Los Angeles elevator accident attorneys
Elevator Accidents
Here in Southern California, many people ride elevators every day to get to their apartment or office. Most multistory buildings have elevators for both accessibility and convenience. Generally speaking, elevators work as they should, without any issues. However, when elevators do malfunction, people can get seriously injured as a result.
If you suffered injuries due to an elevator accident, it is important to learn about your rights from an experienced elevator accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Our attorneys here at Blair & Ramirez LLP are ready to help.
Injuries from elevator accidents
Many mishaps can happen as part of an elevator accident, including: an elevator getting stuck for hours, lurching or otherwise causing passengers to fall, stopping between floors, door malfunctions, and more. Some injuries that passengers could potentially sustain include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions and brain injury
Everyone who suspects they were injured due to elevator mishaps should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In addition to the physical injuries listed above, elevator accidents can be deeply traumatizing for their victims. Many people fear for their lives or have other psychological reactions—especially if they are afraid of getting stuck in small spaces. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after this type of accident, and some people might need therapy to address PTSD symptoms or to relieve an irrational fear of elevators moving forward.
Assault in elevators
Unfortunately, elevators are a common space for assault, robbery, and other harmful crimes to take place. Building owners should always take the safety measures necessary to monitor elevators and ensure these spaces have adequate security. This can include cameras inside the elevators or monitoring who enters and exits the elevators, as well as security guards managing who is allowed in the building to begin with. When someone is allowed to cause injuries from criminal behavior in elevators, the property or business owner might be liable for providing inadequate security measures.
Related escalator accidents
Some buildings provide assistance with multi-level travel by providing escalators. Escalators are convenient, but they also come with the risks of injuries from:
- Falling on the escalator stairs
- Falling over the railing
- Getting caught in the railing
- Getting caught between the other moving parts of the escalator
If you sustain injuries in this manner, you should speak with an escalator accident lawyer in Los Angeles right away.
Who is liable for your elevator accident and injuries?
There are many different types of business and buildings that utilize elevators, creating the possible risk of an elevator accident. When an accident happens, liability will depend on which parties were negligent and what form of negligence led to the accident and injuries. Some potentially liable parties include:
- Hotels
- Malls
- Apartment building owners
- Condo complexes and HOAs
- Owners of corporate high rises
- Stadiums
- Theme parks
- Hospitals and medical centers
Property owners are generally liable when they fail to ensure the elevator is properly inspected and maintained. Also, if a property manager or business knew there might be a problem with an elevator, and they failed to report the issue or shut down the elevator, they are liable for any accidents that result from their negligence. Companies that engage in negligence during maintenance, inspections, or repairs can also be held responsible if injuries result.
Most people ride elevators without a working knowledge of how they work or what could go wrong. Often, the elevator needs to be inspected by a professional who can identify what exactly led to the accident. You want a law firm with the necessary resources and networks to handle your claim, so that you can sufficiently prove liability for your extensive losses. Such losses might include medical bills, lost wages, future expenses, pain and suffering, mental trauma, and more.