An unusual retail premises accident in the Bronx left several injured in mid-December. Several patrons and employees were going through a normal routine day at a hair salon in Prospect Avenue when disaster struck. A large section of the floor of the retail establishment collapsed into the foundation below. Several individuals tumbled into the gap, receiving lacerations and contusions along the way. FDNY arrived within minutes of receiving the 911 call and were able to successfully extricate all the victims from the ragged 15-foot by 15-foot hole. At least three of the victims had to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The property was evacuated until an inspection could determine whether any other portions of the building had become unstable during the collapse.
There was no immediate word on what may have caused the accident but an investigation will no doubt be looking into construction flaws, improper inspection and maintenance of the property, and the existence of potential hazards like water damage, termites, etc. If the investigation determines that the property owner knew or should have known of the potential hazard or failed to properly and regularly inspect), the property owner could be held responsible for the floor’s collapse.
If so, the injured victims could potentially hold the business owner and/or the property owner financially liable for their injuries and losses. New York City premises liability laws require that the publicly accessible portions of retail establishments are constructed and maintained in reasonable manner that is safe for patrons. Failure in that regard could make business and /or property owners financial responsibility for any losses (including pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any sort of accident while patronizing a commercial establishment that’s open to the public, you should speak with an experienced retail establishment accident attorney in New York City today. The team of legal professionals at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel, PLLC will help you make a successful claim against the responsible party. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation today.