Every year, people are injured, and sometimes killed, as a result of elevator accidents. Gilman Law, LLP is a leading Florida personal injury law firm that represents people injured in elevator accidents. Florida victims of elevator accidents may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you or a loved one were injured because of defective elevator parts, or an elevator that was poorly maintained, the Elevator Accident Lawyers at Gilman Law will work hard on your behalf to help obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Elevator Accidents
In the United States, over 120 billion people will travel on an estimated 600,000 elevators each year. Unfortunately, because of the large percentage of traffic, accidents will occur. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, elevator and escalator accidents kill nearly 40 people and injure thousands more annually. The most serious injuries reported for elevators are due to falls, particularly involving riders over the age of 65 years old. Passengers may also get stuck between elevator doors when they close suddenly or fall into open elevator shafts, often resulting in serious injury or death. Half of all elevator accidents involve maintenance workers.
The owner or building manager is required to keep the elevator up to code for safety and inspections and can be sued when negligent. They can also be sued if they do not implement emergency or rescue plans for elevator emergencies, along with training of employees. The service company can also be held liable for elevators that are not maintained or are flawed. They can also be held responsible for defective repairs and not keeping maintenance records up to date.
Common Causes of Elevator Accidents:
Elevator accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including inadequate maintenance, unsafe design, faulty wiring, pulley system malfunction and electronic eye malfunction.
The types of elevator malfunctions that commonly cause injuries include:
- A sudden drop
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Free fall of elevator car down the shaft
- Doors get stuck
- Doors do not close
- Doors open onto an empty shaft
- Doors close when they should not
- Elevator does not level properly with floor
- Elevator begins moving when it should not
These types of elevator malfunctions can cause passengers to suffer a number of injuries, including broken bones; head neck and spine injuries, and even death.
The Elevator Accident Lawyers at Gilman Law will be able to investigate all of the facts surrounding your accident. We have access to the best engineers who will if your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence.
If you are thinking about pursuing a claim for an injury sustained as a result of an elevator accident, you need to be aware that such lawsuits are subject to a Statute of Limitations established by Florida state laws. For that reason, it is important to contact one of the experienced Elevator Accident Attorneys at Gilman Law as soon as possible so that any Statute of Limitations does not expire and prevent a recovery.
Our Elevator Accident attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury and product liability law and are here to help protect your legal rights.
Legal Help for Victims of Elevator Accidents
Gilman Law, LLP is a leading Florida personal injury law firm that can help victims of elevator accidents receive the maximum compensation they deserve. For a free evaluation of your case, please fill out our online form, or CALL TOLL FREE (1-888-252-0048) today.