Nick Caiazzo has assembled a team in the tri-state area that defends matters exclusively related to the service, ownership, operation and management of every conceivable type of premises. Nationally, Nick works closely with the firm’s regional attorneys across the country to provide consistent and uniformed representation to clients that operate in multiple jurisdictions. A seasoned trial lawyer, Nick represents the full range of parties involved in building construction, service, maintenance and demolition in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases alleging negligence, safety violations and dangerous conditions, as well as contractual disputes. Nick’s representation extends to transportation companies responsible for the removal and hauling of construction debris, waste and recycling. He has developed a particular concentration in elevator liability cases and is highly valued for his career-long experience defending premises security claims.

As full-service designated counsel for a client, Nick and his team get to know the company’s business from policies and procedures to operations, right down to the mechanics, security guards, and construction and other service personnel. They conduct a full-on audit of the premises, including history, structural issues, legal matters and claims, local regulations, risk factors and vendor contracts. They work with each client to develop risk management and crisis response programs and initiate processes to reduce claims, transfer risk and help mitigate the impact of insurance costs on the bottom line. Their advice and guidance are sought by colleagues throughout the firm, and their techniques are migrated as best practice standards. Nick is a member of the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA New York) and participates on its Codes & Regulations/Government Affairs Committee.

After honing his trial skills as an assistant district attorney in the Felony Trial, Economic Crimes and Arson bureaus in Kings County (Brooklyn), NY, Nick joined Wilson Elser in 1992. High among his priorities is giving back to the community by providing legal counsel and serving as a board member for a number of not-for-profit and charitable organizations. He is particularly active in causes that support and promote the contributions of Italian Americans to society. Nick serves as regional vice president of the National Italian American Foundation, which awards grants and scholarships to qualified students. He also serves on the board of directors of Cristo Rey High School in Brooklyn, which is part of a national network of Catholic college preparatory schools serving disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nick received the Marco Polo humanitarian award for his work in the Italian American community and is the recipient of a humanitarian award for his work with Hamilton-Madison House, which assists immigrants with citizenship, employment, child and elder care, medical care and other services.

Areas of Focus

Premises Liability Counsel
Nick represents property owners and managers as well as contractors and subcontractors for services such as elevators, fire prevention, plumbing, electrical work, maintenance services, services such as elevators, fire prevention, plumbing, electrical work, maintenance services, waste removal , window washing, security guards, and a variety of other parties associated with the life cycle of premises of every kind.
Construction: Nick has litigated complex personal injury and wrongful death cases alleging violation of New York Labor Law and industrial codes, failure to provide a safe workplace, and the creation of defective or dangerous conditions. His practice also encompasses contractual disputes as well as contract drafting and review. Elevator Liability: Nick has extensive experience with elevator liability claims, including those involving misleveling, entrapment, sudden drops and accelerations, door closures, and other such incidents.
Premises Security: Nick has developed a particular concentration defending premises security claims such as false arrest, excessive force and assault as well as negligent hiring, retention and training.
Toxic Tort / Asbestos: In cases involving contaminated sites and potentially dangerous substances, such as benzene, lead, mold, chemicals, solvents and other toxins, Nick uses insight into legacy issues to advise on current and emerging toxic tort claims. In premises liability matters, Nick coordinates the representation of defendants in personal injury, wrongful death and asbestos in buildings lawsuits.

Transportation
Nick has in-depth experience defending claims associated with trucking, waste management/removal and hauling. His practice in this area extends to accidents involving fatalities. In the event of a catastrophic incident, Nick’s team provides a fast, well-coordinated response as part of the firm’s sophisticated crisis management practice.