Westchester Balcony Collapse Lawyer
A balcony collapse can result in devastating consequences, from serious injuries to fatalities. These incidents often occur due to structural failures, neglected maintenance, or code violations—factors that are typically the responsibility of the property owner. When a collapse happens on someone else’s property, injured individuals may have grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit to recover compensation.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we represent individuals in Westchester County who have suffered injuries due to unsafe property conditions. Our legal team has a proven track record of pursuing personal injury claims involving balcony collapse cases, and we’re here to help guide you through every step of the legal process.
Understanding Balcony Collapse Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, tenants, and guests. When that duty is ignored and a balcony fails due to a dangerous condition, those affected may pursue premises liability claims to hold the person responsible accountable.
In many cases, the property owner knew—or should have known—about the risk, especially if prior complaints were made or inspections revealed safety issues. Under New York law, owners of residential, commercial, or government property can be held liable for injuries that occur due to their negligence.
A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine how the collapse occurred and who the liable parties are. In some cases, the balcony may have failed due to construction defects, while others involve decay, weather damage, or overloading beyond safe limits.
Premises Liability and Personal Injury Law
Premises liability law in Westchester County holds property owners responsible when a dangerous condition existed and someone is harmed as a result. This includes balconies, staircases, walkways, and other elevated surfaces that must be maintained to prevent collapse or fall accidents.
Our law firm routinely handles cases involving slip and fall and trip and fall accidents that occur on unsafe balconies or decks. These incidents fall under the broader umbrella of premises liability claims and can involve both residential and commercial property settings.
Victims of a balcony collapse may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, a successful claim may result in damages for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Wrongful death, if a family member passed away from the injuries
Common Causes of Balcony Collapse Accidents
Balcony collapses can happen in a range of locations—apartment buildings, hotels, restaurants, or private residences—and they often occur due to one or more of the following:
- Structural defects or faulty construction
- Overloading from excessive weight
- Rotted wood or corroded metal supports
- Negligent maintenance by the property owner
- Building code violations
Whether the accident occurred at a commercial property, on a neighbor’s property, or in a shared apartment complex, victims may have legal recourse. These incidents can also overlap with workplace accidents or construction accident cases when workers are injured on-site.
The Serious Impact of Fall Accidents
Balcony collapses frequently result in fall accidents that lead to serious injuries such as:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal trauma
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent disability
Trip and fall and slip and fall accidents caused by faulty balconies can trigger long-term medical treatment, extensive rehabilitation, and steep medical expenses. Injured people may also face reduced earning ability and emotional trauma following such events.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Balcony Collapse?
Multiple parties may share liability in a balcony collapse, including:
- Property owners who failed to warn visitors or repair known hazards
- Landlords responsible for safe living conditions
- Construction site supervisors or engineers
- Product manufacturers if a structural component was defective
Our legal team investigates every angle to identify liable parties and pursue full compensation. Whether the collapse happened on private or government property, we hold all responsible parties accountable under New York premises liability law.
What to Do After a Balcony Collapse
If you or a loved one has been injured in a balcony collapse:
- Seek immediate medical attention and document your injuries.
- Report the incident to the property owner or building manager.
- Photograph the accident scene, including any visible structural damage.
- Immediately contact a Westchester balcony collapse lawyer to protect your legal rights.
It’s also important not to speak with an insurance company before speaking with your attorney. Insurers often attempt to minimize liability and may offer settlements that don’t reflect the true value of your personal injury claim.
Why Choose Our Westchester County Personal Injury Lawyers
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP has represented thousands of personal injury clients throughout Westchester County and across New York. We are a trusted law firm with deep experience in premises liability cases, including trip and fall accidents, slip and fall incidents, and serious balcony-related injuries.
We aggressively pursue fair compensation and offer every client a free consultation to assess their claim. Our attorneys are familiar with how accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence, and we fight to make sure those injured on someone else’s property are properly compensated.
Learn more about Westchester Balcony Collapse Lawyer. Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at (800) 842-8462 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQ: Westchester Balcony Collapse Lawyer
Who can be held responsible for a balcony collapse injury?
Liability may fall on the property owner, a construction contractor, a landlord, or another third party if a dangerous condition existed and proper safety measures were not taken.
What damages can I recover in a premises liability lawsuit?
A successful personal injury lawsuit may result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, and emotional distress. If a fatality occurred, wrongful death damages may also be pursued.
What makes a balcony collapse case different from other accidents?
Unlike slip and fall accidents or trip and fall incidents on flat surfaces, balcony collapse cases involve a significant height difference and usually result in more serious injuries, often tied to structural integrity and building code compliance.
How do I prove negligence in a balcony collapse case?
Your attorney will examine whether the property owner knew about the danger, whether the structure was compliant with building codes, and whether warnings or repairs were neglected. Documentation and expert testimony are often essential.
Is there a time limit to file a personal injury claim in Westchester?
Yes. Under New York law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims—including premises liability cases such as a balcony collapse—is three (3) years from the date of the accident (CPLR § 214).
However, if the accident occurred on government-owned property, you may also be required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e. Failure to meet these deadlines can bar your right to recovery, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.