An important quality to look for in a construction traumatic brain injury attorney is communication. Your attorney should be able to effectively communicate with you and the other parties in the case. They should keep you informed of any new developments in your case as well as address your questions and concerns throughout the legal process.

4. Compassion

Suffering a TBI in a construction accident can be an emotional experience for you and your family. In addition to incurring substantial financial losses, you might also suffer extreme physical pain and mental anguish. It’s crucial to have a construction traumatic brain injury attorney who shows compassion and understands the impact the injury had on your life.

5. Attention to Detail

Construction accident cases often hinge upon small details that cannot be overlooked. It’s critical to look for an attorney who pays close attention to the details when evaluating the evidence in your case — and will know how to develop a strategy that will help ensure you secure your rightful compensation.

6. Trial Experience

Although most construction accident cases are resolved out of court, it’s important to find a personal injury attorney with trial experience. If the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, a good attorney will know whether a better outcome may be obtained at trial. Your attorney should have experience preparing a case for trial and arguing in front of a judge and jury.

7. Reputation

Another quality to look for in a construction traumatic brain injury attorney is reputation. Insurance companies and defense attorneys are familiar with the reputations of personal injury attorneys — they know who will take a matter to court and fight to add value to a case. Look for an attorney with professionalism, competence, integrity, and a strong track record of results to represent you.

8. The Ability to Build a Strong Case

A knowledgeable traumatic brain injury attorney will know how to build a strong case. They can advise you every step of the way to help ensure you avoid potential pitfalls. An experienced attorney will also have a deep understanding of how to establish liability and damages to help ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a construction accident due to a third party’s negligence, you might be entitled to recover your damages by filing a personal injury action. An experienced attorney can best advise you regarding your legal rights — and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C., has represented construction accident victims for over three decades and provides aggressive advocacy to obtain the best possible results in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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Specifically, a construction hip injury attorney will:

Have a Deep Understanding of the Law

A construction hip injury attorney will have a deep understanding of personal injury law and the applicable laws and statutes surrounding construction accidents. They will know how to navigate the complexities of these types of claims and have experience in the court system. In addition, an attorney who handles construction hip injuries will be able to take the legal burden off your shoulders as you heal and recover from your injuries.

Know How to Identify the Potentially Liable Parties

Workers cannot sue their employer due to New York’s Workers’ Compensation laws. However, if a third party is to blame for the accident, they may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the facts of the case, a contractor, subcontractor, engineer, property owner, architect, equipment manufacturer, or other party may be responsible for your injury. A construction hip injury attorney will know how to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure they are held accountable for their negligence — and you receive the monetary recovery to which you’re entitled.

Have Knowledge of Medical Issues

A construction hip injury attorney will not only know the law but also be familiar with the relevant medical issues in your case. They can ensure you have the medical documentation needed to strengthen your claim and increase your chances of maximizing your compensation. They can also work closely with medical experts who can testify regarding the severity of your injury and its impact on your life and livelihood.

Protect Your Rights

After suffering a workplace injury, it’s critical to protect your legal rights and avoid any pitfalls that could harm your case. A construction hip injury attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf — and they can safeguard your rights in the courtroom if litigation is necessary. Importantly, an attorney can obtain information and evidence from the negligent party, make certain you follow your medical treatment plan, and determine whether it is in your best interests to settle or go to trial.

Know How to Secure Maximum Compensation

While you might be entitled to Workers’ Compensation after sustaining a hip injury in a construction accident, these benefits often will not cover the full extent of your financial losses. They also do not cover your pain and suffering damages. A construction hip injury attorney can help maximize your compensation by assisting you with filing a lawsuit. In a personal injury action, you may be eligible to recover your economic damages — in addition to your non-economic losses.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you sustained a hip injury on a construction site due to a third party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you might be eligible to file a personal injury action. An experienced construction hip injury attorney can best advise you regarding your legal rights and remedies — and fight for the monetary recovery you deserve. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C., has represented hip injury victims for over three decades and provides reliable representation for the best possible results in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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If you have suffered a head injury on a construction site, a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ construction site lawyer might be able to help.

Some common construction accidents that can result in brain injuries can include the following:

Falls from Heights

Much work on construction sites is performed at great heights, putting workers at an increased risk of falls. When workers are not provided with adequate safety gear to perform work on scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces, workers can fall — and hit their heads upon landing. Even a fall from a relatively low height can lead to a brain injury, depending on the force of the impact.

Being Struck by a Falling Object

Heavy materials, tools, and machinery are used to carry out many different types of construction tasks. When tools, materials, debris, or equipment are not secured properly, they can fall from above and strike a worker’s head below. Significantly, accidents involving falling objects are some of the most common types of construction accidents that can cause brain injury.

