A 6-year-old girl was hospitalized Thursday evening, October 22, 2026, after a section of bricks broke loose from a building in Maspeth, Queens, and fell onto the sidewalk where she was standing, according to police and city officials. As a Queens premises liability lawyer team, we see how quickly a poorly maintained building can turn an ordinary sidewalk into a dangerous place. Our thoughts are with the child and her family, and we hope for a full and fast recovery.
Below, we summarize what has been reported, explain why falling-debris accidents happen in New York City, and outline the rights that injured pedestrians and their families may have under New York law.
What Happened in Maspeth
According to CBS News New York, the incident happened at about 7:35 p.m. on 59th Street between Maspeth Avenue and 56th Drive, when a loose section of brick fell from the side of a garage building and struck the girl. ABC7 New York reported that video from the scene showed a small pile of bricks on the sidewalk and that NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) inspectors were photographing the building.
DOB inspectors found that a roughly 4-foot by 3-foot section of brick veneer had detached from the side of a single-story garage at 59-01 Maspeth Avenue and fallen to the sidewalk, FOX 5 New York reported. The DOB issued a violation to the property owner for failing to maintain the garage building.
Police said the girl suffered a head injury. Her mother told CBS News New York that the child also has a broken leg that will require surgery. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital and was listed in stable condition. A family friend told CBS that the girl had walked over to say hello to her father, who works at a nearby construction site, when the bricks fell. The investigation is ongoing.
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Why Falling Bricks and Debris Injure New Yorkers
Many buildings in Queens and across the five boroughs are decades old. Brick, mortar and veneer weaken over time from water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, rusting ties and anchors, and deferred maintenance. When owners do not inspect and repair exterior walls, pieces can loosen and fall without warning onto sidewalks, driveways and play areas below.
New York City has recognized this hazard for decades. Under the city’s Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), often called Local Law 11, owners of buildings taller than six stories must have their façades inspected by licensed professionals every five years, file reports with the DOB and repair unsafe conditions. A single-story garage like the one in this incident is not part of that five-year inspection cycle, but that does not leave anyone off the hook: the NYC Building Code requires every owner to keep their building and its parts in a safe condition, regardless of height.
Your Rights When You Are Struck by a Falling Object in New York
People who are struck by a falling object from a building may have a premises liability claim against those responsible for the property. Each case depends on its facts, but here are some general principles an NYC premises liability lawyer will look at:
- Duty to maintain. Property owners, and sometimes managers, tenants or contractors who control a building, have a duty to keep it in reasonably safe condition. NYC law places specific maintenance duties on building owners.
- Notice. Evidence that the owner knew, or should have known, about deteriorating brickwork — prior complaints, DOB violations, visible cracks or previous repairs — can be important.
- Falling-object cases. Bricks generally do not fall from a properly maintained wall. In some cases, New York courts allow a jury to infer negligence from the accident itself under a doctrine called res ipsa loquitur, when the object was in the defendant’s exclusive control.
- Damages. Injured people may be able to recover for medical bills, future care, pain and suffering and other losses. Parents may also have related claims, such as for a child’s medical expenses.
- Deadlines. Most New York personal injury claims must be filed within three years. The deadlines can differ for children and for parents’ related claims, and if city or other government property is involved, a Notice of Claim generally must be filed within 90 days. Because evidence on a building can be repaired or removed quickly, it is wise to speak with a lawyer early.
When the injured person is a child, a child injury lawyer can also help the family plan for long-term needs, since a broken bone or head injury in a growing child may require follow-up care for years.
What To Do After a Falling-Object Accident
- Get medical care right away. Head injuries in particular can worsen over time. Follow all treatment plans.
- Report it. Call 911 and make sure police and the DOB are notified. Ask for the police report number.
- Document the scene. If it is safe, photograph the fallen bricks or debris, the building wall, and any sidewalk sheds or warning signs (or the lack of them).
- Identify witnesses. Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Keep records. Save hospital records, bills, and notes about missed school or work.
- Don’t give recorded statements to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to a lawyer. An attorney can request DOB records, send preservation letters and identify every responsible party.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help Queens Families
Chaikin Trial Group represents people injured on unsafe property throughout New York City and Long Island. As a Queens personal injury lawyer team, we investigate building records, inspection histories and maintenance practices to determine who is responsible. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, from falling debris to ceiling collapses and slip and fall accidents.
You can review our case results and client reviews. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
FAQ: Falling Bricks and Premises Liability in NYC
Who is responsible if I am struck by a falling object from a building in NYC?
Often the building owner, but responsibility can extend to managing agents, commercial tenants or contractors working on the building. An NYC premises liability lawyer can review DOB records and contracts to identify every party.
Does Local Law 11 apply to every building?
No. Local Law 11 (FISP) requires periodic facade inspection for NYC buildings taller than six stories. Owners of smaller buildings still have a legal duty to keep their buildings safe.
Can parents file a claim when a child is injured on someone else’s property?
Generally, yes. A parent or guardian can pursue a claim on the child’s behalf, and parents may have related claims of their own. A child injury lawyer can explain the deadlines that apply.
How much does it cost to hire a Queens premises liability lawyer?
At Chaikin Trial Group, consultations are free and we work on a contingency basis — no fee unless we win. See our FAQs for more.
Talk to a Queens Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or your child was hurt by falling bricks, debris or another dangerous building condition, a Queens premises liability lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can help you understand your options. Your consultation is free, and you pay no fee unless we win. Contact us online.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
