Westfield Rink Roof Collapse After New Jersey Blizzard: Who Is Liable If Someone Is Injured?

Close-up of a hockey puck beside a red goal post on an ice rink at Westfield Rink following a partial roof collapse after a New Jersey blizzard.

When New Jersey residents prepare for a blizzard, their focus usually remains on school closures, dangerous road conditions, and keeping themselves and their loved ones safe and warm. However, far fewer people consider the serious risk of roof collapse. Though roof collapses remain uncommon (even during severe weather conditions like we just saw), they can and do happen and what occurred at the Westfield Rink serves as a strong reminder.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the roof of the Westfield Rink partially collapsed. While the official cause of the collapse remains under investigation, local authorities are attributing it to the recent blizzard. Terrifying events like this remind us how quickly structural failures can occur. The personal injury lawyers at Drazin and Warshaw want you to understand these risks, as well as your legal options if you or someone you love is injured in a structural collapse.

Partial Roof Collapse at Gumbert Park: What Happened and Was Anyone Injured?

A day after the record-breaking blizzard, the Westfield Police Department’s 911 police-fire EMS communications center received a report of the ice rink’s roof collapse. Local law enforcement arrived on the scene at approximately 3:46 p.m. on February 25, 2026. Because propylene glycol (the substance used to maintain ice temperature) was on site, the Union County Hazardous Materials Response Team was also called, however, they said there is no public health threat.

While the ice rink’s owner and operator was on site at the time of the collapse, no injuries have been reported at the time of publication. While the Westfield Rink was open for the winter season, it was closed on the day of the partial roof collapse. Officials have confirmed that it will remain closed for the remainder of the season.

Westfield Rink Partial Roof Collapse: Why Local Law Enforcement is Blaming the Snow

From the wooden trails in Sussex County to the tree-lined suburban streets in Westfield, the Garden State was covered in a blanket of snow earlier in the week. According to data from the National Weather Service, wind gusts reached 54 miles per hour in Union County while the rest of the state saw between 14 and 30.7” of snow. Union County, where the Westfield Rink is located, received 20” of snow over the course of two days.

This number is significant.

Many standard commercial roofs are only equipped to handle about 20 to 60 pounds per square foot (PSF). While, in theory, a 1,000 square foot roof can handle the weight of 20,000 pounds, that’s usually only when the weight is evenly distributed. This is rarely possible, especially, in blizzards, when snowfall is subject to the direction of the wind. However, the Westfield Rink does not have a standard commercial roof. It has a white canopy-style roof made of a tent-like fabric. It was never designed to withstand the immense pressure that blizzard conditions bring.

The result? Possibly what happened on Wednesday.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Partial Roof Collapse in New Jersey: Is Responsibility in Cases Like This Always Straightforward?

Is liability in a case like this always straightforward? No, not always, which is why a thorough investigation is needed.

While we await answers as to where liability falls in the Westfield Rink partial roof collapse, let’s go through some common possibilities.

The Property Owner

In many cases, the property owner holds primary responsibility when a structural collapse and subsequent injuries occur on their property. Under New Jersey premises liability laws, property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for their lawful visitors. This includes ensuring that temporary structures, such as canopy-style tents like the one used at Westfield Rink, do not become dangerous hazards.

Property owners have a responsibility to know whether or not their canopy-style roof is structurally sound, and if not, clear snow promptly or take it down if bad weather is expected.

Maintenance or Snow Removal Contractors

If a third-party vendor was specifically hired to inspect or clear a roof following a snowstorm and failed to do so, they could be held liable in the event of an injury. Common examples include:

Failure to clear drifting snow
Ignoring visible signs of structural stress
Improperly removing snow that caused uneven weight distribution

Municipality or a Government Entity

In some cases, a local municipality or government entity may be responsible for a partial roof collapse if the property was either owned or maintained by the government. The Westfield Rink is a public-private partnership, which means that a company operates the facility, while the government may own the land, provide funding, or oversee certain operations.

In order to determine liability, it must be determined who legally owns the property, who was responsible for maintenance and inspections, and who made the decision to close the facility during the blizzard. If it’s found that a private operator is liable, then the standard two-year timeframe to file a personal injury claim would apply. However, if a government entity is found liable, the time to file an injury claim is much shorter, requiring a formal Notice of Claim in 90 days of the incident.

What Should You Do After a Structural Collapse in New Jersey: Steps to Protect Your Health and Legal Rights

Thankfully, the Westfield Rink incident did not result in any injuries. But that may not always be the case. Westfield Rink is one of many outdoor skating rinks throughout New Jersey and recent weather forecasts are already predicting more snow on the way next week.

If you or someone you love is injured while enjoying one of these outdoor facilities with a canopy-style roof, the next steps you take matter.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Following a partial roof collapse, your well-being is most important. Get to safety and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Partial roof collapses can result in significant injuries, including fractures, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Prompt medical care can quickly diagnose and treat your ailments, giving you the best chance at a smooth recovery. Furthermore, going to the doctor creates a paper trail that serves as critical evidence supporting the connection between the collapse and your injuries.

Document What Happened

If you can, document the scene. Take photos of the roof, any debris, and any injuries you have sustained. Get the names of witnesses, as well, as their testimony will be useful in corroborating your story.

Also, write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your head. What were you doing at the time of the collapse? How did the staff respond? Was local law enforcement called to the scene? The more details you have, the better.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Following a roof collapse in Union County, the insurance company will want to get a statement from you. However, it’s best to consult with legal counsel first. Despite their helpful reputation, insurance companies are not actually on your side. They want to protect their bottom line, not your best interests.

By hiring an attorney promptly, you can protect your claim and ability to pursue compensation. Your attorney will investigate the case, speak with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights from beginning to end.

New Jersey Structural Collapse Claims: Get the Legal Support You Need After an Accident

With seasonal offerings such as ice skating and hockey, the winter season is supposed to be fun. When an accident happens, especially something as sudden as a roof collapse, you need to turn to an attorney who knows how to defend your rights and pursue maximum compensation for the harm you’ve endured. Drazin and Warshaw is that firm. We have decades of experience handling complex premises liability claims. We will answer your questions and guide you through the claims process so you can get the money you need when you need it.

Don’t face the aftermath of an accident alone. If you are injured in Westfield or anywhere else in Union County, call Drazin and Warshaw for help. Call 732-333-8141 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.