Though most of us do not feel unsafe in elevators, and the chances of an accident occurring are relatively low, the unfortunate reality is that elevator accidents do happen, and if you are injured in one, you are most likely entitled to financial compensation. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorneys to learn more about elevator accidents, what to do after being hurt in one, and how we can help you through every step of the claims process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of elevator accidents?
There are various potential causes of elevator accidents, and in many cases, these accidents are either the fault of a negligent property owner or a negligent product designer/manufacturer. Some of the most common causes of elevator accidents are as follows:
- Drive malfunctions
- Improper installations
- Defective wiring
- Door operator errors
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Control system malfunction
- Power failures
- Failing to maintain/update equipment
- Abrupt stops
- Pully system malfunctions
- Negligent elevator design
What should I do if I am injured in an elevator accident?
If you are injured in an elevator accident, you should take the following steps (as long as you are physically capable of doing so) to document the incident:
- Call the police.
- Ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their name, phone number, and email address.
- Take pictures of the unsafe condition that caused your accident.
- Notify the property owner of your injury.
- Ensure you receive medical treatment immediately. Once you are treated, you should then ask your doctor for all medical documentation/bills regarding your injuries.
- Retain the services of a New Jersey personal injury attorney who can gather and present all additional evidence needed to either win a product liability lawsuit, or to prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the unsafe elevator condition, failed to fix it timely, and that you were injured and sustained significant damages as a result in a premises liability claim.
How long will I have to sue after being injured in an elevator accident?
If you are injured in an elevator accident, you will have to ensure that you do not miss the deadline for filing your personal injury claim. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is, under most circumstances, two years, which means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to sue the party responsible. Our firm is ready to begin the claims process on your behalf today–all you have to do is tell us your story.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
