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New York, NY(212) 365-4875
Clemenza Concierge

Damage to your home or health · property damage and toxic exposure

Something damaged your home, or your health

The water came through the ceiling from the apartment upstairs, again. The digging next door cracked your foundation. The well water started to smell of fuel, or your child's blood test came back high for lead. Harm to property and harm from exposure look different, but they start with the same questions: what caused it, who is responsible, and who should pay to put it right.

You don't need to know the legal name for what happened. Tell us in your own words, and a lawyer at our firm will look at your case.

Tell us what happened

This may be for you if

  • Construction, digging or demolition next door damaged my home.
  • A neighbor, a business or a utility caused a flood, a fire or other damage to my property.
  • Our water, soil or air was contaminated, and I think I know where it came from.
  • Someone in my family got sick after exposure to mold, lead, asbestos or a chemical.
  • My landlord ignored leaks or peeling paint, and now my children are affected.

What we do, and what we do not

We do

  • A lawyer at our firm looks at your case and sorts out the first questions: what caused the harm, who may be responsible, and whether insurance is involved.
  • When another firm is better placed to lead your case day to day, such as one that brings property damage or toxic exposure cases where it happened, we choose that firm for you, from firms we have vetted for their expertise and track record, and we stay responsible for your case with them.

We do not

  • We don't test homes, water or soil, and we can't tell you whether something is safe. That's for a doctor, a qualified tester or your local health department.
  • We don't promise that a case will be taken on, or what it might be worth.

Two firms on your side, for the cost of one

When another firm leads your case, you have two law firms on your side, and it costs you no more than one firm would. The firm leading it day to day is one that brings property damage or toxic exposure cases where it happened, and it's your first call for questions about the case. Our firm stays responsible for your case with them for as long as it lasts: we check in often, keep our own calendar of its deadlines, and we're who you write to if something doesn't feel right.

You decide whether to go ahead, and nothing happens until you say yes.

How it works, step by stepHow fees work, and how they are shared

Problems we often hear about

What helps to have ready

  • The address of the property, and when you first noticed the problem.
  • Photos and video of the damage, taken before any repairs, with dates if you can.
  • Repair estimates, invoices and receipts.
  • Your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, and any claim numbers or letters.
  • Any test results for water, soil, air, mold or lead, and who did the testing.
  • For health effects: the names of the doctors who treated you, and any diagnosis you were given.
  • The name of the neighbor, builder, company or landlord you believe is responsible.

Questions people ask

Should I call my own insurance company first?

Usually, yes. Most policies require prompt notice, and your insurer may pay you and then go after whoever caused it. If your insurer denies or underpays, see the section on insurance claims.

Can I make repairs before anyone looks at the damage?

Protect your home and health first: stop the leak, make it safe. Before permanent repairs, photograph and film everything, keep damaged materials if you reasonably can, and keep every receipt.

Lots of people in my area were affected. Do we each need to reach out?

Yes, each household should send its own inquiry. Cases involving many people are sometimes handled together, and the lawyer who looks at your case takes that into account.

I rent. Does this apply to me?

It can. Tenants can have claims for damage to their belongings and for harm to their health, and in many places landlords have duties around conditions such as lead paint and mold. The rules vary by state, and sometimes by city.

What does it cost?

It costs nothing to ask. Lawyers who bring property damage and toxic exposure cases often work on a contingency fee, a share of any recovery.

This page explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation, and the law differs from state to state.