New York, New York (June 3, 2025) — Court Allows Punitive Damages to Proceed in Case Involving Building Owner and Management Company’s Inaction Despite Known Dangers.
Morelli Law Firm has secured a key legal development in an ongoing wrongful death lawsuit related to a tragic facade collapse in Times Square. A recent decision by the New York Supreme Court will allow claims for punitive damages to move forward, enabling a jury to evaluate whether the conduct of the building’s owner and management company demonstrated reckless disregard for public safety.
“This decision is an important step toward accountability,” said Benedict Morelli, founding partner of Morelli Law Firm. “It reinforces the principle that property owners and managers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect the public from known hazards.”
The case centers on a midtown Manhattan building where a facade inspection identified significant exterior damage months before the incident occurred. According to official records, city inspectors later classified the building’s condition as “unsafe” and issued a violation due to the potential danger it posed to pedestrians and the surrounding area.
Despite the warning, protective measures were not implemented in a timely manner. The court’s decision underscores the importance of proactive safety compliance, particularly in densely populated urban environments where structural integrity can directly impact public welfare.
“This is not just about one incident,” said Morelli. “It’s about ensuring that property owners across the city understand the consequences of failing to address safety issues when they are identified. Public safety must always come first.”
The case remains active as Morelli Law Firm continues to advocate for stronger accountability and public protection in building management practices.
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