Scaffolding Collapses

If scaffolding is not properly constructed or secured, collapses can occur that cause catastrophic or fatal injuries, including concussion, hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injuries. Often, scaffolding collapse accidents are caused by defects in the scaffolds, improper design, poor maintenance, weak planking, or failure to train workers. If a scaffolding collapse accident was caused by a third party’s negligence, a worker who suffered a brain injury may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury action.

Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents

Not only can a fall from a height cause a brain injury — but a fall that is low to the ground can also cause a head injury. For example, if a worker slips on liquid or trips over debris, they may hit their head upon falling. The force from the fall can cause a skull fracture, hematoma, contusion, bruising to the brain, and other brain injuries. If a responsible third party knew (or should have known) about the hazard that caused the slip/trip and fall and failed to remedy or warn about it, they may be held accountable in a personal injury action.

Machinery Accidents

A variety of heavy and complex machinery is used on construction sites. If machinery is inadequately maintained or a worker is not trained properly, accidents can occur that may result in brain injuries. Depending upon the facts surrounding the accident, a worker may be able to hold a third party liable for any brain injuries that arose as a result. For instance, if the machinery was defective, an equipment manufacturer might be responsible for the injury. If the incident was caused by failure to properly train workers in using the equipment, a contractor or subcontractor might be held accountable.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered a brain injury on a construction site due to the negligence of a third party, you might be entitled to recover your economic and non-economic damages by filing a personal injury action. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you regarding your rights — and fight for the monetary recovery you deserve. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C., has represented construction accident victims for over three decades and provides adept advocacy to obtain the best possible outcome in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Construction Falls

Falls from heights present a significant risk in construction due to the inherent nature of the work. Many of the tasks carried out on construction sites involve scaffolds, ladders, roofs, platforms, and elevated surfaces. When a fall from a great height occurs, it can lead to serious spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, nerve damage, and other long-term injuries.

The spine has four main sections — and where the impact occurs will affect the severity of the injury. Specifically, the following types of injuries can occur to the spine:

• Cervical spinal cord injuries — Cervical spinal cord injuries affect the head and neck. These types of spinal cord injuries are the most severe as this region is closest to the brain and affects a larger portion of the body. An injury to the cervical area can result in quadriplegia, resulting in limited movement below the shoulders and neck.
• Thoracic spinal cord injuries — Thoracic spine injuries impact the upper back area and typically affect the abdominal, lower back muscles, and legs, resulting in paraplegia.
• Lumbar spinal cord injuries — The lumbar spine is the lowest major portion of the spinal cord. Injuries to this area generally result in loss of function in the hips and legs.
• Sacral spine injuries — The sacral spine is located above the tailbone and below the lumbar spine. Depending on the type of injury, you may lose function in your legs or hips. In addition, sacral spine injuries can also impact bladder and bowel control.

The severity of a spinal cord injury can depend upon a variety of factors, including the height from which you fell, the type surface you landed upon, and the angle of impact. Even for less serious spinal cord injuries, recovery often involves extensive medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling. You may also lose time from work, and experience a considerable amount of physical pain and emotional suffering. In such cases, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury action against a responsible third party for your injuries.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Construction Falls

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating — physically, financially, and emotionally. Although you cannot sue your employer due to New York’s Workers’ Compensation laws, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury action if you can show that a third party’s negligence was to blame for the accident that caused your injuries. In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be eligible to receive monetary recovery beyond Workers’ Compensation benefits, including your economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit for spinal cord injuries caused by a construction fall can include unreimbursed medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and future lost earnings. Non-economic damages are meant to cover the non-pecuniary losses that are much more difficult to quantify, such as the physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life suffered because of your accident-related injuries. Due to the nature of a spinal cord injury and the impact it can have on your life and livelihood, the economic and non-economic damages that can be recovered in a personal injury action are often substantial.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a construction accident due to a third party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a personal injury action. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can best advise you regarding your legal rights and remedies — and fight for the compensation you deserve. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C. has represented construction accident victims for over three decades and provides skillful advocacy to obtain the best possible outcome in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.

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A warning sign does not automatically protect a property owner from liability in New York state. If you were injured by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may still be able to bring a premises liability claim even if a sign, cone, or barrier was posted. The question is whether the warning was effective and whether the owner took reasonable steps to fix the hazard. This page explains how New York law potentially treats warning signs in premises liability cases.

Can You Sue If the Property Owner Posted a Warning Sign?

