Many of us step into an elevator on a daily basis without any thought of what can happen if there is a mechanical issue or some other major defect. Unfortunately, elevator accidents are much more common than most people realize, and many of these incidents involve elevator doors.
Elevator door injuries can happen for a number of reasons, including the doors closing too fast and the door sensor not working properly. Sometimes, there is a lack of a sensor altogether, which is a device that detects when someone is stepping into and out of the elevator. Failure to inspect the elevator on a regular basis is another common cause of accidents from elevator doors.
No matter the reason, it’s essential to hold the property owner any other liable entities responsible if their negligence caused you to be injured. As an elevator accident victim, you may have the right to demand compensation, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wages lost while you were out of work. For a detailed explanation on your rights and legal options, contact us to speak with a closing elevator door injury attorney.
Injuries from a Rapidly Closing Elevator Door
Whether you are injured from an elevator in someone’s home or in a commercial property, there is no denying the severity of injuries you can end up. Examples of crushing injuries from an elevator door include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Rupturing of the internal organs
- Excessive bleeding
- Cuts and bruising
- Infections from bacteria entering the injury site
- Skull fracture
- Compartment syndrome (damage to the nerves and blood vessels from excessive pressure on the arms and legs)
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Suing for an Accident that was Caused by an Elevator Door
In the introduction to this article, we went over some of the problems that can cause an elevator door to close on someone. There are two main entities that may be responsible for these issues: the property owner and the elevator maintenance company.
Let’s first look at property owners, which refers to individuals as well businesses and government agencies. Here are some examples of properties that are owned by these entities.
- Houses (private elevators in homes)
- Apartment building
- Office building
- Shopping malls and department stores
- Schools
- Public libraries
- Municipal, county, and state buildings
- Train stations
- Airport terminals
- Churches and other houses of worship
Property owners must regularly inspect the elevators on their premises (or arrange for an inspection) and ensure that they are in good working order. If repairs are needed, they must put up warning signs and other measures to make sure that no one uses the elevator until it’s fixed. This includes malfunctions with the elevator door, like the door sensor not working properly.
Elevator Company Liability for an Elevator Door Injury
Now, we will look at another party that may be to blame when someone is crushed by a defective elevator door. As you are probably aware, business and homeowners lack the expertise to inspect and maintain the elevators on their property. That’s why they hire elevator maintenance companies, who are responsible for making sure that everything is working properly. This includes testing door sensors, ensuring that the elevator is level with the ground / floor, and many other duties.
If there is negligence by these companies, people can be harmed from an elevator door closing on their body. Negligence by an elevator maintenance company takes place in many different forms, but most of these incidents are caused by technicians that are careless or insufficiently trained. No matter the circumstance, it’s important to explore all the details surrounding your accident and ensure that the responsible individuals are brought to account.
Elevator Door Accident Case FAQs
How much can I receive from an elevator door injury lawsuit?
Compensation amounts vary from case to case, as they’re based on factors that are unique to you and your circumstances. The majority of clients we represent receive anywhere from $100,000 to $2.5 million based on the degree of injury and liability by the defendant. If there is more than one party you can sue, like the property owner and the elevator maintenance company, that can increase the amount you can ask for, though this is not an absolute rule. We advise contacting us right away so that you can figure out what your lawsuit is with help from an elevator door injury attorney.
How long will it take before my case is settled?
As with case values, there are many factors that determine how long it will take to settle your case. There are situations where the defendant makes a fair offer within the first few months, but this is the exception rather than the rule. For the most part, it takes at least 6 months to negotiate a favorable payment amount. For especially complex cases involving serious injury, 10 to 18 month is a more realistic timeline. If taking your case to trial is the only option that’s left, it can take up to several years to settle a closing elevator door accident lawsuit.
What is the deadline to file a lawsuit for a closing elevator door accident?
If you’re interested in suing for injuries from an elevator door, you must take action right away, as you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit. It’s extremely rare that the courts will allow extra time for a lawsuit, meaning you could lose out on the compensation you deserve if you don’t file a claim in a timely manner. Our legal team is at your disposal, so call us immediately to initiate the legal process for a defective elevator door accident case.
Can I change lawyers in the middle of a case?
Yes, it’s possible to change lawyers any time during a case if you believe that starting over with a new attorney is in your best interest. But you should not make such an important decision without a full understanding of your rights and legal options. That’s precisely what we can offer you here at Normandie Law Firm. You pay nothing to receive a free second opinion from a personal injury lawyer at our office. To take advantage of this offer, contact us today to schedule a free second opinion.
Lawyers with Experience in Elevator Accident Injuries
When you’ve suffered an injury that could have been prevented by someone else, you have the right to seek compensation for your monetary losses. But getting the payment you deserve is where many people have problems, as insurance adjusters are experts at lowballing settlement offers. However, you are entitled to legal representation from a skilled premises liability lawyer. Hopefully, you will consider meeting with us and learning about the ways we can assist you if you’ve had an elevator door accident.
There are no fees to the client with our Zero Fee Guarantee. That means you can hire us with no out of pocket costs, since all our payments are deferred until the end of your case. At that point, the cost of representing you is paid for by the defendant, and only if you receive your settlement award.
Please give us a call if you or someone you know was injured by a closing elevator door. We look forward to fighting for you and achieving justice for you and your loved ones.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
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