From Texas’ Award-Winning Personal Injury Team
Have you or a loved one stepped into an elevator without a second thought, only to have your life changed in an instant?
You’re not alone.
Elevators may seem like simple conveniences, but when they malfunction, the consequences can be devastating.
And worse? Insurance companies often try to downplay your suffering while protecting their bottom line.
That’s exactly why victims of elevator accidents need specialized legal representation.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover not only the common injuries that result from elevator accidents, but also how an experienced attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Let’s begin.
Who Is Liable for Elevator Accident Injuries?
The Texas Health and safety code is clear: property owners must ensure elevators function safely.
“The owner shall: (1) have the equipment inspected annually by a registered elevator inspector… (5) maintain the equipment in compliance with the standards and codes adopted under commission rules.” Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 754
When they fail this duty, you have rights, regardless of whether you are an office worker, maintenance worker, resident, or building visitor. Property owners can be held liable when they:
- Neglect required maintenance
- Ignore reported problems
- Fail to address known hazards
- Skip required safety inspections
Causes of Common Injuries in Elevator Accidents
Elevator injuries can result from defective or malfunctioning parts, misleveling, lack of maintenance, or problems with lift mechanisms.
Any of these hazards can make an elevator operate with improper speeds or stops, fail to open or close properly, or function in other abnormal ways. These issues can pose serious risks for anyone who uses an elevator in this state of disrepair.
Elevator malfunctions can cause severe, life-altering injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries that change your cognitive abilities
- Spinal cord damage potentially leading to paralysis
- Crushed or broken limbs preventing you from working
- Deep lacerations resulting in permanent scarring
- Burns and electrocution requiring painful rehabilitation
Serious Injuries Bring Serious Financial Burden (And Insurance Companies Know It)
Depending on the severity of these injuries, you might require extensive medical treatment and a lengthy recovery time.
Permanent injuries may require long-term care.
Receiving medical attention right away can help minimize the damage and health risks, as well as reduce the amount of time it may take to recover.
But here’s what most victims don’t realize until it’s too late: You could end up facing bills and other expenses associated with your treatment and ongoing care.
Insurance companies know these costs add up—and they’ll try to settle quickly for far less than you deserve.
If someone else is responsible for the elevator malfunction that caused you harm, you have the right to investigate and possibly bring legal action to receive compensation for those unexpected costs.
Don’t Face The Aftermath of an Elevator Accident Alone – Your Legal Options
You do not have to handle your injuries and losses alone, and can enlist our legal help to hold the property owner or other applicable party accountable.
Below is a deeper look into what your legal options are following an elevator accident.
Filing an Insurance Personal Injury Claim
You may have the right to file a claim against the party at fault for your injuries.
An insurance claim is likely to be your first step, but you can also pursue a personal injury claim if insurance is not enough to cover the losses you have suffered.
Filing a claim ensures you receive the resources you need to recover, while holding the other party liable.
Recovering Compensation When Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
By filing a claim, you can recover compensation to cover the losses you have suffered to ensure you do not have to pay out of pocket.
Typically, you can recover economic damages for your medical expenses, home accommodations, damage to personal belongings, and lost earnings.
You may also be able to claim non-economic damages for your pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, and emotional and mental distress.
Elevator Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Knowledge
Elevator accidents fall under premises liability, which means that an owner can be held liable, but their role and level of fault must first be determined and established.
Warning: The Clock Is Ticking on Your Elevator Accident Claim
While you have the option to pursue legal action against a property owner for an elevator accident, you only have a limited time to file.
Per Texas’ statute of limitations, you have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim.
It is important not to wait too long to talk to a lawyer about what options you have and how to move forward.
Contact the Elevator Accident Lawyers at Williams Hart and Boundas Today
With John Eddie Williams’ 40+ years of litigation experience, our firm that’s secured billions in recoveries. Your case will receive both the personal attention and legal firepower it deserves.
Don’t let insurance companies dictate the terms of your recovery – get the representation that will fight for what you truly deserve.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you rebuild your life after an elevator accident.