Manhole Cover Explosions in New York City
A Comprehensive Legal Guide by Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Maintenance hole explosions in New York City are a serious and growing danger. Beneath our streets lies a massive network of electrical cables, gas lines, steam pipes, and communication conduits. Many of these systems are decades old and vulnerable to failure. When they malfunction, a maintenance hole cover can launch into the air, ignite fires, release toxic gases, or collapse beneath a pedestrian or vehicle.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we represent victims of maintenance hole cover explosions and maintenance hole-related accidents throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. If you were injured, you deserve a law firm that understands both the legal and technical aspects of these complex cases.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation. You pay no fee unless we win.
What Causes Manhole Explosions in New York City?
NYC has more than 300,000 maintenance holes and one of the country’s oldest underground electrical systems. That infrastructure is vulnerable to dangerous failures that often result from preventable negligence.
Aging Infrastructure
Thousands of miles of underground cable are more than 40 years old. Some predate 1930. Over time:
- Cable insulation breaks down
- Electrical loads increase
- Heat builds inside enclosed spaces
These conditions increase the risk of short circuits and smoldering wires.
Salt and Water Corrosion
During winter, salt, meltwater, and moisture seep into maintenance holes:
- Saltwater speeds up cable corrosion
- Freeze and thaw cycles weaken insulation
- Water intrusion accelerates electrical faults
This is why the FDNY responds to multiple maintenance hole fires and explosions on cold days.
Gas Buildup and Pressure
When cables burn underground, they produce flammable gases that become trapped in sealed spaces. These gases may include:
- Methane
- Hydrogen
- Carbon monoxide
If adjacent sewer systems leak gases into nearby maintenance holes, the danger increases. When pressure builds and a spark occurs, the explosion can launch a 200 to 300-pound cast-iron lid into the air.
Construction and Utility Negligence
Maintenance hole accidents often occur because of:
- Poorly performed electrical or gas work
- Improperly replaced covers
- Unmarked or unguarded open maintenance holes
- Contractors damaging nearby systems
- Inadequate inspections and maintenance
These failures put pedestrians, workers, and drivers at risk.
Types of Manhole Accidents in NYC
While explosions are the most severe, many types of maintenance hole accidents can cause serious injuries.
Manhole Cover Explosions
Explosions send heavy covers flying into the air, destroying vehicles, shattering windshields, and injuring or killing bystanders. Injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull and facial fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Internal trauma
- Permanent disability
Open or Missing Manholes
Falls into open maintenance holes can cause catastrophic injuries:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Multiple fractures
These incidents are almost always preventable when proper barricades and warnings are used.
Loose, Tilted, or Sunken Covers
Defective covers cause:
- Pedestrian trip and fall accidents
- Bicycle and scooter crashes
- Vehicle damage and loss of control
Even slight misalignment can cause severe injuries.
Steam and Burn Injuries
Overheated steam pipes or underground fires may heat covers to dangerous temperatures. Victims can suffer second or third-degree burns from brief contact.
Worker and Confined Space Accidents
Utility and construction workers are especially at risk due to:
- Toxic gases
- Low oxygen
- Explosions triggered during electrical work
- Unsecured openings
- OSHA violations
In these cases, workers often have both workers’ compensation claims and additional third-party injury claims.
Who Is Liable for a Manhole Accident in New York City?
Determining liability requires a detailed investigation. Potential defendants include:
The City of New York
City agencies that may be responsible include:
- DOT
- DEP
- MTA and NYC Transit
- City-owned properties and roadways
Con Edison
Con Edison manages much of NYC’s electrical and steam system and is frequently a defendant in maintenance hole explosion cases.
National Grid
Responsible for gas lines and related facilities.
Telecom and Cable Companies
Companies such as Verizon maintain underground communications infrastructure.
Contractors and Construction Companies
Liability arises when contractors:
- Leave open maintenance holes unguarded
- Fail to secure covers
- Damage underground systems
- Ignore safety protocols
Private Property Owners
Maintenance holes on or adjacent to private property may be the landowner’s responsibility.
