In an exclusive report, the Daily News recently uncovered a shocking number building code violation in New York Schools. In fact, investigators discovered that 90% of all New York Schools have at least one open building code violation on file with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). That’s over 9,600 violations citywide, some of could potentially be risks to student and staff health and safety.
As a parent of a school-age child, you want to feel comfortable sending your child to school, secure in the knowledge that your young ones are getting a good education in a healthy and safe environment. Unfortunately, as this new report shows, our New York schools may not be as safe as we’d like.
There are over 1,200 public schools in the city but the deficiencies aren’t spread evenly across the districts. Indeed, as with many other troublesome stories, older, poorer neighborhoods such as those in Harlem tend to be harder hit by these New York City building code violations. I.S. 195 (in Harlem) had a total of 124 violations which, the Daily News claims is “the highest of any school building in the city.”
Some examples of cited violations include loose wires, doors that won’t open (or close) and inadequate ventilation. Other non-cited hazards include rodent infestations which could lead to the spread of disease or property destruction (including frayed wiring). At least one safety advocate, Hector Figueroa (President of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ) says these known conditions “could actually present a health hazard.” Many are skeptical as to the ability of individual schools to maintain a safe environment for the children.
If your child has been injured in an accident at school, especially if the accident was caused (even in part) by unsafe conditions such as a known building code violation, contact a lawyer immediately. An experienced attorney familiar with New York City building code violations can help you seek financial compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering and more if warranted. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.