Nine Hurt After Brooklyn IHOP Ceiling Collapse: Who Can Be Held Responsible?

As Brooklyn personal injury lawyers, we are closely following the recent ceiling collapse at the IHOP in Flatlands that left nine people injured and forced the restaurant to shut down. On September 5, 2025, a 10-by-10-inch section of the ceiling, weakened by water damage, fell onto diners. Five victims were transported to area hospitals, while four others received treatment at the scene. City inspectors later issued a vacate order and cited the property owner for failure to maintain the premises.

What Happened

• A section of the ceiling collapsed due to water damage.

• Nine people were injured; five were hospitalized.

• The Department of Buildings issued a vacate order and violations for unsafe conditions.

Legal Issues

1. Premises Liability
   Property owners and operators in New York have a duty to maintain safe premises. When negligence causes an accident, victims may pursue compensation.

2. Building Code Violations
   DOB violations can strengthen a case by showing the property was not maintained in compliance with city requirements.

3. Damages
   Even if injuries are described as “minor,” victims may face medical bills, lost wages, or long-term pain and suffering.

What Injured Patrons Should Do

• Seek immediate medical attention.

• Document the scene and your injuries with photos.

• Collect witness contact information.

• Preserve evidence such as damaged clothing.

• Consult a qualified personal injury attorney with experience in building collapse cases promptly.

Why This Matters

This collapse highlights how dangerous neglected building maintenance can be. When owners and operators fail to act, innocent people suffer. As Brooklyn personal injury lawyers, we know these incidents are preventable—and we are dedicated to helping victims hold negligent parties accountable.