The family of a beloved supervisor who fell to his death June 9 while making roof repairs at 200 E. 79th St. is now suing the building's owners and upper management for negligence.
The lawsuit was filed on September 25 by Teresa Saljanin, the grieving wife of 54-year-old Joseph Saljanin and the administratrix (female administrator) of his estate. Salyanin is seeking unspecified monetary damages from 200 E. 79th St. LLC, the shadowy legal entity that owns the Lenox Hill building, which is a full-service residential tower.
As the lawsuit itself states, Jospeh Salyanin was “instructed to perform work tasks” when he fell on the roof, claiming that his supervisors told him to work in an unsafe environment. Saladin “fell…because [the roof] was not properly constructed, used, monitored or supervised,” his family's lawyers wrote. The building is 19 stories high.
“On and before June 9th [the building’s management, or “Residential Board”] “was obligated to provide a safe workplace for construction managers in their service, including by warning, protecting against hazards, and providing information about hazards,” the lawsuit continues. “As a result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of the defendant, 200 East LLC, and its violations of the law…Joseph Salyanin died.”
Lawyers say his death has caused financial distress to his loved ones, including “financial loss, economic damage, loss of services, loss of parental care and guidance and loss of inheritance.”
Zalyanin was widely admired among other superintendents in the New York area. Following his untimely death, Manhattan Vendor's Group posted a tribute to him online: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Joseph Saljanin, a true leader in our industry and a compassionate soul who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”
“He was a mentor, a friend and a constant presence who brought kindness and integrity to every interaction. His commitment to excellence was matched only by his genuine care for those around him,” the statement continued.
In fact, in 2017, Straus news– the editor of Our city– awarded Salyanin the annual OTTY (Our Town Thank You) “Helping Hand” award, presented in collaboration with the 32BJ SEIU union. In an accompanying biography of him, Salyanin was described as “always helpful.”
“In his current role as resident manager at East 79th St., he wears many hats – supervising staff, obtaining bids from contractors and assisting tenants with their needs. His favorite part is mentoring new employees. “When you bring someone on board and change their life, it's gratifying,” he said in the bio.
In a heartbreaking aside, Salyanin described what meant most to him in his rare free time: “When he's not working, he and his wife spend time with their nine-year-old triplets. They make him coffee every morning.”
An ongoing GoFundMe is still active for those who want to help the Saljanins and is accepting donations at www.gofund.me/f/help-the-saljanin-family. “Please help Joe's family in any way you can to honor a wonderful husband, father, friend, boss, leader and mentor. All donations will go directly to the Saljanin family to meet ongoing financial needs,” the foundation said. As of press time, the company has raised around $30,000 toward its $35,000 goal.