New York Injury Lawyers / New York Elevator Accident Lawyer

New York Elevator Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in an elevator accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced New York elevator accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation. New York Elevator Accident Lawyer New York is full of commercial and residential buildings with elevators. Millions of people rely on them to get them to where they want or need to be. Even if you just use an elevator occasionally, it’s probably not something you think about on a regular basis. Yet, elevator accidents are extremely serious and can cause broken bones, crushing injuries, amputations, head injuries, neck and back injuries, and death. If you believe that you or someone you love may have a valid claim, schedule a consultation with an experienced elevator accident lawyer. Experience, as well as a track record of success, is crucial. Elevators in New York are subject to volumes and volumes of law and code that cover every aspect of their installation, inspection, and maintenance. It’s practically impossible to successfully handle a claim of this nature on your own.

What Are the Most Common Elevator Accidents in New York?

Elevator accidents can cause serious, permanent injuries or death. Victims and their families face unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, loss of quality of life, permanent disability, and final expenses. The most common elevator accidents happen when someone falls into an elevator shaft, there is a sudden stop, when the doors are closing, or if the elevator is not perfectly aligned with the floor.

Liability for Elevator Accidents

Although elevator accidents are classified as personal injury accidents, they can be complicated because of the numerous codes and laws involved. A New York elevator accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid legal claim. If you do, they can help you protect your legal rights and help you hold the right party or parties accountable. To prove liability, your lawyer must be able to show that the alleged negligent party was responsible for the operation and/or maintenance of the elevator. Your lawyer must also show that the alleged negligent party knew there was some kind of problem and did not take reasonable action to correct it. Reasonable actions may include, but aren’t limited to, taking the elevator out of service, posting signs, calling a maintenance company that handles elevators, and ensuring the repairs were made. If the alleged negligent party argues that they did not know about the problem, your lawyer will have to prove that they should have known and failed to take reasonable corrective action to minimize the chance of someone getting hurt.

A New York Elevator Accident Lawyer Can Explain Your Options to You

If you’re hurt in an accident involving an elevator, an experienced lawyer can explain your options to you. While elevator accident claims are generally a form of personal injury, there may also be a legal claim for product liability if any of the components used to install or maintain the elevator were defective; a premises liability claim against the property owner; or a workers’ compensation claim if you were a worker in the building.

Common Malfunctions That Cause Elevator Accidents

The most common elevator malfunctions that result in injuries include:
  • A cable snaps that cause the elevator to suddenly drop
  • Elevator doors that open before the elevator is on that floor
  • Elevator doors that open if someone leans against them
  • Doors that jam
  • Sudden acceleration or deceleration
  • Wet floors, hand rails, or walls that cause people to slip and fall
  • Electrical malfunctions

Here’s What You Should Do If You’re in an Elevator Accident

If you’re in an elevator accident, get medical attention immediately for your injuries. Call 911 if necessary. If you don’t think you’re injured or if you don’t have a serious or life-threatening injury, get medical attention that same day. Some internal injuries have no symptoms. Even minor injuries can get worse without the immediate care. Make sure that you ask the property manager to create an accident or incident report. This documents that you were involved in the accident. If you’re an employee, you should also file your workers’ compensation claim. Call an experienced New York elevator accident lawyer as soon as you can. Don’t trust the property manager, the employer, or the insurance company to do what is in your best interest.