Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Brooklyn Fire Escape Collapse Sends Man to Hospital

On Behalf of | Apr 1, 2016 | Staircase Accidents

A fire escape staircase collapse in Brooklyn sent a man plunging four stories to the hard sidewalk below earlier this month. The 23-year old victim was leaning against the railing of the fourth floor structure attached to the Lefferts Boulevard apartment building when the metal gave way, sending him over the edge to the concrete.

Rescue crews arrived and rushed the man to Kings County Hospital where he was listed in stable condition with unspecified injuries. He is expected to survive but there’s no indication of whether he will suffer lasting effects from his fall.

Residents of the building told reporters that the man didn’t live in the apartment building but was just visiting at the time of the staircase collapse. NYPD investigators looking into the fire escape accident asked for an independent inspection looking for further weaknesses and safety deficiencies in order to prevent additional injuries.

This staircase collapse in Brooklyn showcases the very real danger presented by an aging infrastructure. As the fire escapes on apartment buildings and private residences in New York are exposed to rain, snow, and temperature changes, their structural integrity can deteriorate to the point when they become a safety hazard. Not only do these deficient fire escapes present a risk for individuals on them, they are a very real danger to those passing underneath as well.

Department of Buildings records show no outstanding violations at the property in question and residents of the building say the property managers are generally quick to fix any known issue. However, the DOB immediately issued a citation for failure to maintain the fire escape. In addition, the property owners may financially liable for pain and suffering of the victim’s injuries, medical expenses and lost time from work if negligence played a part-however small-in his fall.

If you or someone you love has been injured in any kind of staircase or fire escape collapse, contact an expert New York City staircase accident attorney. 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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