Ronemus & Vilensky Are Behind a $350 Million Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and New York City
The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the way New Yorkers live their lives. Hundreds of thousands of people have been infected with the virus that causes severe respiratory disease known as COVID-19, and thousands of residents of NYC have lost their lives.
For people living in housing managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the toll has been particularly harsh. Mismanagement and a lack of communication contributed to many of the deaths in public housing.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious medical problems or has died from COVID-19 in NYC or NYCHA-operated public housing, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
The COVID-19 attorneys at Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP are ready to help pandemic victims by preserving their rights and fighting for fair compensation.
NYC COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
According to an article published in the New York Post, over 1200 residents of public housing operated by NYCHA have lost their lives from complications of COVID-19. Another 6600 residents have contracted the coronavirus infection.
In all, 7818 people have tested positive since March 1, 2020. The death toll of residents in NYCHA-managed properties represents almost 6% of the total COVID-19 deaths in New York City.
NYCHA Residents Hit the Hardest
The infection and death numbers were compiled by the City of New York using figures from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Among the hardest-hit housing complexes are:
- Grant Houses in Manhattan
- Marcy Houses in Brooklyn
- Bronx River Developments in the Bronx
- Pomonk Houses in Queens
- Morrisania Air Rights in the Bronx
NYCHA is the nation’s largest public housing authority, providing homes for an estimated 400,000 residents in New York’s five boroughs. The agency is responsible for 2200 buildings across the city.
Housing Authority Negligence
NYCHA housing developments are home to many people in two at-risk populations: the poor and the elderly. Evidence suggests that the housing authority was negligent in its duties to protect the residents of its housing projects.
The NYCHA waited over two weeks after the first COVID-19 case was reported before announcing plans to protect residents. This critical lapse in timing allowed the coronavirus to spread rapidly. Residents were left in the dark about NYCHA’s plans, which were not communicated adequately among the people who live in the complexes.
Once disinfection began, these safety protocols were insufficient to prevent the spread of the disease. The city’s poor and elderly who depend on safe, clean, and affordable housing in NYCHA developments were disproportionately affected, resulting in severe illnesses and deaths for thousands of residents.
The Class Action Lawsuit Against the City of New York and the NYCHA
In May 2020, Robert Vilensky of the Law Offices of Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP announced that it is his intention to file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the residents of NYCHA who were sickened or killed by COVID-19.
The lawsuit will allege that the NYCHA was negligent in its duties to provide safe accommodations and to implement protocols that would halt the spread of any infectious disease. By waiting weeks to begin disinfection, many residents were exposed to the virus.
Additionally, the NYCHA promised to distribute protective face masks and gloves to residents of the housing developments; many residents reported that they received neither masks nor gloves.
Can I Receive Compensation from COVID-19?
If you or someone you love has been affected by the spread of COVID-19 in NYCHA housing developments, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Ronemus & Vilensky are committed to helping infection victims file legal claims against the City of New York and the New York City Housing Authority. Ronemus & Vilenksy are experienced personal injury attorneys in New York City, having been recognized among the top injury lawyers for many years.
Together, they have won millions of dollars in judgments and settlements on behalf of injury victims.
Free Case Review from an NYC COVID-19 Lawyer
Injury victims have specific rights under New York City, state, and federal laws. Residents of housing projects operated/managed by NYCHA deserve safe, clean, and affordable housing. Failures in that agency to protect its residents may be grounds for legal action.
If you or a family member has been infected by coronavirus or has died as a result of the infection and lives or has lived in NYC and/or NYCHA developments, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and mental anguish.
Call the law firm of Ronemus & Vilensky, LLP today by dialing (212) 779-7070 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Se habla espanol.
