Elevators are one of the most common methods of transportation today. Used by millions of people everyday in malls, shopping centers, doctor’s offices, and businesses, elevators can be seen almost everywhere. While they are relatively safe, they can also cause serious injuries, especially if the manufacturer or property owner failed to protect you from an elevator defect. Today, we are going to go over the most common elevator accidents in the event you ever need to pursue a legal claim if you are hurt while riding one.
Elevators should be checked routinely for safety hazards; however, this easy task is not always done. Not every property manager or building owner is as diligent as you would expect, and this task could be postponed or put off entirely for years. When potential elevator hazards are not addressed, it puts visitators at risk.
Commonly Seen Elevator Accidents and Defects
Here are some of the most common elevator accidents:
Defective doors
Most elevators have a built-in door sensor so that they will open and close slowly whenever someone enters or exits. However, sometimes these door sensors may fail to detect an individual and close on that person’s arm or leg. Other times, someone may get caught in the door.
Speed malfunctions
An elevator might start moving too fast, causing emotional distress for the passengers inside. The passengers might also get thrown against one another or the walls in the elevator and get injured. If the braking systems are not working, the elevator might not stop when it should and could endanger everyone inside.
Free falls
A snaped wire or fault elevator track could send the elevator car into a free fall, putting all passengers at serious risk of injury and possible death.
Unbalanced leveling
This could create a space between the elevator and the floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall.
Electrocution
People have died in elevators after touching a button and being electrocuted.
Falls into shafts
Falls into elevator shafts can cause perhaps the most severe types of injuries. Most elevator fatalities are due to these kinds of falls.
Elevator Injuries
Some of the most common elevator accident injuries include but are not limited to the following:
- Broken bones
- Severed limbs
- Cuts and bruises
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Wrongful death
Consult with an Award-Winning Attorney from Our Firm Today
It is an owner's responsibility to ensure their property is maintained as a relatively safe environment for visitors. Called premises liability, any violation could result in a premise liability claim. If you have been injured in an elevator accident, our office is here to help. We will provide a thorough investigation of the accident and assist you with your claim.
Contact our office online or call us via (916) 778-3228 to schedule a consultation.