Elevators have become synonymous with buildings in New York. They are a part of the basic equipment and fundamental landscape. Moreover, people are so habitual of using elevators that they do not even think twice before stepping in or out. However, since elevators are eventually a piece of mechanical equipment, they pose a risk to its users and carry the risk of injuries.
Some of the most common injuries caused as a result of elevator failure are damage to the feet, ankles, knees, legs, hips and spine. In fact, numbers as shared by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show that over 10,000 people are injured in elevator accidents every year in the United States. Of these, 30 accidents result in fatality.
But how do elevator accidents occur? Some of the most common causes are:
- Overweight in the car due to high load
- The door opening and closing too quickly so people may get injured
- Stepping on or off on an uneven surface or the gap between the floor and the door
- Mechanical or equipment failure or snapped cables causing the elevator to free fall
- Walking into an open elevator shaft
- Clothes or bags getting caught in the elevator door
Who is responsible for an elevator accident?
As compared to other personal injuries or accidents such as car accidents, etc., an elevator accident is often more complicated. It usually involves several parties including the injured party, the owner of the building where the elevator is installed, the elevator manufacturer, and the maintenance company required to maintain the elevator in terms of service. In such a case, it is pertinent to answer the question about who is really responsible for an injury and how to resolve the claim.
An elevator accident lawyer or a personal injury attorney can help! To receive compensation after an elevator accident, the injured party must prove that the injury suffered was a result of another party’s negligence – whoever may be the negligent party. The injured party should be able to prove that the responsible party knew that the elevator was not functioning or had a history of problems that were not fixed.
A personal injury lawyer can help claim settlement for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and lost wages should negligence be proved by the lawyer. Considering the complications involved, it is recommended to work with an elevator accident attorney.
If you or someone you know has been in an elevator accident you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free, and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.