Brooklyn Buildings Are Collapsing Before Our Eyes – And People Are Dying

Collapsing buildings in Brooklyn throw doubt on whether this city can truly be called the heart of an American empire. Structural collapses not only cause a lack of confidence in the United States, but they also cause various injuries and deaths. Two recent incidents in Brooklyn highlight these concerns with alarming clarity – and one accident claimed the life of an elderly woman.

Elderly Woman Dies After Brick Facade Falls onto Her

On February 13th of 2024, it was reported that an elderly woman had lost her life due to a falling brick facade in Brooklyn. The woman was attempting to shovel snow outside her home when the facade suddenly broke off the side of the building, falling onto her and causing fatal injuries.

Observers were quick to call this a “freak accident,” but someone is probably to blame for this sudden structural collapse. Although the woman was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, medical professionals were ultimately unable to save her. Was this accident caused by some kind of property owner neglect? What kinds of inspections were conducted on the building prior to the accident? Was the property owner aware that the facade was likely to fall away? These are all important questions that may be raised during a subsequent premise liability lawsuit.

Fire Escape Randomly Falls Off the Side of Brooklyn Building

Just one day later, a fire escape staircase randomly fell off the side of another building in Brooklyn. Although no one was killed, one construction worker suffered injuries that required immediate hospitalization. The circumstances of this structural collapse are extremely unclear, but the Department of Buildings eventually determined that the property owner had no permits for work on the site.

In other words, the construction on the side of the building was essentially illegal – and it led to a series of citations against the property owner. This illustrates how collapses and similar issues are often the result of property owner negligence.

While a stop work order has put an end to this unpermitted construction project, one has to wonder about the safety of other buildings throughout Brooklyn. If two buildings fall apart in as many days, what other threats could buildings pose in this neighborhood?

Key Takeaways

• Structural collapses are often signs of construction negligence
• Property owners must regularly inspect their buildings for hazards to pedestrians
• A lawsuit against a property owner is called a “premise liability” claim

Find a Qualified, Experienced Injury Attorney in Brooklyn

If you have been injured by a collapsing building in Brooklyn, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the property owner. Consider a consultation with a qualified, experienced New York personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options in more detail, as you may receive compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal building collapse, you can also file a wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out to Cohan Law, PLLC today for more information.

Sources:

foxnews.com/us/elderly-nyc-woman-struck-dead-falling-window-facade-shoveling-snow

bnnbreaking.com/local-news/brooklyn-construction-accident-fire-escape-collapse-raises-safety-concerns