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What Happened in White Plains
In mid-October, hundreds of Westchester residents found themselves stranded after a partial collapse inside a 14-story parking garage in downtown White Plains. The structure—located on Hale Avenue near South Broadway, known locally as Westchester One—suffered a failure when a 1,200-square-foot concrete section of the fifth-floor deck crashed onto the level below.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but several vehicles were damaged and more than 550 cars were trapped as officials closed the facility “until further notice” to ensure safety and conduct a full investigation.
For residents who park daily in high-density garages across White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, and Manhattan, this incident is a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary routines can turn dangerous.
Understanding the Risks — Structural Failures and Driver Liability
While this collapse did not result in serious injury, similar incidents can cause catastrophic harm: falling debris, collapsing beams, or vehicles crushed under concrete. When structures fail, multiple parties may share liability—property owners, management companies, contractors, and even municipalities if code violations or negligence are involved.
Drivers and pedestrians who suffer injuries in such accidents may face medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain. In some cases, victims are unaware they can pursue compensation for emotional distress or property loss even if they weren’t directly struck.
Attorney Norman Gershon, a respected Westchester and New York City personal injury lawyer, stresses that “every accident deserves careful investigation.” Structural collapses, like car crashes, often involve multiple layers of responsibility—and experience matters when determining who is truly at fault.
Your Legal Rights After a Parking Garage or Car Accident
Whether you’re injured in a garage collapse, a multi-vehicle collision, or a pedestrian knockdown, knowing your rights is critical. In New York, injured parties can file claims for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage or loss of use
Unfortunately, insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts or shift blame. That’s why it’s vital to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can secure evidence, preserve witness statements, and negotiate from a position of strength.
For more than 35 years, Norman Gershon has fought — and won — complex cases involving automobile accidents, structural failures, and catastrophic injuries throughout Westchester County and the New York City metro area.
Why Experience Matters — Norman Gershon’s Proven Record
Norman Gershon isn’t just another lawyer — he’s the attorney other lawyers call when their toughest cases go to trial. With tens of millions in verdicts and settlements, his results speak for themselves:
- $16.5 Million verdict – Passenger injured in bus collision (Bronx Supreme)
- $14.5 Million settlement – Bus accident, multiple fractures and surgeries (Queens Supreme)
- $5 Million verdict – Trip and fall, partial paralysis (Bronx Supreme)
- $3 Million verdict – Motor vehicle accident, lumbar fusion (Bronx Supreme)
- $2.5 Million verdict – Intersection accident, cervical disc fusion (Westchester Supreme)
His clients describe him as “smart, compassionate, and relentless.” As one client wrote, “Norman worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected… He truly cares.”
Local Context — Westchester & NYC Motorists
Every day, thousands of commuters navigate the busy corridors of I-287, the Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and Central Avenue, traveling between White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Heavy traffic, aging infrastructure, and ongoing construction can increase the risk of serious accidents or structural failures — especially in parking structures, garages, and high-rise lots built decades ago.
The White Plains garage collapse serves as a wake-up call to drivers across the region: safety hazards aren’t limited to the roadways. Property owners and municipalities must maintain their facilities responsibly, and when they fail, victims have the right to hold them accountable.
Protect Your Rights Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a garage collapse, vehicle accident, or any form of negligence, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines for legal action are strict under New York law.
With over 35 years of trial experience, Norman Gershon has built a reputation for delivering justice and real results for clients throughout Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.
Call The Law Offices of Norman Gershon today at (914) 485-1444 for a free consultation.
You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. You deserve results.
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