During construction and excavation occurring in the vicinity of other buildings, it is possible to upset the soil beneath neighboring buildings and cause tipping, leaning or cracking in the foundation of those buildings. In the most extreme situations, the defective or improper excavation can lead to collapse of the building.  Many experts believe that improper excavation and underpinning is the leading cause of construction damage in New York, especially New York City.  Particularly, improper excavation and inadequate or improper shoring is a common cause of damage to adjoining properties and the damages may be substantial for the owners of those buildings. The construction damage attorneys at Kushnick Pallaci PLLC are well versed in the legal requirements of excavation operations and routinely counsel clients on the rights and obligations during excavation, shoring and underpinning operations.

At the law firm of Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we represent clients in litigation involving improper and defective excavation and underpinning throughout across the State of New York, including, the New York City boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan and in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. We work with property owners, including the owners of neighboring buildings, as well as general contractors, sub-contractors and engineers.  The firm’s managing member, Vincent T. Pallaci has regularly lectured to engineers, contractors, owners and attorneys on the legal obligations of all parties involved with excavation process, licensing agreements and adjacent property damage claims.  Some common signs of damage from defective or deficient excavation, construction, underpinning and/or shoring include cracks in the building facade, floors out of level, walls out of plumb and windows and doors that are out of square.

Contact the New York construction damage lawyers at Kushnick Pallaci PLLC if your building has been damaged because of excavation, underpinning or shoring or if you are worried that you will be held responsible for damages that occurred during the excavation, shoring or underpinning of an adjacent property.  Our attorneys will help analyze the situation with you and develop a plan that fits your situation and your needs.  Our construction attorneys can take immediate action when necessary, including working with the Department of Buildings to attempt to obtain or remove Stop Work Orders and even obtaining emergency court orders to stop work or remove a Stop Work Order.  Whether the building has moved, tilted, shifted, sunk, cracked or collapsed, our construction attorneys have seen it all and are ready to help.