Manhattan Parking Garage Collapse Highlights Dangers of Negligent Building Design and Maintenance

Manhattan Building Collapse Linked to Faulty Design and Poor Maintenance, Investigation Finds

In 2023, tragedy struck in Lower Manhattan when a multi-level parking garage collapsed, killing one person and injuring five others. In the aftermath of the disaster, the City of New York commissioned a forensic engineering investigation to determine what went wrong. The findings are deeply concerning.

According to the investigation, the collapse was the result of two major factors: improper building design and ongoing poor maintenance. Shockingly, reports also indicate that unauthorized construction was taking place inside the garage at the time of the collapse — without any permits or safety oversight.

Six workers were inside the building when it gave way. All six were injured; one of them tragically died as a result of his injuries. The lives of these individuals and their families were forever altered — not by an unforeseeable accident, but by what appears to be preventable negligence.

Negligence in Building Ownership and Maintenance

Property owners in New York — and everywhere — have a legal duty to maintain their buildings in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to meet this duty, and someone is hurt or killed as a result, the law may consider it negligence.

Unfortunately, the Manhattan parking garage collapse is just one of many examples where this duty has been ignored. Common causes of preventable building accidents include:

• Faulty or unsafe structural design
• Use of cheap, low-quality materials
• Poor or rushed construction practices
• Failure to inspect or repair known hazards
• Inadequate responses to tenant or worker safety complaints
• Unauthorized or unpermitted renovations
• General lack of upkeep and neglect over time

When these issues are ignored, the results can be catastrophic — including collapsing ceilings, breaking staircases, cracked and lifted sidewalks, falling facades, and structural fires. These are not just violations of safety codes; they are direct threats to human life.

Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable

At Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C., we have extensive experience representing victims of premises liability and building safety failures. We understand the complex nature of these cases, the building codes that apply, and the forensic investigations required to prove liability. Most importantly, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help our clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a building collapse, unsafe property conditions, or any form of property owner negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Our team will evaluate your case and explain your legal options — with no obligation and no upfront cost.

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Contact Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. today for a free consultation. Your rights matter — and we’re here to protect them.

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