Parking Garage Collapse in Lower Manhattan

Like many in Manhattan, our attorneys have been following the news about the tragic parking garage collapse. When the four-story Ann Street structure fell on Tuesday, the four floors pancaked atop one another, taking one life, injuring five others, and crushing many cars.

A parking garage collapse puts occupants, passersby, and first responders in danger. Our building collapse lawyers represents victims of these tragedies, and we understand how an incident of this magnitude can affect their everyday lives.

The Parking Garage Building Collapse Killed One, Injured Others

The parking garage collapse occurred on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. So far, there is no known cause. The catastrophic incident occurred at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan, less than a mile from our NYC office.

According to local news outlets, six garage workers were pulled from the structure after the collapse. The fatally injured person was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other workers remained in stable condition on Wednesday morning, while the sixth refused medical treatment at the scene.

Among those injured, Eyewitness News reported:

• One worker was rescued from an upper floor after contacting first responders
• One worker fell from the second floor when it collapsed but was able to walk away
• One worker was in an elevator when the collapse occurred, which provided some protection

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) removed their team from the building after the garage workers were saved from the collapsed structure. FDNY then sent a robotic dog and drones into the building to capture video footage.

Ongoing Effects of the Structural Collapse

At this time, it is unclear which businesses use the collapsed garage. Officials continue to work to ensure everyone who might use the deck is accounted for and that there are no additional victims in the structure. All known garage employees were accounted for as of Wednesday morning.

According to WABC-TV, Ann Street remains closed near the structure collapse, including the section between William and Nassau Streets. NYC officials also evacuated and closed a building adjacent to the garage collapse, a part of Pace University’s campus.

Students are attending remote classes on Wednesday, giving officials more time to clear additional structures and ensure their structural integrity before everyone returns to campus.

Possible Causes of the Parking Deck Collapse

It is too early to say why the garage collapsed. Based on our experience representing victims of tragic accidents like this, we know the investigation will likely involve several agencies and take time.

Investigating this case will be even more difficult since FDNY determined the collapsed parking structure is unstable, and the building requires shoring up before investigators can go to work.

However, several news outlets have uncovered a long history of concerns in this garage. According to WABC-TV, the New York City Buildings Department had issued 64 building violations for the parking garage. These violations date back to 1976. Some of them remained open despite being issued years before.

This includes a November 25, 2003, violation that noted the issue was “hazardous” and that the inspector found a “failure to maintain building.” WABC-TV reported the problems included in this violation were:

• First-floor ceiling slab cracks
• Defective concrete
• Exposed rear cracks

Whether or not any of these defects or violations played a role in the parking garage building collapse in NYC remains to be seen. Only once inspectors get inside to inspect the structure and determine what happened will more information about the cause come to light.

According to the breaking news alerts, the parking facility owners are 57 Ann Street Realty Association. 

Legal Rights of Victims Hurt in a Building Collapse

Our attorneys can help those hurt in these incidents recover financial compensation for their expenses and losses. Victims will likely have options for seeking compensation, although many factors play a role. Some, potentially including injured parking garage workers, might have access to workers’ compensation benefits. They might also have a third-party claim against the property owner.

We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the claims process, file the necessary paperwork, document the damages you suffered, and take other necessary steps while undergoing treatment and care. Our team represents injury victims, including those hurt on the job. We also represent families who lost loved ones to a wrongful death.

Contact Our Team to Learn More

At Shulman & Hill, our building collapse attorneys know how to document issues with concrete slab floors and other dangerous conditions after a parking garage failure. We understand how much those who require medical attention need someone on their side to manage their claims and protect the rights of injury victims.

Our team of personal injury lawyers handles building collapse cases in the Financial District and throughout Manhattan no matter the difficulty or complexity. We have both a workers’ compensation department and a personal injury department so our clients don’t have to work with separate firms for each claim; our team handles both types of claims.

To learn more about how we can help you or your family, call 866.806.6754 for a free initial consultation.