Who is Liable for a Parking Garage Collapse in NYC?

In recent years, parking garages have become sites of unexpected and catastrophic accidents. Structural collapses, both partial and complete, have raised concerns about the safety of these buildings and the responsibility of those in charge of maintaining them. 

If you or a loved one has been catastrophically injured in a parking garage collapse, you’re probably wondering how something like this could have happened, who can be held responsible, and most importantly, how can you get justice. There are parties that can be held liable, allowing you to get the compensation you deserve. 

The Rising Occurrences of Parking Garage Collapses in NYC

You’re not alone. Parking garage collapses are not as rare as you might think, and there have been several cases where parking garage collapse lawyers have won big verdicts and settlements for victims. In fact, NYC has seen a troubling number of structural failures in recent years. One of the most widely reported incidents occurred on April 18, 2023, when a parking garage in Lower Manhattan collapsed at 57 Ann Street, killing one person and injuring several others.    

This wasn’t an isolated event. Other collapses have been reported across NYC, and engineers have long warned that many parking garages in the city are old and were not built to support the weight of modern vehicles. Without proper maintenance, these structures become ticking time bombs, putting workers, drivers, and pedestrians at risk. 

What Causes Parking Garages to Collapse? 

There is no single cause for parking garage collapses. In most cases, multiple factors contribute to a structure’s failure. Some of the most common reasons these disasters occur are:

1. Structural Deterioration Over Time

Many NYC parking garages are decades old. Over time, exposure to rain, snow, salt, and temperature changes causes concrete to crack and metal reinforcements to rust. If these issues aren’t repaired in time, they can weaken the entire structure, making it vulnerable to collapse.

2. Overloading and Excessive Weight

When many of these garages were built, they weren’t designed to handle the weight of today’s vehicles. Modern SUVs and trucks are much heavier than cars from 30 or 40 years ago. If a parking garage is over capacity or has too many heavy vehicles on its upper levels, the added weight can stress the structure beyond its limits. 

3. Lack of Proper Maintenance and Repairs

Property owners and management companies are responsible for keeping their buildings safe. This means conducting regular inspections, repairing cracks, and reinforcing weak areas. However, many garages are neglected for years, allowing small structural issues to turn into major hazards.

4. Poor Design and Construction Defects

Some parking garages have flawed designs or construction defects that make them more prone to collapse. If corners were cut during the original construction, or if a garage wasn’t built to current safety standards, structural failure could happen much sooner than expected. 

5. Water Damage and Corrosion

Parking garages in New York are exposed to water and moisture year-round. Rainwater, melting snow, and salt from winter road treatments seep into concrete and reach the metal supports, causing them to rust and weaken. If a building doesn’t have proper drainage systems or waterproofing, this deterioration can happen even faster.

6. Earthquakes or Other Environmental Factors

While NYC isn’t known for strong earthquakes, even minor ground shifts or vibrations from nearby construction can destabilize a parking garage that is already compromised. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Parking Garage Collapse? 

When a parking garage collapses, determining liability is complex. Several parties may share responsibility, depending on who failed to do their job in preventing the accident. These parties can potentially be held accountable:  

The Property Owner 

The owner of the parking garage has a legal duty to keep the premises safe for anyone who enters. If a garage collapse happens because the owner failed to repair known issues or ignored safety violations, they can be held liable for negligence. 

In the case of the 57 Ann Street collapse, records showed that the garage had multiple outstanding safety violations for cracked concrete and structural deterioration. If the owner had addressed these problems earlier, the collapse could have been prevented. 

The Building Management Company 

Many property owners hire management companies to handle the daily operations and maintenance of parking garages. If a collapse occurs due to poor upkeep, the management company may be held responsible for failing to conduct proper inspections, maintenance, and repairs. 

Construction Companies and Contractors 

If the collapse happened because of faulty construction, poor design, or substandard materials, the company that built the garage may be liable. Engineering and construction firms have a duty to follow safety codes and best practices when designing and constructing buildings. 

Structural Engineers and Inspectors 

Before a parking garage is built, engineers must verify that the structure is safe and built to withstand the expected weight loads. If an engineer failed to catch a design flaw or didn’t properly inspect the garage before approving it, they could be held accountable.  

Likewise, building inspectors are supposed to make sure garages meet safety standards and are properly maintained. If an inspector missed serious issues or failed to shut down an unsafe structure, they may share some of the responsibility. 

The City 

NYC has strict building codes and safety regulations, and government agencies are responsible for enforcing them. If a city agency failed to enforce safety rules or ignored multiple violations, they could potentially be held liable for the collapse. 

For example, if a garage had a long history of violations but was never properly inspected or forced to make repairs, the city may have failed in its duty to protect public safety.  

A parking garage collapse is a devastating and preventable disaster. If it happens, the people responsible must be held accountable. Property owners, building managers, contractors, and even city agencies all have a responsibility to maintain safe structures and protect the public. If they fail to do so, victims have the right to seek justice. 

Get Help with Your Personal Injury Case Today 

If you or a loved one were injured in a parking garage collapse in NYC, don’t wait. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation. At Morelli Law, we’ve fought for victims of parking garage collapses in New York City, and we’ll fight to get you the justice you deserve.