High Wind Accidents in New York City
High-wind injuries can involve unsecured signs, scaffolds, construction materials, tree limbs, loose building components, or poor maintenance.
About this article
Licatesi Law Group, LLP publishes these articles to help readers understand common injury, insurance, and litigation issues in New York and New Jersey. This information is not legal advice. If you have a potential claim, speak with an attorney about the facts of your case.
Key points
What to know before you act
High-wind injury cases can involve loose construction materials, signs, scaffolds, falling branches, unsecured property, or municipal maintenance issues.
Start here
- Photograph the object, building, tree, sign, scaffold, or worksite involved.
- Identify who owned, controlled, or maintained the property.
- Save weather alerts and witness information from the day of the incident.
Evidence to collect after a wind-related injury
- Scene photos and nearby warning signs
- Weather alerts and wind reports
- Property owner, contractor, or maintenance information
- Medical records and incident reports
Deadline note
Wind events are cleaned up fast. Video, debris, and maintenance records should be requested quickly.
When to call
A lawyer can help determine whether the accident was truly unavoidable or tied to poor maintenance.
DANGERS OF HIGH WINDS
Winter winds in New York City often exceed 40 miles per hour with sometimes gists reaching higher speeds. This may lead to several different hazardous conditions which may include falling debris, scaffolding and building damage, snow and ice deplacement, and vehicle accidents. Falling debris may include objects such as signs, tree branches, and construction materials that fly or break off during high winds which may cause severe injuries to pedestrians and motorists.
Scaffolding and building damage is when scaffolding or construction is improperly secured leading to equipment collapsing leading to accidents occurring. Snow and ice displacement is when accumulated snow and ice on rooftops or awnings may be moved by strong winds creating seriously dangerous falling hazards. Vehicle accidents also may occur because high winds can push a vehicle off course or cause a driver to lose control over the car which may result in collisions.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WIND-RELATED ACCIDENTS?
In many of these cases this is just not an "accident" but rather tends to result from negligence. Property owners, construction companies, and city agencies owe a duty to maintain safe conditions which includes during dangerous weather conditions. If they fail to secure objects, inspect scaffolding, or take care of any foreseeable risks they may be liable for any resulting injuries that may occur.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED?
If you have been injured due to high winds and believe this had to do with a negligent party it's critical for you to seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, report the incident, and consult with a personal injury attorney. At The Licatesi Law Group we understand the complexities of personal injury cases. Our dedicated team has a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable and securing substantial settlements for our clients.
We will assist you in every part of your case from investigating the incident to negotiating with insurance companies. If you or a loved one have been injured please contact us today and we'll help you fight to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.
Expanded guide
A deeper look at this claim
High-wind injuries can involve unsecured signs, scaffolds, construction materials, tree limbs, loose building components, or poor maintenance.
High-wind injury evidence to save
- Photos of the object, building, tree, scaffold, sign, or worksite
- Weather alerts, wind reports, and timing details
- Property owner, contractor, or maintenance information
- Witness names, incident reports, and medical records
How new york city high-wind injury claims are evaluated
A wind event does not automatically excuse poor maintenance. The question is whether a property owner, contractor, agency, or business failed to secure, inspect, or maintain something that became dangerous.
The practical question is not only whether someone was hurt. A strong claim connects the unsafe act or condition to a specific legal duty, the injury that followed, and records that show the harm was not minor or unrelated.
Evidence that can make or break the case
Debris and damage are often cleaned up fast. Photos, permits, maintenance records, weather data, and witness accounts can help separate an unavoidable event from preventable negligence.
Useful proof is often ordinary: photos, reports, witness names, treatment records, messages, receipts, and insurance paperwork. The value comes from collecting it early, keeping it organized, and matching each record to the disputed issue.
- Photos of the object, building, tree, scaffold, sign, or worksite
- Weather alerts, wind reports, and timing details
- Property owner, contractor, or maintenance information
- Witness names, incident reports, and medical records
Deadlines, insurers, and next steps
Public property, construction projects, and municipal trees or signs may involve additional notice rules and record requests.
Before giving recorded statements, signing releases, or assuming the first insurance response is final, injured people should understand which claim path applies and what proof still needs to be preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I speak with a lawyer about a New York City high-wind injury?
You should speak with a lawyer when the injury is serious, medical treatment is ongoing, fault is disputed, an insurer is asking for a statement, or a public entity, employer, contractor, landlord, medical provider, or product company may be involved.
What records matter most for a New York City high-wind injury?
The most useful records are the ones that prove timing, notice, cause, and damages: incident reports, photos or video, witness names, medical records, bills, missed-work proof, insurance letters, and written communications with the responsible party.
Can I still have a claim if I am partly blamed?
Possibly. New York personal injury cases can involve comparative fault, which means fault may be divided between different people or companies. Clear evidence helps prevent an insurer from overstating the injured person’s share of responsibility.
Why is early investigation important?
Conditions change, cameras overwrite footage, witnesses move on, vehicles are repaired, and businesses or agencies may not keep records forever. Early investigation helps preserve proof before it disappears.
What does Licatesi Law Group review during a consultation?
The firm reviews what happened, who may be legally responsible, the available insurance or claim path, medical treatment, deadlines, and the records needed to prove the case. The goal is to identify the next practical step, not to promise a result.
Talk to a New York injury lawyer
Questions after reading this?
Licatesi Law Group, LLP offers free consultations for injury victims and families. Tell us what happened and we can explain the next legal steps.
Related Resources
Practice Areas
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Representation for pedestrians injured by drivers, unsafe roads, and crosswalk hazards
Personal Injury Lawyers
Legal help for claims involving public entities, unsafe streets, and serious injuries
New York & New Jersey Injury Lawyers
Serving injury clients across New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey
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