Public housing developments in Manhattan have a unique footprint: many are high-rise towers built decades ago, packed into high density neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Harlem, and Washington Heights. While the borough differs from Brooklyn and the Bronx and Queens and Staten Island in layout and architecture, one thing remains constant: NYCHA’s widespread failure to maintain safe conditions for its residents.
When stairwells collapse, elevators fail, or lighting goes dark, tenants suffer. NYCHA is legally responsible for keeping its properties safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held accountable.
If you were injured on NYCHA property in Manhattan, The Dearie Law Firm can help you seek compensation. With over $400 million recovered for clients across New York City, we’ve built our reputation in part by fighting for public housing residents.
Bodily Injuries Caused by NYCHA Negligence
Manhattan NYCHA developments often present different challenges than those in the outer boroughs. With more high-rise buildings, tight stairwells, and aging elevator systems, residents are especially vulnerable to the physical dangers caused by years of disrepair and understaffing.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Broken flooring, puddles from leaks, or broken concrete in common areas can quickly lead to trip-and-fall incidents. These are especially common in developments like Baruch, East River, Grant, and Smith Houses.
Stairwell and Hallway Hazards
Many building, including Wagner, Saint Nicholas, Douglass I and II, Polo Grounds Towers, and Fulton Houses, have outdated staircases and dim lighting. One misstep on a broken step or in a dark hallway can result in broken bones, sprains, or worse.
Elevator Malfunctions
When elevators jerk, suddenly drop, or stop between floors, residents can suffer serious back, knee, or head trauma. This is a regular problem in large vertical developments like Lincoln, Amsterdam, Vladeck, Harlem River, Chelsea Addition, and Isaacs Houses.
Falling Debris and Ceiling Collapses
Injuries from falling plaster, ceiling tiles, or wall material are not rare. Reports of ceiling collapses have surfaced in Jefferson, Taft, Holmes Towers, and Washington Houses, among others.
NYCHA Developments We Represent in Manhattan
We’ve helped clients from dozens of NYCHA developments in Manhattan, including:
- East River, Jefferson, Taft, Baruch, Saint Nicholas, Rangel
- Wagner, Amsterdam, Grant, Smith, Lincoln, Polo Grounds Towers
- Riis, Riis II, Johnson, Washington, Fulton, Dyckman, Manhattanville
- Samuel (City), Vladeck, Vladeck II, Harlem River, Harlem River II, King Towers
- Carver, Chelsea, Chelsea Addition, Douglass I & II, Douglass Addition
- Campos Plaza II, Elliott, Wald, Robinson, Straus, Hernandez, La Guardia
- Wilson, Drew-Hamilton, Clinton, Holmes Towers, La Guardia Addition, Lexington
- Metro North Plaza, Gompers, Lehman Village, Seward Park Extension, Robbins Plaza
- Audubon, Corsi Houses, Meltzer Tower, White, Thomas Apartments, First Houses
- Lower East Side I, II, III, Stanton Street, UPACA Sites 5 & 6, WSUR (Sites A–C)
Whether you live in a high-rise tower on Amsterdam Avenue or a multi-building rehab complex in the Lower East Side, The Dearie Law Firm is prepared to investigate, document, and pursue your injury case to the fullest.
Act Fast – NYCHA Injury Claims Have Strict Deadlines
If you were hurt because NYCHA failed to maintain safe conditions, you must act quickly. NYCHA injury lawsuits follow a strict timeline:
- You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury, a lawyer can help with this
- A lawsuit must be filed within 1 year and 90 days from the date of the incident
- A 50-h hearing is typically required before litigation proceeds
Don’t wait. Evidence fades, and witnesses disappear. The sooner you contact our firm, the stronger your case will be. We’ll manage the process—from gathering evidence and filing legal paperwork to negotiating with NYCHA or taking your case to trial.
Contact a Manhattan NYCHA Injury Attorney
Living in NYCHA housing should not mean living at risk of serious injury. When the system fails to protect its residents, legal action becomes the path to accountability. If you’ve suffered an injury at a NYCHA development in Manhattan, The Dearie Law Firm is ready to help.
We offer free case reviews, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Call now or contact us online to speak with an experienced Manhattan NYCHA injury lawyer.