Elevator Injury Questions

What can happen if an elevator mis-levels or malfunctions?

If an elevator malfunctions the results can be catastrophic. According to a NY Post article published on 8/31/2003 accidents in NYC were on a ten year high, with incidents involving victims falling down elevator shafts, being crushed by elevators, elevators plunging to basements after cables broke and passengers being trapped for hours. Elevator mis-levelings also can cause fractures and other serious injuries when people trip and fall exiting elevators that they expect to have leveled correctly.

How common are elevator injuries and who is responsible?

The 8/31/2003 Post article found 91 reported accidents from 1/2002 through 6/2003. However, many accidents are not reported to the police or other agencies, so the actual number is likely to be much higher. If you are injured in an elevator accident you should contact the authorities and seek immediate medical attention. In addition, you should seek qualified legal representation immediately in order to protect your legal rights.

In cases involving elevator injuries it is important to seek immediate legal assistance so that an investigation can be performed before the condition of the elevator changes and while repair and maintenance records are still available.

Who should one contact in the event of a serious elevator mishap?

The police should be contacted to conduct an investigation, and a lawyer who can seek pre action discovery to preserve evidence and prevent the destruction of evidence should be contacted immediately.