When a ceiling or roof collapses in your Brooklyn apartment or building, the injuries can be catastrophic—and the medical complexities overwhelming. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we bring a unique advantage to these devastating cases: our founder's medical background combined with aggressive legal representation.
Why Medical Expertise Matters in Ceiling Collapse Cases
Most attorneys understand premises liability law. We also understand traumatic brain, spinal cord, and crush injuries—because our founder practiced medicine before becoming a lawyer.
The Ajlouny Difference: Medical Insight That Maximizes Results
Paul Ajlouny’s medical background gives our firm rare insight into the true scope of your injuries and the long-term care you’ll need. This allows us to:
- Accurately value brain injuries: We distinguish between a mild concussion and a diffuse axonal injury requiring lifetime care—and prove it to insurers and juries.
- Prove spinal cord damage: From herniated discs to complete spinal cord injuries, we calculate permanent disability and future medical costs with precision.
- Document crush injuries: We recognize complications like compartment syndrome and vascular damage that others might overlook.
- Maximize surgical case compensation: Our results include $3.26M for neck and back surgeries and $2.7M for shoulder and lower back cases—proof that medical insight drives higher settlements.
Opposing counsel knows we can present complex medical evidence at trial—often motivating them to settle for more rather than face us in court.
Meet Your Brooklyn Ceiling Collapse Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny – Founder & Attorney
Former physician turned attorney with 20+ years of experience handling catastrophic injury cases. Over $150M recovered for clients; AV Preeminent rated; Super Lawyers 2022-2025.
Michael Levitz – Attorney & Trial Advocate
Top 40 National Trial Lawyers Under 40, experienced in complex premises liability litigation. Known for taking cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.
Together, they combine medical insight and courtroom experience to secure maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Brooklyn Ceiling & Roof Collapses
Ceiling collapses rarely happen suddenly—they’re often the result of negligence, deferred maintenance, or building code violations.
Water Damage & Structural Deterioration
- Plumbing leaks, roof damage, or upstairs water issues
- Waterlogged sheetrock and mold weakening ceilings
Landlord Negligence
- Ignoring complaints or skipping inspections
- Temporary patch fixes that fail to address structural problems
Structural Defects & Aging Infrastructure
- Poor construction, faulty renovations, or debris buildup
Roof Collapse from Snow & Weather
- Heavy snow/ice overload
- Ice dams or unrepaired storm damage
Brooklyn’s aging housing stock—especially in Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Bushwick, and East New York—faces higher collapse risks when landlords neglect maintenance.
Catastrophic Injuries in Ceiling & Roof Collapse Cases
Our Brooklyn ceiling collapse attorneys handle the most serious injury cases:
- Brain & Head Injuries: TBI, concussions, skull fractures, cognitive impairment
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, paralysis
- Crush Injuries & Fractures: Broken bones, severe crush injuries, amputations
- Wrongful Death: Fatalities from falling debris or structural failure
Our medical-legal expertise ensures insurers cannot downplay serious injuries.
Who Is Liable for Brooklyn Ceiling Collapses?
- Property Owners & Landlords: Responsible under NYC Construction Code; liability if they had actual or constructive notice.
- Contractors & Repair Companies: Shoddy repairs or improper construction may share liability.
- Third Parties: Upstairs neighbors whose negligence caused leaks.
- Product Manufacturers: Defective drywall, ceiling fixtures, or structural components.
Available Damages for Ceiling & Roof Collapses
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Property damage
- Temporary housing
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support and companionship
Our medical-legal expertise ensures complex injuries are accurately valued, not underestimated by insurers.
Critical Time Limits for Ceiling Collapse Claims
Time is crucial after a ceiling collapse.
- Standard claims: File within 3 years
- Claims against NYC/government: Notice of Claim in 90 days, lawsuit within 1 year + 90 days
Act quickly—evidence disappears as buildings are repaired, witnesses forget, photos are lost, and medical records become harder to obtain.
Warning Signs of Imminent Ceiling Collapse
Document and report these to your landlord, and contact an attorney immediately:
- Cracks, sagging, bulging, or bowing
- Water stains, peeling paint, bubbling plaster
- Mold or musty odors
- Creaking or cracking sounds, falling debris
Landlords who ignore these warning signs and allow collapses to occur are liable for resulting injuries.
What to Do After a Ceiling or Roof Collapse
Seek medical attention immediately.
- Call 911 to report the incident.
- Document everything with photos/videos.
- Preserve fallen materials if possible.
- Report to building management in writing.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Ajlouny Injury Law 24/7 for an emergency consultation.
Insurance companies will contact you quickly, often seeking recorded statements designed to minimize your claim. Don't give them ammunition to deny you fair compensation. Our experienced Brooklyn ceiling collapse lawyers will handle all communications while you focus on recovery.
Why Choose Ajlouny Injury Law?
- Unique Medical-Legal Advantage – Understand injuries at a level other firms cannot, maximizing compensation.
- Elite Recognition – AV Preeminent, Super Lawyers, Top 40 National Trial Lawyers, American Institute of Trial Lawyers.
- Client-Focused Service – 24/7 availability, free consultations, contingency fees, direct attorney access, transparent communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
My landlord ignored my complaints about ceiling leaks. Can I sue?
Yes. If you reported the problem and your landlord failed to make proper repairs, you have strong grounds for a premises liability claim. Document all complaints in writing and save copies—these prove the landlord had actual notice of the dangerous condition.
The ceiling collapsed while I was sleeping. How do I prove what happened?
Physical evidence, building records, and expert testimony can reconstruct the incident. We work with structural engineers and building code experts to establish the cause and prove negligence even without eyewitnesses.
My landlord made a temporary repair with cardboard/tape. Is that enough to avoid liability?
No. Landlords must make proper, permanent repairs that meet building code standards. Temporary fixes that fail to address the underlying structural problem constitute continued negligence—especially when dealing with water-damaged sheetrock, which must be removed and replaced, not patched.
How much is my Brooklyn ceiling collapse case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, whether you need ongoing treatment, permanent disability, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our medical expertise allows us to accurately value complex injury cases. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
I can't afford a lawyer. How do I pay for representation?
Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket costs. Everyone deserves quality representation regardless of financial circumstances.
Contact Our Brooklyn Ceiling Collapse Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a Brooklyn ceiling or roof collapse, contact Ajlouny Injury Law immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict legal deadlines apply—especially for claims against NYC government entities (90-day notice requirement).
Don't face negligent landlords and powerful insurance companies alone. Our medical-legal expertise and aggressive advocacy maximize your compensation.
Call now or contact us online for your free consultation with an experienced Brooklyn ceiling collapse attorney.
