Elevator accidents can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and in some cases, permanent disability. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident, an Aurora personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
After an elevator accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. An experienced elevator accident lawyer in Aurora from Therman Law can guide you through the legal process and help obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Mechanical failure: Worn-out cables, broken brakes, or faulty doors can lead to sudden drops or entrapment.
- Improper maintenance: Elevators require regular inspections and upkeep. Neglecting these responsibilities can cause accidents.
- Operator error: In buildings with manually operated elevators, mistakes by operators can result in injuries.
- Construction defects: Poor installation or design flaws in elevators can create dangerous conditions.
- Sudden power outages: Elevators that lack proper emergency systems can trap or injure passengers during a blackout.
Typical Injuries From Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. The severity often depends on the type of accident, such as a sudden drop, entrapment, or collision with elevator components. Common injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones: Legs, arms, and ribs are particularly vulnerable.
- Head injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries can occur during a fall.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common in sudden impacts.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or depression may develop after a serious accident.
If you sustained any of these injuries in an elevator accident, an elevator accident attorney in Aurora can help you recover compensation for your medical bills.
How an Aurora Elevator Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Working with an experienced Aurora elevator accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Specifically, a lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, including maintenance records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts, to determine the cause of the accident.
- Identifying liable parties: Elevator accidents often involve multiple parties, such as building owners, maintenance companies, and equipment manufacturers. An attorney can pinpoint who is legally responsible.
- Handling insurance claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can fight for your rights and negotiate fair compensation.
- Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can advocate for you in court.
Having a legal professional on your side will increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After an Elevator Accident in Aurora
After an elevator accident, it’s important to take these steps:
- Document the scene: Take photos of the elevator, any visible hazards, and your injuries.
- Gather witness information: Eyewitnesses can provide crucial testimony to support your claim.
- Seek medical attention: See a doctor to undergo an evaluation and document any injuries.
- Report the accident: Notify building management and request a written incident report.
- Contact a lawyer: A lawyer can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Potential Compensation for Elevator Accident Victims
Victims of elevator accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can receive compensation for emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost income: You can be reimbursed for wages lost due to missed work and for any reduction in your earning capacity caused by the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Disability and long-term care: You can obtain financial support for permanent impairments or the need for ongoing care due to your injuries.
- Punitive damages: You can be awarded additional damages intended to punish the responsible party if their conduct was grossly negligent or reckless.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Elevator Accident?
Liability in elevator accidents isn’t always clear-cut. Parties who can potentially be held responsible include:
- Building owners or managers: These individuals have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions, including regular inspections and prompt repairs. Failure to do so can make them liable for injuries.
- Elevator maintenance companies: If an accident occurred due to improper or neglected maintenance, the company responsible for servicing the elevator may be held accountable.
- Elevator manufacturers: Defective components or design flaws that contribute to an accident can make the manufacturer liable under product liability laws.
- Contractors or installers: Improper installation or faulty construction can result in dangerous elevator conditions.
- Operators or staff: In buildings with manually operated elevators, negligent or reckless actions by staff may contribute to accidents.
An experienced attorney can investigate all parties involved, identify who is legally responsible, and work to hold them accountable for your damages.
Speak to an Elevator Accident Attorney in Aurora
Elevator accidents can lead to a variety of unexpected expenses. If you were hurt in an elevator accident, an Aurora elevator accident attorney from Therman Law can investigate the accident, negotiate with insurers, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to start building your claim today.
