Elevator accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, an elevator may malfunction and the doors open too fast, trapping a person between the door and the floor. Other causes of elevator accidents include doors not opening all the way, dim lighting, and improper stops. Maintenance negligence is also a factor in many elevator accidents.
Despite these safety precautions, accidents can still occur. For example, a construction foreman in Maryland was killed in 1996 when a hydraulic elevator failed to stop. He died from asphyxiation. His helper was also injured. Another incident occurred in 2011 in China, in which a nurse whose body was encased in a wedge was crushed to death by an elevator.
In many cases, the building owner is responsible for the safety of elevators. A building owner must regularly inspect and maintain the elevators to keep them functioning safely. If a building owner neglects its elevators, they may be held legally liable for any injuries that result from an accident. This is particularly true if the accident results in death.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Elevator Accidents in California?
Multiple parties may be held liable for elevator accidents, including building owners, property managers, elevator maintenance companies, and equipment manufacturers. Under California premises liability law, property owners bear primary responsibility for ensuring regular inspections comply with California Code of Regulations Title 8, which mandates annual safety certifications for all elevators in commercial buildings throughout Southern California. When maintenance companies fail to identify mechanical defects or miss scheduled inspections, they share liability for resulting injuries.
Elevator manufacturers can be held liable under product liability law if design defects or manufacturing flaws cause malfunctions leading to injuries. This applies whether the accident involves sudden drops, door failures, or control system errors. Third-party inspection companies that certify elevators as safe may also face negligence claims if they overlooked dangerous conditions.
California’s comparative negligence rule means your compensation won’t be barred even if you share minor fault, though your damages may be reduced proportionally. In complex cases involving catastrophic injuries like paralysis or wrongful death, identifying all liable parties ensures you can pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often represent multiple defendants, making experienced legal representation essential for navigating these multi-party claims.
Elevator accidents are a cause for alarm. If elevator doors are not properly functioning, a passenger could be disoriented and fall. This could be particularly dangerous for the elderly, children, or people with physical disabilities. If a passenger falls, they should immediately seek medical care. The medical personnel can then determine the extent of their injuries.
Elevator accidents occur in many settings, including the workplace. Accidents can occur due to faulty sensors, mechanical failure, or faulty elevator doors. These elevator accidents can be very painful and cause severe injuries. Accidents in elevators can also occur when control systems fail to detect the speed of an elevator.
Elevators move fast, but not as fast as other workplace hazards. Employees riding their motorcycle or bicycle to work is one thing, but riding these two-wheeled vehicles on the jobsite is a hazard and has been known to cause injuries.
Elevator accidents can be very serious, and if you are hurt, it is critical to immediately contact a Massachusetts elevator and escalator accident attorney. A skilled elevator accident attorney can help you identify witnesses, preserve important evidence, and alert insurance companies to the accident. Even if your case isn’t strong, an attorney will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Elevator accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including death, paralysis, and amputation. While the most common cause of elevator accidents is a malfunction of moving parts, there are many less dramatic causes that can lead to serious injuries. Misleveling elevators can also cause people to fall, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on your elevator’s speed and position.
A proper investigation will determine who was at fault and establish who is legally responsible. Many building owners and property managers in California don’t report elevator accidents to government officials, which can make it difficult to establish who is at fault. Therefore, the investigation should be thorough so that the cause of the accident can be identified.
