New York City is known for its skyscrapers. But, with tall buildings come elevators. Many people use elevators every single day in apartment buildings, offices, schools, and more. Because elevators are such a staple of everyday life, we don’t always think about the potential dangers. When elevator accidents occur, they can result in serious, life-altering injuries. Read on to learn more about elevator accidents in New York.
What are Common Causes of Elevator Accidents?
Elevators are comprised of many intricate parts. If these parts are not all working perfectly, serious accidents can occur. Generally, accidents occur due to negligence on the part of the manufacturer, or because of a negligent property owner failing to inspect the elevator and fix any issues. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Control system malfunctions
- Faulty wiring
- Abrupt stops
- Pully system malfunctions
- Negligent elevator design
- Power failures
- Failing to keep equipment up-to-date
- Door operator errors
How Can I Be Injured in an Elevator?
If any of the above incidents occur, people can be put in harm’s way. Some of the most common injuries are due to:
- Tripping due to unbalanced leveling with the floor
- People falling down the shafts
- People getting caught in between malfunctioning doors
- People being thrown around due to excessive speed
- Electrocutions
What Are the Most Common Injuries to Sustain?
When an accident occurs, some of the most common injuries that result include:
- Crush injuries
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
- Severed limbs
- Cuts and bruises
If you have experienced any injuries as a result of an elevator accident, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you wish to pursue legal action for your accident, you will have to do so within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to file within three years, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. Reach out to an experienced attorney to avoid missing any important deadlines.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
