Morristown Elevator & Escalator Accidents Attorney
Serving Clients in Newton, Morristown, Dover, Mt. Olive, East Hanover, Florham Park and across Sussex and Morris Counties
Most people have used elevators and escalators in housing complexes, apartment buildings, public buildings, malls, retail stores, hospitals, and schools. Often using an escalator or elevator is a matter of convenience, but it can also be the only reasonable method of going from one level of a building to another for those injured, the elderly, individuals who are disabled, or people using strollers. While the majority of elevators and escalators do not present a safety risk if properly maintained, these devices can be very dangerous and cause serious injuries when negligence is involved.
There are many different types of injuries caused by elevator accidents, such as broken bones, back injuries, and even wrongful death. If you have sustained an injury in an elevator accident and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact an attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, please contact us by calling 973-455-1567, we´ll be ready to guide you in the steps to follow.
Elevator Injury Lawyer Morristown NJ
The United States Department of Labor requires all elevators to be inspected yearly. Elevators that are not in proper working order must be removed from regular use until repaired. Despite inspection requirements, elevator accidents are relatively common in the United States.
Elevators are machines designed by qualified persons and maintained by companies specializing in elevator maintenance and repair. Any product that is maintained by a person or company is subject to human or mechanical error.
Common errors or elevator malfunctions that cause injuries:
- Failure of the elevator sensors to detect an object in the closing doors;
- Failure of the elevator doors to close before moving;
- Excessive gaps between the elevator and the floor;
- Failure to re-install/re-engage safety mechanisms after repairs;
- Cable failure (cable snaps causing the elevator to fall);
- The elevator stops between floors or not at the appropriate floor level;
- Failure of the company to remove the elevator from use when in need of repair;
- Failure to properly inspect and repair elevators;
- Faulty repairs by those not qualified to perform maintenance on elevators;
- Construction Accidents.
Despite inspection requirements, elevator and escalator accidents are relatively common in the United States
Injuries caused by elevators can be serious and even deadly. Recently, a nurse working in a hospital in Texas had her foot caught in the elevator as it was going up. She suffered brain injuries, internal injuries, and remained in a coma. Reports surfaced that the hospital had received notice to stop permitting repairs by unauthorized persons. The hospital denied allowing such repairs, publicly stating that it was considering suit against the elevator maintenance company that was hired to keep the elevator in proper working order.
Unfortunately, this nurse is just a single example among many people who have been injured in elevator accidents. Others have sustained serious injuries such as brain damage, broken bones, spinal cord damage, amputations, and even death. In many cases, the injuries and accidents could have been avoided, had the building owner followed proper procedure in the repair and maintenance of the elevator.
Escalator Injury Lawyer Newton NJ
Similar to elevators, escalators are used frequently in buildings open to the public. While an escalator accident and resulting injuries can happen to anyone, children and the elderly are more susceptible to injuries when using escalators. There can be any number of causes for escalator injuries and more common causes include:
- the speed of the escalator has been improperly set to a higher speed;
- the escalator is steeper than permitted;
- the escalator length exceeds a safe length;
- improper guard rails;
- the excessive gap between the escalator and the floor;
- safety mechanisms are not working properly.
Determining Liability in an Elevator or Escalator Accident
All buildings have a duty to maintain the properties in a reasonably safe condition. This means that the owners must properly inspect and maintain mechanisms such as elevators and escalators. Additionally, property owners must hire companies that specialize in the maintenance of elevators and escalators. These companies are responsible for removing products from public use when they are not in proper working order, and they may not override safety mechanisms in an effort to continue to use a broken elevator or escalator. Depending on the circumstances, a building owner, property manager, or negligent maintenance company may be held responsible if you or a family member has been injured on an escalator or elevator. Do not delay in seeking help if you suspect someone else is responsible. Contact our firm today.
Contact a Morris and Sussex County Premises Liability Attorney
At the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we are here to guide you through the legal and medical process following an elevator or escalator accident. We have zealously advocated on behalf of those injured in premises liability cases due to negligence in Morristown, Parsippany, Randolph, Newton, and across Morris and Sussex Counties.
If you or your loved ones have suffered from an accident on an elevator or escalator, and you think the owner of the property may may have been negligent, contact us today at 973-455-1567 or through our website contact form.
