$1.95 Million Premises Liability Settlement in New York

Raphaelson & Levine recovered a $1.95 million settlement for a worker who fell through a shifted floor tile at a New York construction site, sustaining injuries to the back, neck, knees, ankle, and hand.

Unsafe Flooring at a Construction Site

Our client was walking across a section of flooring that had been raised approximately 18 inches above the concrete sub-floor below. Without warning, a tile beneath his feet shifted — it had never been properly secured. He lost his balance and fell down to the concrete, landing near an active demolition area.

The fall caused injuries to his lumbar spine, cervical spine, both knees, his left ankle, and his right hand. Each injury required its own course of treatment, from imaging and injections to surgical consultations and prolonged physical therapy. The combined toll kept him out of work and in constant pain.

Proving the Site Was Not Properly Maintained

The defendants blamed our client, claiming he should have noticed the raised flooring and avoided the area. Our construction accident attorneys inspected the site and documented that the tiles were loosely laid, unfixed, and indistinguishable from the stable flooring around them. No barriers, tape, or signage marked the hazard. A construction safety expert testified that the site violated standard practices for temporary flooring at active demolition sites.

Our premises liability team established that the contractors had created a hidden trap by failing to secure the tile or warn anyone walking across it.

Compensation for Six Separate Injuries

The $1.95 million settlement provides compensation intended to cover treatment for each of the six injury sites, lost income, and pain and suffering endured during the recovery process.

"A loose tile on a raised platform at a construction site is not something a worker should have to anticipate. That is the contractor's responsibility. Our client stepped on what looked like a solid floor, and it gave way beneath him — that is negligence, plain and simple."

— Jared Dubin, Attorney at Raphaelson & Levine

If you've been injured at a construction site or due to unsafe premises conditions in New York, our construction accident lawyers have the experience to hold contractors and property owners accountable. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.