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Unsafe Elevators & Shaft Injuries Lawyer in New York

Images of unsafe elevator shafts are associated with horrific falls. This is an unfortunate reality for some construction and maintenance workers. Elevator shaft injuries can be fatal, or result in life-altering injuries, such as paralysis. Workers in this environment are at risk as well as bystanders and others who use elevators. Falls and other accidents can occur in an elevator shaft if it is in disrepair and the proprietor failed to post proper warning signage. Elevator shaft injuries can be fatal, particularly in New York and New Jersey where skyscrapers abound, and where construction crews frequently work on them. Elevator maintenance workers, just like construction crews, are also at risk for injury in an elevator shaft.

You may be able to obtain compensation if you or someone you love recently experienced injury related to an unsafe elevator shaft. Depending on the circumstances, there may be a liable party. The NYC personal injury attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo (SPBMC) work with victims who have experienced an elevator shaft injury from someone else’s neglect. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Why SPBMC?

SPBMC is a full-service personal injury law firm with expertise in many areas. We work with injured individuals as well as workers in class action lawsuits. Each attorney and group of staffers at our firm is dedicated to different areas of personal injury law.

What are a few reasons you should consult SPBMC?

  • We are one of the premiere New York law firms, representing high-profile clients such as the rescue workers of 9/11 and their families. We are also general counsel for the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. Our commitment to the communities in New York and New Jersey is evident.We have recovered more than $2 billion for our clients in the last
  • 10 years alone in settlements and damages.
  • We work on a contingency-fee basis – you do not pay any legal fees until we win your case.

Types of Elevator Shaft Injuries

Sadly, many elevator shaft injuries are catastrophic or even fatal. It is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation for dangerous elevator shafts not be marked off as  hazardous. Injuries affect private individuals, but more often, construction workers and maintenance workers are affected.

What are some common elevator shaft accidents?

  • During construction, an employee can fall down an unmarked elevator shaft, which he or she is not aware of, or believes to be load bearing when it is not;
  • During an elevator repair, the technician may be on top of or beneath an elevator car when it is unknowingly used, causing them to fall or be crushed;
  • Individuals or workers trying to escape a stuck elevator can experience injury, or even be horrifically cut in half;
  • If safety measures are malfunctioning, a person can be compacted or crushed between the doors of an elevator; and
  • Workers may not have been provided with the proper safety equipment and protections required by OSHA.

Preventing Elevator Injuries

You should consider a few important factors to prevent elevator injuries.

  • Employers should note dangerous elevator shafts with caution tape and provide the proper safeguards required by OSHA;
  • Individuals should avoid elevators that are under maintenance or have a history of malfunctioning; and
  • Maintenance workers should shut down all elevators and take every safety precaution possible when performing repairs or routine maintenance.

Legal Help for Elevator and Elevator Shaft Injuries

You may be entitled to compensation if you or someone you love recently experienced injury (or wrongful death) because of an elevator shaft or an elevator. The attorneys at SPBMC are ready work with you to determine whether there is liability for your injury so that you can rebuild your life after tragedy. Contact us for a free consultation.