A property developer found responsible for a fatal apartment accident in New York City escaped serving jail time but will have to pay a $50,000 fine for contributing to the death of a two-year-old girl. The victim as sitting on the sidewalk outside her Upper West Side apartment complex with her grandmother in 2015 when loose stone and terra cotta fell from the façade of the building, striking her. The girl was killed instantly. The grandmother suffered serious injuries.
An investigation into this tragic apartment accident in New York found that Esplanade Venture Partnership-who owned the property in questions-failed in its duty to inspect, safeguard, and repair the façade of their high-rise apartment as mandated by New York City law. This mandatory inspection for buildings six stories or taller has been on the books in New York City since 1980 and requires that certified professional inspectors examine these facades for potential hazards.
Sadly, the building in question had been inspected and the developer did not make the necessary repairs. The DOB filed two criminal charges against the developer and the managing agent resulting in $55,000 in fines.
The grandmother and the family of the little girl could still file an apartment accident lawsuit in New York City court to seek compensation for medical and/or funeral expenses and pain and suffering for the injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one has been injured by building materials or debris falling from a multi-story building, you need the help of a professional apartment accident attorney in New York City to get the compensation you deserve. But more than that, we understand that we do not just represent a client, we represent a person, who needs a place to turn to for help and guidance from the very moment the accident occurs whether with regard to medical issues, lost income or out-of-pocket expenses. Call the Law offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 to schedule your free consultation today.