Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

Elevator accidents are more common that most people think and can result in serious injury. When an elevator malfunction occurs, riders can suffer from a multitude of injuries. In kids under 5 years of age, head injuries were found to be the most commonly injured body part. In addition, elevators can cause sprains, strains, and broken extremities (which include arms, hands, elbows, wrists and fingers). In some cases, riders who fall as a result of sudden jerks cause suffer chronic back injury as well. The victims of the mishaps tend to be younger children. According to data provided by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1994-2004, children and teens in the US suffered more than 29,000 elevator injuries that were serious enough to warrant hospital visits. That figure translates to approximately 1,940 injuries on average per year. Approximately 26% of elevator injuries happen to 1 and 2-year olds, which was more than any other age group. Often times, children see adults blocking elevator doors from closing and try to imitate that action. Unfortunately, children of a young age lack the strength, balance, and reflexes necessary to avoid injury.

In addition to elevator doors closing on unsuspecting riders, injuries can often occur as a result of the following:

• Sudden jerks and halts that cause riders to love their balance and fall


• Mis-leveling with the floor that causes people to trip when entering or exiting


• Doors that fail to open, trapping riders inside for prolonged periods of time


• Malfunction of the pulley mechanism which causes the elevator to free fall down the shaft


• Faulty wiring which could electrocute riders

Injured victims have several forms of recourse as their often several parties that could be liable. The most important question in finding liability is to determine which party was negligent in the maintenance of the elevator. Sometimes it is the owner of the building; other times, there is a separate company that is responsible for the management and maintenance of the building. In other cases, it is directly the fault of the elevator maintenance company. In a Los Angeles County, California case several years ago, the court found that the victim could bring suit against all three parties (building owner, building management company, and the elevator maintenance company). Here, the elevator mis-leveled and stopped a foot to a foot and a half above the floor that it was supposed to stop on. During the discovery process, evidence surfaced that showed that the elevator maintenance company had previously notified the building management company that repairs in the amount of approximately $100,000 were necessary. The court found that the injured party had causes of action against all three defendants for failing to maintain safe premises.

In any case, it is important that those injured in an elevator accident seek the help of a well-qualified personal injury attorney. The experienced individuals at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have extensive experience in dealing with these types of premises liability cases. If you have been injured in an elevator accident, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation regarding your rights.