Elevator Accident Lawyer in Woodbridge

Aggressively Protecting the Rights of the Injured

Elevators and escalators are so much a part of our everyday lives that we tend to assume we will be safe while on them. While accidents are rare, they can cause very serious injuries when they occur. If you have suffered an injury in an elevator or escalator accident which you believe was caused by a lack of repairs or negligent property ownership, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Our Woodbridge premises liability attorneys and firm has more than 100+ combined years of experience and we have been very successful in recovering hundreds of millions for our clients.

Dedicated to Successful Outcomes for Our Clients

At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we represent individuals like yourself who have been hurt to file premises liability lawsuits against the responsible party. We not only work to recover compensation for your injuries and expenses, but to ensure that the same injuries do not happen to another person.

Types of Elevator & Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator accidents refer to incidents involving these mechanical devices that result in harm to individuals. Elevators are vertical transportation systems that move people or goods between different floors of a building, while escalators are moving staircases designed to transport people horizontally or diagonally. Accidents involving these systems can vary in severity and may result from various factors.

Common types of elevator accidents include:

• Falls: People may fall inside an elevator shaft if the doors open when the elevator is not present or if the elevator malfunctions while in motion.
• Door-related incidents: Entrapment or injuries can occur if elevator doors close too quickly or fail to open properly, trapping passengers.
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctions in the elevator's mechanical components, such as cables, pulleys, or brakes, can lead to accidents.
• Power failures: Power outages or electrical failures may cause elevators to stop suddenly, potentially causing injuries to passengers.
• Overloading: Exceeding the weight capacity of an elevator can lead to malfunctions and accidents.

Common types of escalator accidents include:

• Trips and falls: Passengers may trip or fall on escalators due to irregular steps, uneven surfaces, or obstacles.
• Clothing or body parts caught: Loose clothing, shoelaces, or body parts can get caught in the moving parts of an escalator, leading to injuries.
• Entrapment: Fingers, hands, or other body parts may become trapped in the gaps between the escalator steps and sides.
• Malfunctioning steps: Mechanical failures of escalator steps can lead to sudden stops or irregular movement, causing accidents.
• Overcrowding: Like elevators, escalators have weight limits, and exceeding these limits can result in malfunctions and accidents.

To prevent elevator and escalator accidents, regular maintenance, inspections, and adherence to safety regulations are essential. Users should also exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and report any malfunctions or concerns promptly. Additionally, building owners and managers play a crucial role in ensuring that these transportation systems are properly installed, maintained, and updated to meet safety standards.

Causes of Elevator & Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator accidents can be caused by various factors, ranging from mechanical failures to human error.

Common causes of elevator accidents:

• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the elevator's mechanical components, such as cables, pulleys, brakes, or control systems, can lead to accidents. Improper maintenance or lack of regular inspections may contribute to mechanical failures.
• Door Issues: Door-related incidents, such as doors closing too quickly, failing to open properly, or getting stuck, can result in entrapment or injuries.
• Power Failures: Elevator operation relies on a power supply. Power outages or electrical failures can lead to sudden stops, potentially causing injuries to passengers.
• Overloading: Exceeding the weight capacity of an elevator can lead to malfunctions, causing the elevator to stop suddenly or move irregularly.
• Programming Errors: Faulty programming or control system errors can lead to unexpected movements, stops, or door malfunctions.
• Improper Installation: If elevators are not installed correctly or if there are errors in the installation process, it can lead to safety hazards.

Common causes of escalator accidents:

• Trips and Falls: Irregular steps, uneven surfaces, or foreign objects on escalators can cause passengers to trip and fall.
• Clothing or Body Parts Caught: Loose clothing, shoelaces, or body parts can get caught in the moving parts of escalators, leading to injuries.
• Entrapment: Fingers, hands, or other body parts may become trapped in the gaps between escalator steps and sides.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the escalator's mechanical components, such as the motor, gears, or steps, can lead to sudden stops or irregular movement.
• Overcrowding: Exceeding the weight or capacity limits of an escalator can lead to malfunctions and pose safety risks.
• Lack of Maintenance: Insufficient maintenance and infrequent inspections may contribute to escalator malfunctions and accidents.
• User Behavior: Improper use of escalators, such as sitting, playing, or not holding onto handrails can increase the risk of accidents.

Contact Our Woodbridge Escalator/Elevator Injury Lawyers

Our legal team is attentive and available to respond swiftly to investigate the cause of elevator and escalator accidents. We use experts who can testify in court about how the accident happened and how it could have been prevented. We can work with you to understand the extent of your injury and the aftermath to determine the cost of your expenses. This includes surgery and rehab, lasting disability, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. You can depend on our Woodbridge premises liability lawyers to support you throughout the steps of your legal claim.