Chances are, when you step aboard an elevator, the last thing on your mind is a potentially serious injury. However, if you were injured, there is a very good chance you are suffering now, as elevator accidents tend to be severe. What’s worse, elevator accidents are rarely the passenger’s fault, which is partly what makes them so infuriating if you are the victim. If you are looking into recovering financial compensation for the injuries you have sustained, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of elevator accidents?
Elevator accidents can be caused by any number of factors, including, though not limited to:
- Pully system malfunction
- Negligent elevator design
- Power failures
- Failing to keep equipment up-to-date
- Faulty wiring
- Abrupt stops
- Door operator errors
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Control system malfunction
- Drive malfunction
- Improper installations
What are the most common types of elevator accidents?
There are several types of elevator accidents, some of which are:
- Electrocutions
- People getting stuck in between malfunctioning doors
- People falling down the shafts
- People tripping due to unbalanced leveling with the floor
- People getting thrown around due to excessive elevator speed
How do I know if I am entitled to financial compensation following a New York City elevator accident?
Generally, the rule of thumb in all personal injury claims is that you may recover financial compensation if you can prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, if you were injured in an elevator, you should hire an experienced attorney who can determine whether you should file a product liability claim or a premises liability claim. For example, if you were injured due to a negligent elevator design, or the elevator parts were negligently manufactured and you were injured as a result, you will most likely file a product liability lawsuit. However, if your attorney can establish that the property owner was notified of a potential safety hazard and failed to investigate or repair it and you were injured as a result, there is a very good chance you will have a valid premises liability claim.
How do I prove my claim?
To prove your claim, as stated earlier, you must first hire an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the personal injury claim process. From there, you and your attorney may recover security camera footage, pictures of the safety hazard, medical documentation detailing the extent of your injuries, witness statements, and more as evidence to help you prove your claim. Do yourself a favor and hire an attorney who is willing to fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident as a result of another party’s negligence, contact Swerling Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.
