Elevator Accidents
There are few situations as scary as being trapped in a dysfunctioning elevator, or having an elevator drop suddenly. Being in an elevator accident can result in serious injury or death. If you or a loved one were in an elevator accident, Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help make you financially whole, which will enable you to pay your medical bills and make up for your lost wages due to your injuries.
17,000 People Are Injured in Elevator Accidents Annually
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elevator accidents take the lives of roughly 30 Americans every year, and cause 17,000 injuries across the country. While elevators have certainly become safer in the last half century, they still frequently experience devastating errors. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Lacerations;
- Contusions;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Herniated disc;
- Fractured bones;
- Fractured or sprained wrist and/or ankle;
- Tendon tears; and
- Whiplash.
The Most Common Types of Elevator Accidents
In any of the following scenarios, if you were injured, you have the right to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party.
- The elevator started or stopped abruptly;
- The elevator doors malfunctioned;
- The power cut out;
- The elevator moved too quickly;
- The floor did not level properly;
- The elevator operator made a mistake that ended in injury; and
- More.
It probably comes as little surprise that the majority of elevator fatalities are caused by a fall to a lower level, according to the CPWR Quarterly Report. Falling one story in an elevator applies the same amount of force as falling one story outside of an elevator—being in the elevator does not make it any less dangerous or lethal. Other injuries and fatalities are caused by:
- Crushing or getting a body limb caught in the door;
- Electrocution;
- Falls to the same level; and
- Contact with the interior of the elevator, such as hitting your head during intense shaking or a sudden stop.
Who is at Fault?
One of the first necessary elements of a successful personal injury claim is identifying all potentially liable parties. In the vast majority of cases, the property owner / business owner of the building you were in is the party that should be held liable for your damages. They are responsible for ensuring that the elevator is in good working condition. However, in some personal injury cases, the elevator manufacturer may be held liable for defective machinery in a product liability lawsuit. An attorney will be able to determine which party responsibility lies with.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Attorneys Today
No matter the location—an apartment complex, the mall, an office building, an airport, or a hospital—if you were injured in an elevator accident, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, future medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of joy of life, lost wages and earning capacity, and more. To find out what your case is worth, call the law offices of Mark H. Wright, PLLC today at 813-425-2020 to schedule a free consultation.
