$8.5M Building Collapse Settlement

Raphaelson & Levine recovered $8.5 million for a child who suffered severe leg injuries when a deteriorating building wall collapsed onto them while walking on a New York City sidewalk.

A Sidewalk Turned Danger Zone in New York City

A child was walking along a city sidewalk on the Grand Concourse when a section of an adjacent Bronx storefront gave way and collapsed directly onto their leg. The impact caused fractures and soft tissue damage that required emergency surgery, followed by a long and painful rehabilitation process.

For a young person still growing, the injuries carried consequences beyond the immediate pain. Doctors projected the need for additional corrective surgeries as the child matured, along with ongoing physical therapy to restore full mobility.

Proving the Property Owner Knew the Wall Was Failing

The building owner denied responsibility, claiming the collapse was unforeseeable. Our premses liability attorneys retained a structural engineer who examined the collapse site and determined that the wall had been deteriorating for an extended period — cracks, water infiltration, and morite degradation were all visible before the incident. We obtained Department of Buildings records showing prior violations and complaints about the facade's condition that went unrepaired.

This evidence established that the owner had actual notice of the hazard and chose not to act.

Securing a Child's Future After a Preventable Collapse

The $8.5 million settlement was designed to cover the full scope of the child's needs: past medical expenses, projected future surgeries, rehabilitative care, and compensation for the pain and limitations imposed during critical years of development.

This compensation was consistent with the highest awards ever upheld by the appellate courts in the State of New York

"A child should never be harmed by a building owner's neglect. The engineering evidence showed this wall was visibly failing — and the owner did nothing. This settlement ensures the resources are in place for every surgery and therapy session this child will need going forward." — Howard Raphaelson, Partner at Raphaelson & Levine

If you or your child have been injured by a structural failure, falling debris, or unsafe property conditions in New York,we can help. Our premises liability and construction accident attorneys have extensive experience pursuing claims on behalf of injured minors and their families, and are ready to review your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.