Proving Negligence in a Manhole Explosion Case
To win a maintenance hole accident case, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP must show that the responsible party:
- Created a dangerous condition
- Knew or should have known about the hazard
- Failed to repair or warn of the danger
- Caused injuries as a result of their negligence
We gather extensive evidence, including:
- FDNY, NYPD, and DOT reports
- Con Edison and National Grid records
- Complaint histories
- Maintenance and inspection logs
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Expert engineering analysis
Our lawyers work with leading experts in electrical engineering, gas systems, fire science, and explosion reconstruction to prove exactly how the incident occurred and who is responsible.
Special Rules for Claims Against the City of New York
New York City maintenance hole claims involving public agencies have strict deadlines:
- A Notice of Claim must often be filed within 90 days
- A lawsuit must often be filed within 1 year and 90 days
- Claims against private utilities generally follow a 3-year statute of limitations
Missing these deadlines can permanently end your case.
Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP immediately if you suspect the City is involved.
What To Do After a Manhole Explosion or Manhole Accident
If you were injured, take these steps:
- Get to safety. Additional explosions or fires may still occur.
- Call 911 and ensure FDNY responds.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible.
- Get witness names and contact information.
- Preserve damaged clothing, shoes, and personal items.
- Do not give statements to utilities or insurers.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as possible.
Our team immediately begins preserving evidence, identifying defendants, and protecting your rights.
Compensation Available for Manhole Accident Victims
If you were injured in a maintenance hole incident, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Medications and medical equipment
- Home care and future medical needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of independence
Wrongful Death Damages
Families may pursue:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
We focus on both short-term and long-term damages to ensure full compensation.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Manhole Explosion Victims
We offer aggressive, comprehensive representation, including:
Rapid Investigation
We secure FDNY, Con Edison, DOT, and DEP records, surveillance footage, and witness statements before they disappear.
Expert Analysis
We work with top specialists in explosion reconstruction, electrical engineering, gas systems, OSHA safety, and medicine.
Full Case Preparation
We prepare every case for trial, which increases the likelihood of a substantial settlement.
Compassionate Client Care
We provide clear communication, guidance, and support at every stage of the case.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for a NYC Manhole Explosion Case?
- Local Harlem office
- Seven convenient NYC and surrounding locations
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews
- Top-rated, award-winning attorneys
- Exclusive focus on personal injury law
- We handle insurance companies and utilities so you can focus on recovery
- Our motto: Do not be a victim twice
- Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for help today
FAQ: Manhole Cover Explosions and Manhole Accidents in NYC
1. Are maintenance hole explosions common in NYC?
Yes. FDNY responds to numerous maintenance hole fires and explosions, especially in winter and summer when electrical systems are under heavy strain.
2. What types of maintenance hole incidents qualify for compensation?
Explosion injuries, falls into open maintenance holes, defective covers, steam burns, trip and fall incidents, bicycle accidents, and worker injuries.
3. Who can I sue for a maintenance hole explosion in NYC?
The City of New York, Con Edison, National Grid, telecom companies, contractors, and private property owners may all be liable.
4. Do I have a claim if I did not touch the maintenance hole?
Yes. Many victims are injured by flying covers, blast pressure, smoke, or collapsing pavement, even without direct contact.
5. What if my injuries seemed minor at first?
You may still have a strong case. Many injuries develop over time, especially head and internal injuries.
6. How long do I have to file a claim?
Three years for private defendants and far shorter deadlines for claims against the City. In many cases, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.
7. What if I were partly at fault?
New York uses comparative negligence. You may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible.
8. Can I sue if my car or property was damaged?
Yes. Property damage claims are compensable and often handled alongside injury claims.
9. How much is a maintenance hole explosion case worth?
Values vary widely based on the severity of injury, future medical needs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage.
10. What should I do if Con Edison or an insurer contacts me?
Please don’t speak with them. You can direct all communication to your lawyer. Their goal is to minimize your claim.
11. Will my case go to court?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial to ensure the strongest possible outcome.
12. How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Speak With a New York City Manhole Explosion Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a maintenance hole explosion or a maintenance hole-related accident in New York City, you deserve justice and full compensation.
Do not be a victim twice.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation.
We serve clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County and can accommodate your medical and mobility needs.
I just wanted to let you know that your consultation is free.
The call is free.
You do not pay unless we win.