Legal Question in Personal Injury in New York
Damage to a coop apartment
I own a coop apartment and received damage to my bathroom for a upstairs neighbor who also owns his apartment. I was advised by coop management that the upstairs neighbor is responsible to reimburse me for repairs that need to be done. Is this information correct? And if so how do I handle getting reimbursed if the neighbor is avoiding me?
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Damage to a coop apartment
If you can prove their carelessness you can recover. You or your attorney can file a claim. If you have a home owners policy, you can file with your own carrier.
Re: Damage to a coop apartment
It depends on the nature of the damage to your bathroom and how it was caused. Your neighbor may be responsible, the co-op may be responsible or they may both be responsible to some degree.
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Re: Damage to a coop apartment
If you have homeowners insurance, you can file a claim with them for reimbursement to repair your apartment, and then they would pursue any claims against all responsible parties. If not, you should contact your neighbor by certified letter, as well as the Co-op, advising them of your claim and demand for reimbursement. If no response, you could file suit. I would caution you not to just take the Co-op's word for it that the damage is solely due to the upstairs neighbor. There could be a problem with the common areas that contributed to the damage, so either or both could be at fault. I would be happy to discuss this further with you and answer any additional questions you may have regarding further action.
Both the Coop Board and the upstairs owner can be liable
You should claim on both your own insurance and send a claim letters to the board and the upstairs owner.
If it was the upstairs fault then the board is also responsible. If it was internal piping in the ceilings/floors not cared for by the tenants then just the board is responsible.
Re: Damage to a coop apartment
How do I know if the information is correct. If he is avoiding you, sue him.