Elevators help to maximize the space we utilize for construction by allowing us to build upward. Living in a world without elevators is almost impossible to image, as many of us use them on a daily basis.
With the benefits of elevators, however, there are huge drawbacks that can result in severe injury or death for the victims of elevator accidents.
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) reports that each year in the United States 17,000 people are injured by elevators and 30 will die as a result of an elevator accident. The statistics may come as a shock to many, as we generally believe that something we use so frequently must be safe, but unfortunately this is not the case.
The CPWR cites 50% of these injuries resulting from falls down the shaft of the elevator, while the individuals who work on or near elevators account for half of all fatalities.
Have you been injured in an elevator accident, or was your loved one seriously hurt by an elevator because of another person’s negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation because of the physical pain and mental trauma you endured.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our experienced team of litigators will always fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation available to the victims of elevator accidents, and we are proud to represent them in court.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form located on the upper right side of this page. Your information will always remain completely confidential and there is never any obligation to proceed; the review is always 100% FREE.
What Are The Types Of Elevator Accidents?
In recent years, more stories have emerged detailing the frightening ways in which elevator accidents are seriously injuring, maiming and killing those who use them. Even more disconcerting is the fact that the victims are blindsided by the situation, as many of the accidents are the result of mechanical failure and happen without warning.
Some of the most common types of elevator accidents include:
- Car goes into rapid free fall
- Car suddenly races up the shaft
- Doors open unexpectedly without any car inside
- Elevator collapses completely
- No car in the shaft causes victim to fall to their death
- Stopping between floors
- Victim is caught in elevator equipment
- Victim is pinned beneath the elevator and crushed
- Victim’s body or limbs are wedged in doors as it moves between floors
- …to name a few.
In most cases, these accidents result in gruesome, severe injury and many victims become terribly disfigured or maimed, if not killed. Elevator companies and the buildings that use them have an unflagging responsibility to stem the incidence of elevator accidents in these public places.
Children are even more susceptible to injury or death by elevator because of their lack of awareness as to their dangers. If a child pushes on an elevator door and it opens without a car, they can easily fall down the shaft and perish, among many other scenarios.
What Kinds Of Injuries Are Common?
Minor injuries can result from elevator accidents, but in most cases the accident is so catastrophic that the trauma the victims experience is dire and life altering.
The injuries most often associated with elevator accidents are:
- Bleeding to death from wounds
- Broken bones
- Broken neck
- Crushed ankles, tibias, knees
- Disfiguration
- Herniated discs
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Severe lacerations
- Spinal trauma
- …and many other serious injuries
An elevator free fall or any other sudden mechanical malfunction can be a scarring experience and may result in anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other psychological afflictions in addition to the physical wounds.
If you have endured the pain of losing a loved one to an elevator accident, or are dealing with injuries because of another person’s carelessness, don’t suffer in silence; reaching out to a skilled personal injury attorney can be your best recourse to bring justice to the negligent parties and receive much needed compensation for your injuries.
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers understand the pain and confusion that the victims of Connecticut elevator accidents face following the incident, and we are ready to be the ally you need when the situation becomes overwhelming.
Seek Help From An Elevator Accident Attorney Today
The Connecticut premises liability lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers realize the impact injuries from elevator accidents can have on not only on the victims, but also their families. We know that these injuries bring unnecessary pain to the victims, who never could have imagined that simply traveling through their normal daily activities might bring their death or change their life forever.
Our legal team has over 140 years of combined legal experience and will fight for the MAXIMUM compensation that you may be eligible to receive.
Call 800-PERKINS or complete the Free Case Evaluation form to see how the lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers could help you on your road to recovery from elevator accident injuries.
We have offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury and New London, and serve clients throughout Connecticut.