Elevators are used by millions of New Yorkers every day in subways, office and apartment buildings, malls, hospitals, schools and other public places. Most elevator riders get on and off without thinking about the dangerous potential for elevator accidents. Unfortunately, some elevator riders get seriously injured.

According to the New York Times, Elevator Accidents are more common than one would think. "A home health aide was horrified after her middle finger was cut off at the tip. A firefighter lost part of his finger. A woman bumped her head as she was knocked to the floor. A man was left with a swollen hand and broken eyeglasses, someone else a broken nose, someone else two missing toes".

In New York City's 340 public housing complexes alone there have been approximately 300 reported accidents since 2001.

"Nearly 200 of the reports involved inner or outer elevator doors, which tenants have complained close too quickly or too forcefully. In June 2008, Catherine Martinez, 25, pushed her 4-year-old daughter out of the way of a fast-moving elevator door in the Bronx."

Building management, owners and maintenance companies may be sued if their elevators are not kept current with current safety codes and standards. Owners or managers of buildings are required to keep elevators up-to-date with current and properly working safety equipment and safety devises. In addition, an owner or manager can be held liable for elevator injuries if there is a failure to develop and implement an emergency/rescue plan and to train and drill employees in the aspect of those plans.

Manufacturers can be sued and found liable for their faulty elevators under the following conditions:

• failure to inspect or test the elevator before placing it into service

• failure to warn or adequately warn of a risk or hazard associated with an elevator

The most common type of elevator injury occurs as a result of a fall, however injuries involving hands and feet are frequently reported.

Sometimes New York building owners and landlords will put off elevator repairs or safety upgrades in order to save on costly repair bills. Be cautious when entering or exiting elevators that do not level properly or are frequently problematic. In addition, always look carefully before you step in or out.

Victims and families of elevator accidents may be entitled to significant compensation for these injuries, especially when they are caused by improper maintenance or negligence.

You may have the right to receive compensation for injuries which are sustained as the result of suffering from an elevator accident!

Don't wonder about your rights!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York elevator accident we can help.

Contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys now for your Free Case Evaluation