Whether attached to office buildings, shopping centers, apartment complexes, or hospitals, parking garages are a major source of injuries and liability in New York City. These structures can become dangerous when they are poorly designed, improperly maintained, or mismanaged by owners.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in a parking garage accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation, but determining who is liable, and proving your case, can be complicated.
At Morelli Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex premises liability claims throughout NYC. We’ll walk you through what you need to know about liability in parking garage injuries, and how you and your family can get the justice you deserve.
The Most Common Types of Parking Garage Accidents
You may not think twice about the safety of parking garages, but they can be more hazardous than most people realize.
These injuries can leave victims with lifelong disabilities, overwhelming medical costs, and a reduced ability to work or enjoy life. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe orthopedic injuries (e.g., hip, knee, and shoulder fractures)
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations or facial injuries
- Wrongful death
Some of the most serious accidents our team has seen include:
Structural Collapses
Entire sections of garages, or even full structures, can collapse due to poor construction, old age, or deferred maintenance. These are rare but extremely dangerous incidents that can cause crushing injuries or death.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Poor lighting, slick surfaces, broken stairs, and potholes are common hazards in garages. Falls on hard concrete can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or fractures.
Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions
Garages often lack proper signage or visibility. Drivers distracted while turning corners or backing out of spaces may hit pedestrians, causing life-altering injuries.
Multi-Car Collisions
Confusing layouts, tight lanes, and poor lighting can contribute to car crashes inside garages. Inadequate signage or missing mirrors at blind turns can make matters worse.
Falling Objects
Loose ceiling tiles, pipes, or chunks of concrete may fall and strike unsuspecting patrons, particularly in aging or poorly maintained garages.
Construction-Related Accidents
Garages under renovation can pose added risks from falling debris, exposed wiring, uneven surfaces, and more, especially if construction zones are not properly marked or barricaded.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Parking Garage Accidents?
Every parking garage has an owner (or ownership company), but that owner is not the only party that can be held liable for a catastrophic accident on their property. Depending on the cause of the accident, one or more of the following parties may be liable:
The Property Owner
Under New York premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. This includes:
- Regular inspections
- Prompt repairs
- Adequate lighting and signage
- Keeping walking surfaces safe and clear
If the owner knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Garage Management or Maintenance Companies
If a third-party company was hired to manage or maintain the garage, they may be responsible for failing to conduct inspections, respond to complaints, or properly maintain safety equipment.
Construction Companies or Contractors
If your injury occurred during construction or was caused by poor construction practices, the contractors involved may be liable, especially if they violated safety standards or failed to secure the site properly.
Security Companies
If your injuries resulted from criminal activity (assault, robbery, etc.) and the garage lacked reasonable security measures (e.g., surveillance, lighting, security personnel), the contracted security company or owner could be responsible.
The City of New York
If the garage is owned or operated by a city agency or located on public property, you may have a claim against the municipality. However, these cases require you to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, and there are different legal standards for suing a government entity.
New York City Laws and Regulations Governing Parking Garages
NYC parking garages are subject to multiple laws, regulations, and inspections, including:
The NYC Building Code
All parking structures must meet safety requirements related to design, load-bearing capacity, fire suppression, lighting, ventilation, and more.
Local Law 126 (Garage Inspection Law)
As of 2022, NYC requires periodic structural inspections of parking garages by licensed engineers every six years. Owners must address unsafe conditions or face fines.
Premises Liability Standards
New York courts impose a duty of care on property owners and managers. If a dangerous condition exists and the property owner knew or should have known about it, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
What You Need to Do to Win Your Case
To succeed in a parking garage injury claim, you will need to prove:
- A Dangerous Condition Existed: examples include structural defects, poor lighting, inadequate signage, slippery surfaces, or unsecured construction zones.
- The Responsible Party Knew or Should Have Known About It: this could be shown through maintenance logs, surveillance footage, past complaints, or inspection reports.
- They Failed to Fix the Hazard or Warn You: failure to act reasonably in addressing the danger is key to proving negligence.
- The Dangerous Condition Directly Caused Your Injury: medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony may all be used to connect the condition to your injury.
- You Suffered Serious, Documented Damages: this includes physical, emotional, and financial harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Because these cases often involve powerful property owners, corporations, or even government agencies, it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and build a compelling claim.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
At Morelli Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys specialize in handling catastrophic injury cases, including those involving falls, structural failures, vehicle crashes, and more. When you’re going up against a property owner, construction company, or municipality, you need legal representation with the resources and experience to fight back. Our legal team will:
- Conduct independent investigations
- Work with engineers, safety experts, and accident experts
- Navigate city and state laws
- Handle negotiations and litigation
- Fight for full compensation, including medical expenses, lost income, disability, and future care needs
We Can Help You Get the Justice You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a parking garage accident, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines can pass quickly, especially if a government entity is involved. We’re here to listen, support you, and take decisive action to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We’re here to help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
