Protecting Children from Window Falls in NYC

Every year, thousands of children are seriously injured in preventable window falls. In a city filled with high-rise apartments, these accidents are hazardous. If your child was hurt in a New York City window fall accident, the experienced attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP can help you pursue justice and compensation.

NYC Window Guard Law: What Parents and Tenants Need to Know

Landlords of buildings with three or more units must follow strict safety rules:

• Mandatory Installation: If a child 10 or younger lives in the apartment, approved guards must be installed.
• Tenant Rights: Any tenant—even without children—can request guards, and landlords must comply.
• Annual & Lease Notice: Landlords must provide safety forms each January and ask about children at lease signing.
• Coverage: Guards are required on nearly all windows, including bathrooms, hallways, terraces, and first-floor units (except fire escapes, emergency exits, and permanent air conditioner windows).
• Safety Standards: Guards must be NYC Department of Health–approved, at least 15 inches tall, with bars no more than 4½ inches apart, and securely installed.
• Common Areas: Shared spaces must also be protected if children live in the building.

Landlords who ignore these requirements may face violations from NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and families may hold them legally accountable.

Why Screens Are Not Safe

Screens are not designed to prevent falls. In fact, over 75% of window fall accidents in NYC involve screens that pop out or fail under pressure. Only properly installed, approved window guards provide real protection.

Injuries From Window Falls in New York City

When a child falls from a window, injuries are often catastrophic. Common outcomes include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Skull fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Eye injuries and permanent vision loss
• Fatal head and neck trauma

The height of the fall and landing surface make a major difference — concrete doubles the risk of life-threatening injuries.

Window Fall Prevention Tips for NYC Families

To reduce risks in apartments across Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island:

• Install window guards or stops that limit openings to four inches.
• Open double-hung windows from the top, not the bottom.
• Move beds, chairs, and furniture away from windows.
• Plant bushes or soft landscaping beneath windows when possible.
• Always supervise children near windows.

Who Is Liable for Window Fall Accidents in NYC?

If a child is injured in a window fall, multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Landlords and property owners – for failing to install, repair, or maintain guards.
• Manufacturers or distributors – if defective guards, screens, or windows caused the fall.
• Negligent individuals – in rare cases where someone else’s actions directly contributed.

Families may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, long-term care, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.

What To Do After a Window Fall Accident in New York

1. Call 911 immediately for emergency help.
2. Take photos of the window, guard/screen, and landing area.
3. Collect names and contact details of witnesses.
4. Report the incident to your landlord or property manager.
5. Preserve the guard, screen, or window as evidence.
6. Keep all medical records and bills.

Legal Help from NYC Window Fall Injury Attorneys

Window guard lawsuits often involve complex issues of landlord negligence, building code violations, and product liability. An experienced New York City personal injury lawyer can investigate your case, handle insurance companies, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we have built a reputation as one of New York City’s top personal injury law firms.

• Convenient Local Offices: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
• Our Fee Guarantee: No fee unless we win your case.
• Proven Results: Millions recovered for injured families across NYC.
• Bilingual Legal Services for Spanish-speaking clients.
• Award-Winning Lawyers: Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
• Trusted by Clients: Hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials.

Call Our NYC Window Guard Injury Lawyers Today

If your child was injured in a window fall accident in New York City, do not wait. The lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP are here to protect your rights and hold negligent landlords and manufacturers accountable.

📞 Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation.
We don’t get paid unless you win — that’s our Fee Guarantee.

Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call Today.