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Bronx Elevator Accident Lawyers

To accommodate New York City’s incredible growth and the heights to which we go to live and work, elevators have become a part of our daily lives. There are about 70,000 of them in the city, and we expect them to function properly and be maintained for our safety and security.

When those standards aren’t upheld, accidents and injuries can happen. If you’ve been involved in an elevator accident, contact the Bronx elevator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm. We’re here to ensure that you have representation for your elevator-related injuries. With 40 years of experience and millions won for our clients, we’re proud to represent your case.

What Injuries Can Occur From an Elevator Accident?

Elevators can start or stop suddenly, causing the passengers inside to lose their balance. Sometimes, the elevator will stop in between floors, trapping passengers for extended periods of time, or causing tripping, falling, or crushing hazards if passengers try to escape on their own. In extremely dangerous scenarios, the elevator will drop for several floors or until it reaches the basement.

Injuries from elevator accidents range from mild to severe and can be incurred from the sudden motion of the elevator, passengers slamming against the walls, ceiling, or floor of the elevator, or passengers colliding with each other.

Back Injuries

Back injuries, or any injuries to the spinal cord, can be sustained from sudden stopping, starting, or falling in a malfunctioning elevator. They sometimes require physical therapy to heal, and in more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Back injuries can lead to the inability to work and a loss of wages for those affected. Back pain might continue for years, affecting the quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The brain is extremely delicate, and any jarring motion can cause a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can be caused by falls, any abrupt motion of the elevator, or collision with the sides of the elevator or another person. They can have a range of consequences from recurring vertigo to memory loss.

Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones may be a result of a collision between a person and the elevator walls, ceiling, floor, or between a person and another passenger. Fractures and breaks may also be caused by falls.

Falls

If the elevator stops or starts suddenly, that movement may cause passengers to stumble and fall, resulting in serious injuries. When falling, the automatic reaction is to grab hold of something. In a crowded elevator, that could mean another person. Grabbing or trying to catch yourself on another person can lead to further injury to yourself or injury to another person.

Crushing Injuries

An elevator whose door is malfunctioning could lead to an injury where a victim’s limb or body part gets crushed by the oncoming mechanical door. This could cause extensive damage to the limb or body part, up to and including death.

Nerve Damage

Injuries resulting in falls, fractures, breaks, or crushing injuries may also result in long-term or permanent nerve damage. This sort of damage can affect an individual’s earning potential, ability to work, quality of life, and even life expectancy.

Joint Injuries

As with any injury that results in falling or colliding with stationary objects, joint injuries can happen in elevator accidents. Wrists, ankles, and elbows are especially susceptible to injury. We recently settled an elevator accident case for a client who sustained damages to his knees for over a million dollars.

Death

In extreme cases, elevator accidents can result in the death of a passenger or passengers. This can be grounds for a wrongful death suit. The elevator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm take these cases very seriously and are here to help you and your loved ones during this difficult time.

What Causes Elevator Accidents?

Most accidents are caused by some form of negligence or lack of repair, including:

  • Faulty or damaged equipment
  • Landlord or property owner negligence
  • Improper or incomplete maintenance checks that overlook dangerous situations
  • Improper testing of elevators during routine checks
  • Frayed cables
  • Power failure

Elevator accidents are rarely the fault of an individual rider; it is the responsibility of the property owners to get a thorough maintenance check, and it is the maintenance crew’s responsibility to ensure that the elevator is safe.

Negligence or inadequate testing or maintenance of the elevator, is grounds for prosecution. The Bronx elevator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm will work hard to make sure the correct people or companies are held responsible for your injuries.

What Do I Do If I’m in a Stuck Elevator?

If you find yourself in an elevator that has stalled or is stuck between floors, keep yourself safe and follow these rules:

  • Stay where you are if you are otherwise safe. The safest place to be in an elevator accident is inside the elevator.
  • Use the alarm button – this will alert people of your need of assistance.
  • Do not try to open the elevator door. Wait for assistance.
  • Do not try to leave the elevator even if the door opens and there is a gap. Accidents or crushing injuries that damage the entire body can easily happen if the elevator starts up again.
  • Use your phone, or locate the phone the elevator to call 911. It’s important that you reach out for assistance so that help can arrive.
  • Stay calm, and if there are others with you, try to keep them calm. Panic can easily incite when inside an enclosed space.

What Do I Do After an Elevator Accident?

If you’re in an elevator accident and have sustained injuries, call 911. Make sure that you have received the appropriate medical attention. When you’re safe and healing, contact the Lipsig Firm so we can lend a hand in your situation. In most personal injury cases, you have 36 months to file a claim, so you’ll want to get started as soon as possible.

Contact the Bronx Elevator Accident Lawyers Today

Elevator accidents are sudden and disruptive to daily life, costing injured parties thousands or millions in damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident, reach out to the Bronx elevator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm today.

We a free consultation, and we don’t accept any payment until your case is successfully settled. We’ve won millions for our clients over the years, and we’re here to help you best navigate your case. Call us at 212-285-3300, or contact us online so that we can get started on your case as soon as possible.

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FEATURED REVIEW
"This law firm has great lawyers!" I had an accident and they got me what I deserved for my injury. They treat you like you are part of their family. If anyone needs a lawyer I will recommend this firm."