Each and every day, millions of people throughout New York City’s five boroughs use an elevator; it has become a staple in our daily routines. However, many of us take for granted the sheer power these machines yield. Thousands of people are injured each year as a result of elevator failure or malfunction. If you or someone you know has been injured while riding either an elevator or an escalator, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries.
There are several factors which may lead to an elevator accident, all of which may result in liability on the part of the owner or operator. These include:
- Sudden or abrupt stopping
- Dramatic increase in speed without warning
- Unrepaired or out-of-date machinery
- Defective elevator controllers or regulators
- Improper misleveling (where the floor of the elevator doesn’t end up at the same level as the floor of the building)
- Inadequate lighting or slippery elevator floors
- Defective or unrepaired electric eyes, allowing for the doors to open and close when they shouldn’t
- Any object(s) on the elevator floor, or escalator step, which caused the victim to slip/trip and fall
The City of New York requires that owners and operators of elevators must adhere to several standards of operability so as to reduce the risk of preventable harm to elevator or escalator patrons. Our attorneys are well-versed in the relevant codes and statutes by which owners and operators must abide and have the necessary experience and knowledge to build a strong case against those whose negligence led to an elevator or escalator accident.