If you live in New Jersey, especially in its more urban areas, there is a good chance that elevators are a part of your daily routine. Whether you are on your way up to your job or are coasting up to your apartment, you most likely use an elevator. Generally, elevators are not given much of a thought, which is why if you are injured in an elevator accident, you were most likely taken by surprise. This can be a terrifying experience, and there is very little a victim can do to protect him or herself. Most people who are injured in elevator accidents seek financial compensation so they do not have to fight their uphill battle alone. If you have been injured in an elevator accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What most commonly causes elevator accidents?
Elevators are composed of dozens, even hundreds of parts, and when one or more elevator parts are not functioning as they should, accidents can occur. Some of the most common contributors to elevator accidents are as follows:
- Improper installations
- Faulty wiring
- Control system malfunction
- Drive malfunction
- Abrupt stops
- Pully system malfunction
- Negligent elevator design
- Power failures
- Failing to keep equipment up-to-date
- Door operator errors
- Mechanical breakdowns
What injuries most commonly occur as a result of elevator accidents?
Over the years, professionals have documented several types of injuries stemming from elevator accidents. Some of the most common are as follows:
- Crush injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
- Severed limbs
- Cuts and bruises
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
How do you determine liability in an elevator injury claim?
Generally, to win a personal injury claim, you must first prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, this is not always so simple. In an elevator accident, your attorney must first determine whether you should file a product or premises liability lawsuit. If you were injured due to a negligent elevator design, or due to a manufacturer defect, you will most likely file a product liability lawsuit. However, if you were injured because a property owner failed to keep his or her premises up-to-date and hazard-free, you may file a premises liability lawsuit.
How do I prove another party’s negligence in a personal injury claim?
When you file a personal injury claim, you are required to prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence. To do so, you and your attorney must gather evidence, including, though not limited to:
- Security camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical documents
- Pictures of the safety hazard
- Police reports
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
If you or someone you know was injured in an elevator accident and is seeking financial compensation, contact the legal team at McNerny & McAuliffe today.
