What to Do in an Elevator Accident in NYC

On Behalf of | Nov 16, 2022 | Personal Injury

Your Rights If You Are Injured on an Elevator in New York

New York City is home to some of the tallest buildings in the country, with a number of skyscrapers towering over one-thousand feet tall. These high-rises make elevators essential in the City. Millions of people rely on elevators to get them safely from one floor to another. Unfortunately, elevator accidents can happen and may have catastrophic results.

At Siegel & Coonerty LLP, we help individuals who have been injured in elevator accidents throughout New York City. Our experienced legal team has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured parties. We will work hard to hold liable property owners and manufacturers accountable for their wrongdoing. Contact our office today at 646-960-8195 for a free consultation.

What Causes Elevator Accidents

Elevator accidents can be caused by several factors. Many times they are preventable. If poor maintenance or a failure to conduct routine safety inspections resulted in injuries, there may be a viable lawsuit. It is important to discuss your case with a qualified premises liability attorney. Some examples:

  • Mis-leveling or when the elevator comes to a stop and is not level with the floor
  • Improper wiring
  • Inadequate maintenance and repair
  • Falls into elevator shafts
  • Door malfunctions
  • Collapsed platforms
  • Abrupt falls/stops

Depending on the circumstances of the case, it may be the property owner or another party, such as an elevator maintenance company, that can be held legally responsible for your injuries. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine who should be held accountable.

Common Elevator Accident Injuries

Injuries in elevator accidents can range in severity. survivors may suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones, injuries to joints, internal bleeding, or the incident may prove fatal. If you are involved in an elevator accident, you should always be seen by a medical doctor. Injuries may not seem serious initially, but they may cause severe complications down the road.

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Elevator Accident

If you are involved in an elevator accident you need to seek medical attention and consult with an attorney. Depending on the cause of your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important not to sign anything or make any statements unless you have consulted with an attorney. The things you say or write can and will be used against you to try and downplay your injuries or deny your claim for damages.

An attorney can help ensure that you receive the maximum recovery allowed by law. Elevator accidents can result in lifelong injuries that impact your mental and physical health. The more evidence you have about your case, the stronger it will be. If you are able, take pictures of the scene. Document whether the elevator was mis-leveled or uneven with the floor. Take video showing the empty shaft or the jammed doors. Try to obtain contact information for any witnesses and always keep all documentation related to your injuries.

Getting the Legal Help You Need

If you have been hurt in an elevator accident in New York City, contact our office at 646-960-8195 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Do not wait. You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against a liable property owner or manufacturer.