If you were injured in an elevator accident in Hackensack, Glen Rock, Paramus, or a surrounding Bergen County community, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. Compensation may ultimately include medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional damages, depending on the specifics of your claim. Liability for these incidents depends on how the accident occurred, such as due to poor maintenance or defective parts. Regardless, understanding your legal options, how to file a claim, and the deadlines you must be aware of is critical if you wish to pursue legal action. Please read on and speak with our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys to learn more about how we can help.
How Do Elevator Accidents Happen?
Elevators require proper designs, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance to function as they should over a long period of time. Unfortunately, these steps are not always taken, and accidents occur as a result.
Elevator accidents are almost always preventable, and typically result from failures at multiple stages. This includes designing, installing, inspecting, and maintaining the fixture. As such, identifying the root cause of the accident is imperative to determine who is ultimately responsible for damages in Bergen County.
In Bergen County, elevators are governed in accordance with New Jersey state regulations, which ultimately require regular inspections and compliance with statutory safety codes. Violations of these laws can directly impact liability in an injury claim.
Most Common Causes of Elevator Accidents
- Improper installation
- Failure to follow safety codes
- Control system malfunctions
- Mechanical failure due to improper maintenance
- Door operation errors
- Abrupt stops or sudden halts
- Hoisting mechanism defects and failures
- Failure to inspect or ensure equipment is defect-free
- Negligent design or manufacturing of the elevator system
What Injuries are Common in Elevator Accidents?
Elevator accidents can result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries due to the confined nature of these systems and sudden mechanical failures. Unfortunately, those who are injured in Bergen County elevator accidents often require extensive, ongoing medical care and may ultimately endure long-term disabilities as a result.
Common Injuries Stemming from Elevator Accidents
- Crush injuries from sudden stops or doors
- Broken and fractured bones
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Severe lacerations and contusions
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and limb loss, in serious instances
- Wrongful death resulting from catastrophic accidents
Will I Qualify for Compensation After Being Injured in an Accident in Bergen County?
To qualify for financial compensation following a Bergen County elevator accident, you will need to hire an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the personal injury claims process.
Ultimately, eligibility depends on the ability to prove that another person’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This requires you to identify the party responsible for the accident and gather strong supporting evidence to back up your claims.
Determining Liability in Elevator Accident Claims
In Bergen County, the following individuals may face liability for the injuries you suffered in an elevator accident, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
- Property Owner (Premises Liability)
- Failure to maintain safe conditions on the property
- Failure to address known hazards
- Manufacturer Liability (Product Liability)
- Defective designs or flaws in the manufacturing process
- Maintenance Company Liability
- Improper or negligent service, inspection, or repairs of the elevator
- Third-Party Contractor Liability
- Failure to properly install the elevator
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit In New Jersey?
Every state has a statute of limitations in place when it comes to personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations in New Jersey is two years, so you will have two years from the date of your accident to file a premises or product liability lawsuit.
Failure to file within this statute of limitations can render you ineligible to pursue a claim and subsequent damages, even if negligence is abundantly clear.
Key Legal Deadlines in New Jersey
- The standard statute of limitations is two years from the date on which the injury occurred
- Claims filed against public entities, including government agencies, require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury
- Exceptions can apply for minors or in instances of delayed discovery of injuries
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Injury Firm
When you are injured due to another party’s negligence in Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, or anywhere in Bergen County, it is only right that you receive the justice you deserve. Elevator accidents should not be taken lightly, as they can result in catastrophic injuries, leaving you with significant damages as a result. As a victim, your only job is to call McNerney & McAuliffe, and we will take it from there. Please, do yourself a favor and do not wait. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident and is seeking financial compensation, contact our legal team today.