Common Causes of Ceiling Collapses in Apartments
Ceiling collapses can happen for various reasons, but some of the most common include:
Water Damage Ceiling Collapse
Persistent leaks from plumbing issues or roof leaks can weaken ceiling structures, leading to dangerous collapses.
NYC Landlord Negligence
Landlords have a duty to maintain safe living conditions. Failure to repair structural damage or address maintenance concerns can make them liable.
Roof Collapse from Snow
Excessive snow accumulation can put stress on a building’s roof, causing structural failures that may result in serious injuries.
Other causes include:
- Poor Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance and repairs can turn minor issues into significant hazards.
- Construction Defects: Construction defects from the original build or later renovations further compromise ceiling stability.
- Accumulated Debris: The accumulation of debris, such as dust or deteriorating materials, can eventually lead to a ceiling giving way.
- Aging Infrastructure: The natural wear and tear of old buildings in densely populated areas increases the risk of collapse.
These risks are particularly heightened in New York City, where old buildings are closely packed together.
A recent case highlights the severity of these issues: a professional engineer in the city was barred from conducting facade inspections for two years due to alleged negligence after a partial building collapse in the Bronx displaced 170 residents and caused significant disruptions.
Even more recently, the roof of a Barneveld, NY firehouse collapsed under heavy snow just moments after firefighters were able to escape the building. Firefighters began to hear the roof creaking during a lake-effect snowstorm on Feb. 22, 2025, and thankfully exited the building only four minutes before the roof fell in.
The firehouse wasn't the only building to fall victim to this storm. The New York Post reports that at least 26 other structures in New York county collapsed due to the lake-effect snowstorm that began on Feb. 14, 2025.
Warning Signs of a Ceiling Collapse
Tenants should be aware of early indicators of structural damage, including:
Cracks or sagging in the ceiling
Water stains or mold growth
Peeling paint or bubbling plaster
Strange noises, such as creaking or cracking
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to report the issue to your landlord immediately. If they fail to address the problem, legal action may be necessary.
How to Get in Touch With Us
Getting in touch with us is simple and convenient: Connect with us online through our contact form or call (888) 495-8087 to speak with an attorney today.
Meet Your New York City Ceiling Collapse Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny is dedicated to helping clients navigate the challenges of personal injury cases. His commitment to each client is evident in the personalized attention he provides, ensuring that their legal journey is as smooth as possible.
A St. John’s University graduate, Paul began his career working with Daniel Galinson, a respected attorney in New York. Over the years, Paul has earned a reputation for delivering outstanding results, with his firm recovering over $150 million for clients.
Known for his tenacity and dedication, Paul fights tirelessly for his clients during their toughest times.
Michael Levitz is a respected personal injury attorney known for his strong litigation skills and dedication to his clients. He takes pride in educating his clients about the legal process and ensuring they are well-informed about what to expect.
He provides clients with his personal cell phone number, ensuring they can reach him anytime for updates or discussions about their cases. Michael is recognized for his efforts and has been named among the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association.
Michael is determined to secure fair settlements for his clients and is prepared to go to court if necessary. His experience includes winning significant cases against large insurance companies with teams of lawyers and helping clients achieve successful outcomes.
How an Attorney From Our Firm Can Enhance Your Settlement
Engaging our experienced New York personal injury lawyers can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation through the following:
- Our knowledgeable attorney understands the complexities of New York's legal system. From filing paperwork to meeting deadlines and navigating courtroom procedures, a lawyer ensures your case progresses smoothly and efficiently.
- Our experienced personal injury lawyers specializing in ceiling collapses understand the evidence required for a successful claim. They can gather and present compelling evidence, such as witness testimonies, expert opinions, medical records, and documentation of damages, to strengthen your case and maximize your chances of securing a favorable settlement.
- Aljouny’s skilled lawyers can level the playing field by negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. They know how to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair
- compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
- Determining the value of a ceiling collapse claim requires a thorough assessment of various factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care needs. Our seasoned lawyers can accurately evaluate the full extent of your damages and fight for a settlement that reflects the true value of your case.
- When selecting a lawyer, look for a proven track record of success. Our familiarity with these cases' unique challenges and complexities ensures you receive informed legal representation tailored to your situation.
- Choose a lawyer who prioritizes your best interests and communicates openly and transparently throughout the legal process. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your concerns, address your questions promptly, and keep you informed about the progress of your case every step of the way.
Additional reading: apartment ceiling collapse - what to do next
Your First Steps After Your Ceiling Has Collapsed
If your ceiling has collapsed, acting quickly and carefully is essential to protect your health, rights, and future claims. Here’s what you should do:
- Get Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, seeking medical attention right away is important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so a thorough medical evaluation is essential.
- Document the Scene with Photos and Video: Take photos and videos of the collapsed ceiling, the surrounding area, and any visible damage or injuries if you can. These can serve as valuable evidence later on. Capture different angles and focus on anything that shows the extent of the damage or potential causes.
- Contact a Ceiling Collapse Lawyer: It’s important to contact an experienced ceiling collapse lawyer from our law firm as soon as possible. We can guide you through the following steps, help you understand your rights, and start building your case. We will ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines and take the right actions to protect your claim.
- Report the Accident to Building Authorities: Immediately notify the building management, landlord, or property owner about the collapse. This step is essential for keeping an official record of the incident.
- Keep Track of All Expenses Related to Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of any expenses you incur from medical bills to repair costs due to the collapse. This includes transportation costs for medical visits, lost wages if you cannot work, and other related costs.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation: Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the incident, but it’s wise not to discuss details of the accident or your injuries without a lawyer. They might try to get you to settle for less than you deserve, so having legal representation is key.
