Can I Seek Damages After Being Injured In An Elevator Accident

There are approximately 900,000 elevators in the U.S., and there are almost 30 people killed and over 10,000 people injured each year in elevator accidents. As with any machine, elevators can malfunction or be manufactured with defects. Unfortunately, there are no governmental agencies charged with inspecting elevators or recalling parts. The U.S. Labor Department’s Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reports that one-half of all elevator-related injuries occur with repair or maintenance workers and in office buildings. Reasons for these kinds of accidents may be incomplete repairs or maintenance, failure of the elevator to line up with the floor, faulty wiring, an open shaft, or a system malfunction.

The liability for injuries incurred in an elevator accident can be complicated for all the parties involved, so obtaining quality legal counsel is key. The owner of a public establishment has a legal duty to keep the premises safe for the public. Under this premises liability theory, if the owner fails to meet this duty of care, he or she may be negligent. If product liability is involved, liability for the accident may also be attributed to the elevator inspector, elevator maintenance crew, rescue personnel, the elevator manufacturer or distributor or even the state government.

Personal injury damages can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, home care, bodily injury and emotional distress. If your loved one has died, you may be able to make a wrongful death claim and receive compensation for the loss of your loved one. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. today if you or a loved one has been involved in an elevator-related accident. Our team of personal injury professionals has the knowledge and experience to offer you quality legal representation and will fight for the compensation you need and deserve.