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A ceiling collapse can leave tenants with catastrophic or even fatal injuries. An unstable ceiling can be the result of poor building maintenance or shoddy construction jobs, in which case you may be able to recover compensation from the property owner through a premises liability claim.
Learn the warning signs of an unstable ceiling to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Warning Signs of a Weak Ceiling
When property owners do not maintain their premises properly, or use cheap or shoddy materials during construction, people on the property may get injured as a result. If a legal tenant or guest gets injured on another’s unsafe property, the injured individuals may be able to recover compensation from the property owner for their negligence.
A common hazard on properties is an unstable ceiling. Ceilings can become unstable due to weather damage or bends in the roof supports, and can collapse when property owners do not address the problem quickly or thoroughly enough.
The warning signs that a ceiling is about to collapse include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cracks in the exterior masonry
- Cracks in the ceiling or interior walls
- Bends or ripples in the roof supports
- Misaligned sprinkler heads
- Leaks
- Doors or windows that won’t shut or are hard to open
- Unusual sounds
If you notice any of these warning signs, bring it to the attention of the property owner immediately. Take note of how the property owner addresses the problem and make sure the job is treated with care.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a ceiling collapse in your apartment complex, contact our New York City premises liability attorneys right away. At Silbowitz, Garafola, Silbowitz & Schatz, we have extensive experience in this area of law and we have helped numerous clients hold their property owners accountable for their negligence.