- Preserve Any Physical Evidence: Keep any pieces of the collapsed ceiling or other physical evidence relevant to your case and continue with any recommended medical treatment. This will ensure your recovery and help document the full extent of your injuries.
Our experienced lawyers will be able to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Delay in Starting Your Claim
If you've experienced a ceiling collapse, time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a legal claim. In New York, there are strict time limits, known as the statute of limitations, that dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit.
Most ceiling collapse cases will fall under a three-year timeline before you will no longer be able to file a claim. However, this will depend on the specifics of your case — more on this below.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to seek compensation, so acting quickly is important.
Premises Liability Claims
For premises liability cases, which cover accidents due to unsafe or poorly maintained property conditions, the statute of limitations in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident.
This means you have a limited window to take legal action if your ceiling collapse was caused by a property owner or landlord’s negligence. Delaying your claim could make gathering evidence, locating witnesses, and building a solid case harder.
Product Liability Claims
If your ceiling collapsed due to a defective product, such as faulty construction materials or installation, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. In New York, the statute of limitations for product liability cases is also three years.
Starting your claim as soon as possible lets your lawyer thoroughly investigate the incident, secure evidence, and determine the best course of action. Whether your case involves premises liability, product liability, or both, delaying could jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation.
Gathering the right evidence after a ceiling collapse is essential to building a strong case. The more detailed and timely your evidence, the better your chances of proving negligence and securing the compensation you deserve.
We understand that gathering evidence can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a ceiling collapse's physical and emotional aftermath. We can take on the burden of collecting and preserving evidence, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our team is here to handle the hard work and ensure your case is as strong as possible so you can get the compensation you deserve without added stress.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
The last thing you want to worry about is how much it will cost to hire a lawyer. That’s why our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, making it easier for you to get the legal help you need without any upfront costs.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee model means you don’t pay anything out of pocket to hire us. Instead, our fees are contingent upon winning your case.
If we recover compensation on your behalf, we take a percentage of the settlement or verdict as our fee. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Benefits of a Contingency Fee Model
The contingency fee model offers several advantages:
- No Upfront Costs: You can pursue your claim without worrying about paying legal fees upfront or as your case progresses.
- Risk-Free: Since you only pay if we win your case, there’s no financial risk in seeking justice and compensation.
- Focus on Your Recovery: With no out-of-pocket expenses, you can focus on healing and moving forward without the added stress of legal bills.
- Access to Justice: This model makes quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
By choosing a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis, you can be confident that your lawyer is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve—all without adding financial strain during an already difficult time.
Why Choose Us Over Other New York City Ceiling Collapse Attorneys?
When it comes to ceiling collapse cases in New York City, we believe in giving you the personal attention you deserve. Unlike big firms, we take the time to understand your situation and guide you through the legal process.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything upfront—we only get paid if we win your case. Our understanding of New York City’s construction and premises laws, combined with our dedication to your case, means you’ll have a strong advocate by your side, focused on getting the best outcome for you.
Liability in New York Ceiling Collapse Cases
Determining liability in New York involves assessing the responsibilities of various parties involved. The legal concept of premises liability is critical, holding these parties responsible for ensuring premises safety and preventing harm to occupants or visitors:
- Property owners may be liable if they knew of structural issues or other conditions that could lead to a collapse but did not address them.
- Landlords must regularly inspect the property, promptly address maintenance, and warn tenants of known hazards to avoid liability for injuries caused by a ceiling collapse.
- Contractors hired for construction, renovation, or maintenance work may also be liable if their actions contribute to a collapse. This could include improper installation of ceiling materials, failure to follow building codes, or inadequate repairs.
Premises liability holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries due to negligent maintenance or hazardous conditions. In ceiling collapse cases, premises liability applies if the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, such as a weakened ceiling, and did not take reasonable steps to address it.
To determine liability in cases of ceiling collapse, several factors must be taken into account:
- Whether the property owner or occupier was aware of or should have been aware of the hazard.
- Whether they had a duty to inspect and maintain the premises (more on below).
- Whether they took reasonable measures to prevent the collapse, such as conducting inspections, repairing structural defects, or providing adequate warnings to occupants.
Overall, liability depends on proving reckless actions by the responsible parties and establishing a causal link between their actions or omissions and the resulting injuries.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Ceiling collapses can result in a wide range of serious injuries, many of which have long-term impacts on the victims. In 2023 alone, seven workers tragically lost their lives in building construction-related incidents under the jurisdiction of the NYC Department of Buildings.
As accident lawyers handling these cases in New York City, we frequently see the devastating common ceiling collapse injuries that result from these incidents.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Falling debris or structural materials can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures. These are among the most severe outcomes, often requiring extensive medical treatment and leading to lasting cognitive or physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A collapsing ceiling can cause significant damage to the spine, leading to herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis. These injuries can drastically alter a person's life, necessitating long-term rehabilitation and care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a ceiling collapse can result in broken bones, including fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries often involve painful recovery periods and may require surgery.
- Lacerations and Cuts: Sharp debris from a collapsing ceiling can cause deep cuts and lacerations, sometimes leading to severe blood loss or infections if not treated promptly.
- Crush Injuries: In some cases, victims may be pinned under heavy debris, resulting in crush injuries that can damage muscles, nerves, and tissues, potentially leading to amputations or other permanent disabilities.
Speak to an NYC Building Collapse Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been affected by a ceiling collapse, it's important to speak with an experienced NYC building collapse lawyer as soon as possible. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the support and legal expertise you need to navigate your case.
Our team is proud to serve clients across New York City and beyond. Whether you're in Brooklyn, Garden City, New York, Queens, or any other part of the city, we're here to provide expert legal support and representation for your ceiling collapse case.
Our lawyers at Ajlouny Injury Law are here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today at (888) 495-8087, or use our contact form for a quick and convenient way to get in touch.
