New York is a very vertical city, making for eye-catching vistas and wonderful snapshots. Unfortunately, every year a number of men and women are injured–some even killed–in apartment complex accidents New York City involving debris falling from rooftops, building facades, and windows. This is a reality that one man found out as he was walking along the sidewalk in front of his home in the Bronx late last month.
49-year old Luis Antonia Lopez was struck in the head when bricks fell from the facade of a building on Shakespeare Avenue in the Bronx on February 25 th. Mr. Lopez had left his apartment to make a quick run to the store. Shortly after he stepped outside, high winds knocked a pile of bricks free from high up on the building’s face. They plummeted to the ground, striking Mr. Lopez in the process.
Eyewitnesses to the apartment complex accident in the Bronx reportedly heard a loud noise and looked out to see Mr. Lopez lying on the ground. A resident called 911. When emergency crews arrived, they rushed the victim to nearby Lincoln Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
An investigation revealed that bricks tore free from the window casing on the fifth floor of the building–a section which had just been repaired according to an alleged statement from the building’s superintendent.
A Department of Buildings search revealed only one open non-hazardous violation. Regardless of the outstanding violation, a DOB representative said the agency would issue a “hazardous failure to maintain” citation. A sidewalk shed was quickly installed to protect pedestrians from any further falling debris.
If you’ve been struck by falling debris you could be entitled to a financial award for your injuries. If negligence played any part in your accident, you may be awarded money damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and more. Contact an expert New York City apartment Complex attorney at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.