The family of Donike Gocaj, a grandmother who died after falling into an open, steaming New York City manhole, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Con Edison. The suit, filed Thursday in New York Supreme Court, alleges that the utility company's negligence led to Gocaj's death and injuries to her boyfriend on May 18.
Gocaj, 56, was reportedly stepping out of her vehicle to meet her boyfriend, Jashar “Jack” Kameraj, when she plummeted into the manhole near East 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue. According to family attorney Howard Hershernhorn, Gocaj suffered scald burns and inhalation thermal injuries before succumbing. Kameraj also sustained injuries while attempting to rescue her, leaving him bedridden, the lawsuit states.
According to the filing, Con Edison failed to properly secure the manhole cover, endangering the public. The lawsuit claims the company was aware that its manhole covers could become dislodged by vehicle traffic. A Con Edison representative previously stated that a truck had dislodged the cover less than 15 minutes before Gocaj's fall.
"Assuming that what they said is true, that a truck passed over it and dislodged it, it’s pretty obvious negligence that it wasn’t placed back correctly by Con Ed, who is responsible for that manhole cover," Hershernhorn said. Gocaj's attorneys highlighted that over 3,200 complaints about manhole hazards were filed with the city between January and February alone, arguing this indicates a systemic failure.
Con Edison, which maintains approximately 285,000 manholes, should implement more robust locking systems, real-time monitoring, and secondary safety devices, according to the attorneys. The family is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages to address the physical, emotional, and financial devastation caused by the incident.
"We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased," a spokesperson for Con Edison said in a statement. "Because the matter is pending litigation, we cannot comment on specific allegations or legal proceedings. Con Edison will review the complaint and respond through the appropriate legal process."
Gocaj's attorney described her as a devoted mother and grandmother who worked multiple jobs to provide for her children after her husband's death 20 years prior. "More important than any of that is to make sure that this never happens again," Hershernhorn stated.