Potentially yes, in many cases you can. A property owner has a duty to warn visitors about hazards. Placing a sign near a dangerous condition, or roping off the area, does not always satisfy that duty. The warning must be one that is deemed effective. A sign that is too far from the hazard, hidden from view, or unclear may not protect the owner from liability. A warning also does not replace the owner’s separate duty to remedy a dangerous condition within a reasonable time.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the area of personal injury law that holds a person responsible for injuries that arise from an unsafe condition on their property. Many types of accidents fall under premises liability. These include slip and falls, trip and falls, and accidents involving elevators, stairwells, ceiling collapses, inadequate lighting, and negligent security. To hold a property owner liable for injuries, negligence must be established.

When Is a Property Owner Liable for an Accident on Their Property?

A property owner can be held liable when they fail to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe for people who lawfully enter. New York law recognizes two kinds of notice:

• Actual notice. The owner knew about the dangerous condition and failed to make timely repairs or warn about it.
• Constructive notice. The owner should have known about the hazard through reasonable inspection of the property. An owner does not escape liability simply because no one reported the condition.

A property owner has a duty to inspect their property reasonably. If a hazard existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have found it, the owner may be liable for negligence if an injury occurs.

What Makes a Warning Sign Legally Effective?

Courts often look at the warning itself, not just whether one existed. Questions that matter in evaluating a warning sign can include:

• What type of warning was given?
• How close to the hazard was the sign or other warning device?
• How was the warning spoken or posted?
• Was the warning sign understandable?
• Was the warning sign visible?

What If the Warning Sign Was Not Visible or Near the Hazard?

If a warning sign was not near the hazard or was not visible, the case often turns on how long the dangerous condition existed and whether the owner had enough time to fix it. A thorough investigation matters. That includes assessing the accident scene, evaluating any security camera footage, and speaking with witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sue if there was a “wet floor” sign?

Possibly. A sign does not automatically protect the owner. If the sign was far from the hazard, hard to see, or unclear, it may not count as an effective warning. The owner also still has a duty to fix the condition within a reasonable time.

What is constructive notice?

Constructive notice means the owner should have known about the hazard through reasonable inspection, even if no one told them about it. Owners cannot avoid responsibility by failing to inspect their property.

What types of accidents fall under premises liability?

Slip and falls, trip and falls, elevator and stairwell accidents, ceiling collapses, inadequate lighting, and negligent security are common examples. Any injury caused by an unsafe condition on another person’s property may qualify.

Talk to a New York Premises Liability Attorney

Premises liability cases are fact-specific, and warning-sign defenses are beatable when the warning was inadequate or the owner failed to fix the hazard. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C. has represented injured New Yorkers for more than three decades. Contact us today for a consultation about your situation.

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Common Causes of Construction Site Fires and Explosions

Federal OSHA regulations and New York State law set forth safety guidelines to help ensure construction sites are reasonably safe. However, poor housekeeping, failure to follow proper safety protocol, and carelessness can contribute to dangerous conditions that increase the risk of fire and explosion. Whether they are caused by sparks flying from welding, improper use of open fuel sources, or defective equipment, construction site explosions can result in serious accidents that lead to severe injury or fatality. 

Other common causes of construction site fire and explosion accidents can include the following:     

• Improperly stored chemicals
• Gas leaks
• Faulty or defective electrical wiring
• Smoking on site
• Inadequate fire protection measures
• Improper use of on-site heaters

Depending upon how the construction site explosion accident occurred, a worker can suffer from a variety of injuries. For instance, the over-pressurized wave from a high explosive can cause lung, eye, ear, and head trauma. Debris and shrapnel from the explosion can cause penetrating injuries — and if a worker’s body is thrown as a result of the blast, they may experience fractures, broken bones, amputation, and other injuries. In addition, various injuries can arise due to inhalation of the smoke and fumes caused by the toxic chemicals.     

Compensation for Construction Site Fire and Explosion Injuries

Construction site explosion injuries can lead to lifelong debilitation, permanent disfigurement, and other severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time lost from work. Although Workers’ Compensation benefits may provide an injured construction worker with medical benefits and a portion of their lost wages, they are usually not adequate to cover the full extent of a worker’s losses. If a third party on a construction site fails to follow their duty of care, a worker may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the economic and non-economic damages they suffered because of the negligence.

Recoverable economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit for construction site fire and explosion injuries can include the monetary damages the worker incurred due to the accident, such as unreimbursed medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings, and out-of-pocket costs in connection with the accident. Non-economic damages — also referred to as pain and suffering — are much more difficult to quantify. They are meant to compensate for intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life a worker experienced due to the injuries caused by the construction site explosion accident. 

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve suffered injuries in a construction site fire or explosion accident caused by the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of a third party, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney by your side who knows what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Law Firm, P.C. has represented clients in construction accidents for over three decades and works diligently to achieve the best possible results in each case. Contact us today for a consultation.                                                           

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