Who is Liable When I am Injured in an Elevator Accident?

In 2016, a repairman in New Jersey was killed in an apartment complex when the elevator malfunctioned and dragged him upwards. The worker became entangled between the elevator door and top portion of the elevator and was pronounced dead at the scene. Unfortunately, elevator accidents are not unheard of, and are typically very serious. In these accidents, it is important to determine liability so you can gain a better understanding of your rights after you have been injured.

Statistics, Liability, and More 

According to statistics, elevators in the United States make 18 billion passenger trips every year, resulting in about 27 deaths annually. This means that a very low percentage of elevator accidents take place every year, and you are more than likely not going to be injured in one. That’s why, if you have been injured, your accident is actually very rare and should be taken seriously. These accidents take place for a variety of reasons such as falls, electrical shocks, muscle strains, and more.

Many elevator accidents take place because of negligence. This means that a negligent party is seen as responsible for the accident. In your case, you will have to prove that the negligent party owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty, and that this breach caused your injury. Determining liability in these accidents can sometimes be complicated, but sometimes your case may be cut and dry. Some liable parties in these accidents can include the owner of the building where the elevator is located, elevator maintenance companies, designers, manufacturers, installation companies, and attendants responsible for operating elevators.

Different types of elevator accidents happen every year, even if they are not common. Perhaps the elevator doors unexpectedly shut on you, you fell down a shaft, or a “free fall” occurred, causing injuries. In any case, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve after your elevator accident. Call us today at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for more information on how we can be helpful in your injury case. We are experienced injury case attorneys who are on your side.