Elevator Accidents in California | What to Know

You likely do not think twice before stepping into an elevator. In fact, many of us use elevators every day, whether we are in a school, office building, apartment, and so on. Unfortunately, elevator accidents do occur, and they can cause significant injuries. Read on to learn more about elevator accidents and what to do if an injury occurs.

What are Common Types of Elevator Accidents?

Elevators are complex pieces of machinery that must be properly maintained at all times. If not properly maintained, or if there are faulty parts, serious accidents can occur. These accidents are usually due to:

  • Electrocutions due to faulty wiring
  • Tripping due to uneven or unbalanced leveling with the floor
  • Falling down the elevator shafts
  • Getting caught in between malfunctioning doors
  • Being whipped around due to excessive elevator speed
  • Elevator fires

What Injuries are Commonly Caused?

Elevator accidents can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries that result from elevator accidents include:

  • Back injuries
  • Head trauma
  • Severed limbs
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Crush injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Wrongful death

Can I Recover Compensation For an Elevator Accident?

If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to do so, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred. It is important to call the police because they can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more. Taking photos and videos at the scene of the accident is one of the most important things you can do. If possible, take photos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur. Additionally, you should make sure to go to the hospital immediately after your accident occurs. This will ensure that your injuries are treated by a medical professional while simultaneously providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. Finally, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to obtain further proof of negligence, including police reports, security camera footage, and other evidence you may not otherwise have access to.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident, contact our firm to speak with an experienced attorney.m

CONTACT OUR FIRM

When someone is wrongly injured in an accident, they often require financial compensation to heal. That’s where we come in. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to learn more about what our firm can do for you.