When someone is injured in an elevator accident, this can result in a lawsuit. Recently, a mayor recognized the fact that the city may end up getting sued after two men were hurt in an elevator accident.
The two men — one a city employee and the other completing community service mandated by the court — were moving employees’ belongings from City Hall to across the street into a newly renovated building. The two men were inside the elevator with a file cabinet when the elevator suddenly dropped.
A city spokesperson estimated the elevator dropped 12 feet. The director of public works said the combination of the drop and the furniture in the elevator contributed to the injuries.
Both men were taken to the hospital. One was released that night and the other was sent home the following day.
Looking to the future, the mayor expects there to be a lawsuit as he told council members that the city will probably get sued. He also said that from what he heard, the elevator accident was caused by a hydraulic hose coming loose. This was after the elevator was inspected either that day or the previous day.
In general, elevator accidents fall under premises liability law.
In New York City, with skyscrapers and other tall buildings, many ride elevators on a daily basis. However, all it takes is a sudden drop in floors, the elevator doors opening at the wrong time, or the elevator to get stuck for there to be panic and injuries.
After an elevator accident, an attorney with experience handling premises liability can prepare a strong case for why a third-party should be held liable.
Source: The Pasadena Citizen, “Elevator accident injures two in city building,” Jeff Newpher, July 17, 2013
