NJ Elevator Accident Attorneys Seek Justice for Victims
Firm also represents people hurt on escalators and other types of lifts
In New Jersey, people are so accustomed to riding on elevators that they never even think about the possibility that something might go wrong. But according to data collected by the federal government, approximately 17,000 people suffer significant injuries in elevators each year. More are hurt on escalators, ski lifts and other types of machinery designed to move individuals up and down. At Seigel Law in Ridgewood, our lawyers have the skill, experience and determination to take on building owners, elevator manufacturers and other liable parties when someone is hurt or killed on what should have been a routine ride. We have recovered more than $500 million for plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Common causes of injuries on elevators
The most frequent causes of elevator accidents include the following:
- Sudden acceleration and stops — Problems in control systems can lead an elevator car to reach an unsafe speed, and brake failures can cause it to stop abruptly. Some of the worst accidents have occurred when a cable is damaged or snaps completely.
- Door entrapment — When you get on or off an elevator, there are actually two sets of doors that open and close. One set is on the elevator and the other is on the landing. We are used to these doors reopening when someone is in danger of being struck, but if either set does not work correctly, a passenger could be trapped.
- Improper maintenance — New Jersey requires annual inspections of elevators, but many of these machines are decades old, so maintenance should be a daily responsibility. Overlooking even one potential hazard might result in harm to numerous riders.
- Safety device failure — Temperature, humidity, electrical problems, wear and tear, computer bugs, poor manufacturing and other factors trigger the failure of elevator parts that are intended to keep passengers safe.
No matter what precipitated the injury in your case, our firm will conduct an exhaustive investigation to find out what led to the accident and who should be held liable for the resulting damages. We also handle cases related to injuries occurring on escalators, scissor lifts and other types of equipment.
Litigators advocate for plaintiffs in premises liability and defective product claims
Many personal injury claims stemming from New Jersey elevator accidents are premises liability cases. The plaintiff alleges that a business owner or building manager was negligent because they did not take proper care to protect people lawfully using their elevator. To help prove these cases, we often work with experts to show that recommended maintenance was not performed or that complaints about a potential danger were ignored. There are also situations where design or manufacturing defects contribute to elevator injuries. In these matters, we bring product liability actions against manufacturers and distributors that failed to fulfill their legal duties.
Attorneys work to maximize compensation for personal injury plaintiffs
A serious injury suffered in an elevator or escalator accident could result in medical costs that total several hundred thousand dollars or even more. Your financial hardship might be even worse if you’re unable to work for a significant period of time. Our attorneys battle landlords, businesses and insurance companies to secure the compensation that injured victims deserve, whether in a verdict or a settlement.
Contact a New Jersey lawyer for a free consultation about an elevator accident claim
Seigel Law represents clients who have been injured in accidents involving elevators, escalators, lifts and other machinery. For a free consultation with an accomplished New Jersey litigator, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.