FREE CONSULTATION - CALL NOW!

212-LAWYERS or (212) 344-1000

Manhole Explosions Create a Risk of Injury in NYC

In New York City, manhole covers can present a hidden risk to passerby and to construction workers. Those who sustain injury as a result of an  incident involving a manhole cover should consult with a New York City injury lawyer to determine if they  have an options available to them for pursing a claim for compensation.

Manhole covers can be dangerous because manholes can explode. In fact, as Metro US wrote recently, two separate manhole explosions occurred in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, raising concerns about serious risks of unexpected explosions.

Why are Manhole Explosions a Risk?

According to Metro US, manhole explosions have been described as a “longstanding occurrence,” and, in fact, the explosions in the upper East Side were not isolated incidents. There were actually at least three other similar incidents over the course of the same day that those explosions occurred, according to Con Edison. And, in total, there were 1,908 incidents involving manholes in 2016 and 3,781 incidents in 2015.

These manholes allow access to electrical cables that run underground under the city of New York to make the underground utility grid accessible to those who must service the grid. Unfortunately, the infrastructure is aging and the manhole covers do not keep water out.

When the weather gets bad during the winter and snow melts that is mixed with de-icing salt, this salty water drips into the manholes. This, in turn, causes frayed low-voltage cables to fail because of the exposure to the salty water.  In frightening incidents, fires occur, smoke comes out of the manholes, and explosions occur that send the manhole covers flying into the air and putting pedestrians in jeopardy of serious injury.

Around 60 percent of incidents involving dangerous exploding manholes happen during the winter months. However, incidents can also occur frequently in the summer as well thanks to the intense heat that can also cause damage to the wires. The heat can fry the aging wires, causing explosions just like salt does in the winter.

These incidents are especially common in New York because the largest underground electrical system in the country is located in the New York City area. There are 98,000 miles of cable underground and there are 264,000 different manholes and service boxes that are located throughout the city.

New York’s electrical grid is also aging, which plays a role in the increased risk of manhole explosions. Low voltage cables typically have a life span of around 40 years. However, within Manhattan, around five percent of the low voltage cables in the city were installed prior to 1930. The electrical system in the city is actually the oldest in the nation, and old and fraying wires make it more likely that manholes will explode.

While Metro US reports that bystander injuries aren’t that common, injuries do occur. If you or a loved one gets hurt because of an incident with an exploding manhole, you should contact a New York City injury attorney to find out what options you have for taking legal action to recover compensation for injury.

NYC Personal Injury lawyer - RMFW Law Logo Inverted

Get a Free Consultation

No Win No Fee
April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
See All Reviews
js_loader