Recently in the news was the tragic story of a 5-year-old boy from Brooklyn, who fell 10-stories to his death in an elevator shaft. We were reminded of the unsuspecting dangers that may lurk in seemingly the most basic routines of our lives. The boy was attempting to free himself from the stalled elevator, stuck between floors, by jumping onto a ledge as his 8-year-old brother opened the elevator doors from the operating panel. The younger brother slipped as he landed on the ledge and fell backwards into the abyss-like elevator shaft.
Defective elevators create safety hazards that can be life threatening. Often elevators become defective because of neglect. Elevators should always be inspected on a routine basis. Building owners, managers, and elevator service companies can be sued in the event of an elevator accident.
Lawsuits may be brought against the manufacturers of the elevator if you are injured in an elevator that is defective because of improper design or faulty parts.
Elevator accidents are prevalent because owners fail to properly maintain and repair them. As a result, elevators deteriorate and our safety is jeopardized. If you suspect an elevator is faulty, always report it to the proper authorities. If you are injured in an elevator accident, speak to an attorney to learn about your rights and the options that you may have.
In many cases, the time you have to file a claim is limited. For example, if the elevator accident occurred in a public or government owned building, a “notice of claim” is required and needs to be filed shortly after the incident, typically, within 90 days.
Elevator accidents can occur anywhere, whether it is at home, at work or simply while you’re out running errands. So remember, if you or someone you know has been injured or involved in an elevator accident, you need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Attorneys retain experts such as engineers that can determine the cause of the elevator’s failure. You may be eligible to recover money damages commensurate with your injuries.
