Three Injured in Queens Facade Collapse: Building Owner Cited for Failure to Maintain Property

Three people, including two young girls, were injured last week, when a large section of a building facade collapsed onto the sidewalk and parked cars outside a furniture store in the Bellerose section of Queens. The parapet wall—approximately 175 linear feet—suddenly gave way, prompting emergency response teams and an investigation by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our Queens personal injury lawyers are closely monitoring developments in this case. When building owners fail to maintain their properties, the consequences can be catastrophic. Tragically, this is not the first time innocent pedestrians have been harmed due to neglected structural hazards.

DOB inspectors issued an OATH/ECB violation to the building owner for “failure to maintain the building.” While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, a prior complaint filed in June alleged the building was not up to code and had holes in the ceiling and floor. A contractor familiar with the structure noted that the parapet had rusted metal beams and may have required more extensive repairs than had been performed.

As residents in the neighborhood express shock and concern, authorities have ordered the installation of a protective fence and issued vacate orders for five nearby businesses.

Victims of this collapse may have grounds to pursue legal action. Under New York law, property owners are responsible for keeping their buildings in safe condition. When they fail to do so, and injuries occur, they can be held liable for damages. These may include medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Our team of NYC building collapse attorneys has handled numerous cases involving structural failures across New York City. We work with structural engineers and industry experts to investigate these incidents and hold negligent property owners accountable. Whether the collapse stems from faulty construction, deferred maintenance, or ignored safety violations, we have the resources and trial experience to pursue justice for the injured.

If you or a loved one was injured in the Queens facade collapse—or in any incident involving unsafe premises—contact our firm at 212-943-1090. Our premises liability attorneys have been representing seriously injured New Yorkers for more than a century and have secured some of the highest verdicts and settlements in the state.