Elevators are commonly used in buildings as an easy transportation method, transporting individuals to different levels of the building. However, this device of transportation, if not maintained or repaired properly could cause catastrophic accidents and injuries. The most common cause of elevator accidents is negligence. For safety reasons, any hazardous elevator conditions must be attended to. If left unattended, significant injuries may result. If you or someone you love has been injured in an elevator accident, contact one of our trusted and experienced Orlando Elevator Accident Attorneys who can help you recover just compensation for your losses.
What are some common causes of elevator accidents in Florida?
Elevator accidents may happen due to several reasons. If an elevator is not properly maintained and hazardous conditions are left unrepaired, anyone who uses the elevator may sustain significant damages. Elevator accidents may happen due to:
- Faulty wiring
- Mis-leveling
- Abrupt stops
- Lack of safety inspections
- Pulley system malfunction
- Falls into elevator shafts
- Excessive speeds
- Defective or broken doors
Who could be held liable for an elevator accident?
When an elevator accident occurs, two negligent parties may be liable for damages. To pursue legal action against a negligent party for an elevator accident, victims must fulfill the burden of proof. A property owner may be held liable if a victim can prove that they knew or should have reasonably known about the safety hazard and failed to remedy it which directly caused the injury. However, property owners may not be liable if the safety hazard was caused by a manufacturing issue. Property owners may believe an elevator seems to be working fine because they do not have extensive knowledge of the mechanical and technical side of how an elevator operates. If the root problem, was with the manufacturing of the elevator, the manufacturer would be liable for the defective elevator. Furthermore, if the elevator was defective, the circumstances of the case change to product liability. Nevertheless, if a victim can satisfy the burden of proof they may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages for their losses.
In Florida, victims of elevator accidents have four years from the date their injuries were sustained to file a claim against a negligent party. Victims who fail to meet this deadline will be barred from ever filing a claim against the negligent party in the future and lose their chance at recovering financial compensation for their damages. It is important to retain a skilled attorney who can help you file a claim within the right period.
If you’ve been injured in an elevator accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our determined team members. Our firm is committed to helping our clients investigate the accident that caused them harm and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
