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Catastrophic Malfunction: When to Hire an Elevator Accident Lawyer

  • Writer: BLITZ LAW GROUP
    BLITZ LAW GROUP
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

Elevators are ubiquitous in New York City, moving millions of people daily through apartment buildings, offices, and construction sites. We rely on them to be safe, but when an elevator or lift malfunctions due to negligence, the results can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one are injured in such a situation, contacting an experienced elevator accident lawyer immediately is crucial to protecting your rights.


Foot in brown shoe stops elevator doors from closing. Background has mirrored panels and beige dotted carpet, conveying urgency.

Common Scenarios Resulting in Severe Elevator Injuries


Elevator accidents are almost always the result of a failure to properly maintain, inspect, or operate the machinery. Liability depends entirely on proving that a specific party failed in their duty of care.


1. Sudden Drops, Stops, and Misleveling

  • The Accident: The elevator car drops rapidly, stops suddenly between floors, or fails to level correctly with the floor (creating a "trip and fall" hazard).

  • Resulting Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, broken bones (often from landing hard), or severe ankle/knee injuries from tripping.


2. Door Malfunctions and Shearing

  • The Accident: The doors close suddenly and forcefully on a person, or the elevator moves while the doors are open (known as "shearing"). This can happen in passenger elevators or freight elevators. We secured a $1.4 Million settlement for a client whose foot was crushed by a suddenly closing freight elevator door [Link to your $1.4 Million settlement post].

  • Resulting Injuries: Crushing injuries, amputations, severe fractures, or asphyxiation (in very rare, complex cases).


3. Entrapment and Electrical Failure

  • The Accident: A person becomes trapped due to a mechanical or electrical failure, leading to panic, falls while attempting escape, or, in rare cases involving water damage or faulty wiring, electrocution.

  • Resulting Injuries: Falls, heat exhaustion/dehydration, or psychological trauma and severe anxiety.


4. Construction Site Lifts and Hoists

  • The Accident: Equipment used to transport workers (man-lifts, personnel hoists) malfunctions due to overloading, poor maintenance, or operator error.

  • Resulting Injuries: Severe trauma injuries, often from falls, due to the high stress placed on the equipment.


Who Can Be Held Accountable?


When you hire an elevator accident lawyer, the focus shifts to a thorough investigation of all potentially liable parties under premises liability and negligence law. Unlike car accidents, liability in elevator cases is often spread across multiple entities:


  • The Building Owner/Landlord: The owner of an apartment building, office complex, or commercial space has the primary legal duty to ensure the premises are reasonably safe. They are responsible for contracting with reputable maintenance companies and ensuring all necessary repairs are performed.

  • The Maintenance/Repair Company: These companies are contracted to regularly inspect, maintain, and repair the elevators. If the malfunction was due to negligent maintenance, overlooked repairs, or faulty parts replacement, the maintenance company can be held directly liable.

  • The Elevator Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the elevator's design or manufacture (a product liability claim), the manufacturer could be held accountable.

  • The City/Government Entity: In public housing or government-owned buildings, the municipality or housing authority may be liable for negligent maintenance.


The Importance of Prompt Legal Action: Hire an Elevator Accident Lawyer at Blitz Law Group


Elevator accident cases are highly technical, often requiring expert testimony from engineers and safety inspectors. Furthermore, due to the rapid repair of elevators after an accident, crucial evidence can disappear quickly.


If you have suffered severe injuries due to a faulty elevator, securing a seasoned legal team is essential to ensure a prompt investigation and to fight for the compensation you need to cover extensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.


Useful Resources



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