Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Landlord’s Negligence Leads to Apartment Fires in New York

On Behalf of | Mar 26, 2014 | Premises Liability

Apartment fires in New York City are far too common an occurrence. It seems like there’s a major one-devastating and even deadly in some cases-every time you turn on the news or pick up the paper. While many of these apartment fires are caused by unforeseeable accidents, a certain number are caused by negligence on the part of the building’s landlord or the management company in charge of the property.

Landlords have legal obligations to protect the safety of their tenants. Buildings must be kept in good repair, have working (and regularly inspected) fire and smoke alarms, and adequate fire escapes must be maintained. When building maintenance is poor and necessary repairs aren’t being made, that safety is put at risk. In addition, water damage, faulty wiring, and open ceiling or wall spaces are all potential fire hazards. If these issues are not addressed, it could very well end in tragedy.

That’s a truth that over 200 residents learned the hard way in 2010 after a seven-alarm fire ripped through a sprawling apartment complex on the Lower East Side. One individual was killed in the blaze at 289 Grand Street and 22 more were injured. Four years later the legal repercussions are still being felt. A group of former residents recently filed an apartment fire lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, alleging that poor maintenance created a death trap; that the negligence of the apartment building’s management team is to blame for the fire, their injuries, and their losses and that the horrible conditions were known well before the fatal fire.

The apartment fire lawsuit mentioned above cites dangerous conditions including:

•· Water damage

•· Exposed wiring

•· Holes in walls and ceilings

•· Like of fire retardant insulation

•· Accumulation of flammable garbage in multiple locations inside and out

Additionally, the lawsuits claims the allegedly at fault parties knew of the dangers yet did nothing to alleviate the risk.

If you or a loved one have experienced a tragedy that you believe was caused by the negligence of your landlord or property owner, contact a New York City apartment fire attorney immediately to discuss your case. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.

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