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Many people in Illinois and throughout the United States use elevators on a daily basis without incident. When something goes wrong, however, the results can be devastating. If you have been injured in an elevator accident in Cook County, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost work income, and more.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our highly skilled Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the legal process. With more than 75 years of combined experience, we are committed to getting our Cook County clients full and fair financial recovery for their harm.
Call our offices today or send us a message online to schedule a free case consultation with an elevator accident lawyer in Chicago.
How Common are Elevator Accidents?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 17,000 individuals are injured and 30 people die in accidents involving elevators or escalators every year. Elevator accidents can take place for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:
- Improper leveling that keeps the elevator from lining up properly with the floor
- Elevator door entrapment
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Poor maintenance
- Malfunctioning doors
- Elevator cables snapping
- Safety device failure
- Falls resulting from an exposed elevator shaft
Injuries from Elevator Accidents
Injuries from an elevator accident can range from minor to severe. On the more severe end of the spectrum, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and death are all possible outcomes, especially if the elevator malfunctions and falls down the shaft.
Below are some of the most common types of injuries from elevator or escalator accidents in Chicago:
- Broken bones
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Blunt force trauma
- Chest and torso injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and arm injuries
- Electrocution
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis
- Amputations or crushing injuries
- Death
Liability for Elevator Accidents in Chicago
If you have been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, a number of parties may be liable, including property owners, maintenance teams, and product manufacturers.
Property Owners
Under the premises liability laws, property owners are generally responsible for fixing or removing hazards that can harm guests. If property owners know about a specific elevator hazard and fail to remedy it, they can be liable for any accidents that cause injuries. In these cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner or building owner.
Elevator Maintenance Company
Maintenance companies can also be responsible if maintenance technicians make errors or damage the elevator during repairs or preventive maintenance. For instance, if a maintenance contractor violated safety standards by skipping inspection reports, they could be liable if an accident happened and someone was injured.
Elevator Manufacturer
Elevator manufacturers can also bear liability if the accident happened due to defective elevator parts, such as faulty doors, faulty wiring, control systems, and pulley systems. If the accident happened due to defective parts or elevator equipment, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the equipment manufacturers.
Compensation You Can Recover With an Elevator Accident Lawsuit
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover financial compensation for any losses associated with your injuries. This may include the following:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and other forms of employment compensation
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to disability
- Out-of-pocket injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment and the capacity to engage in hobbies
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring or disfigurement
We are adept at finding compensation, and our calculations for demand figures will account for the short- and long-term costs associated with catastrophic injuries. If your loved one has died in an elevator accident, a Chicago elevator accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for wrongful death damages.
Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit in Illinois
Illinois’ statute of limitations gives you no more than two years to file a lawsuit for injuries due to negligence or wrongdoing. Once the two-year timer expires, any legal claim to compensation for your losses will expire. If you try to file a lawsuit after two years, the courts will reject your injury claim.
Two years sounds like a substantial amount of time, but it can pass quickly when you’re injured. Evidence from an elevator accident can fade quickly, and it gets harder to connect your injuries to the accident.
Contact a Chicago Elevator Accident Lawyer Today
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has recovered over $100 million for deserving clients from all walks of life. We can be your advocate and help you navigate the aftermath of an elevator or escalator accident through a personal injury lawsuit. You deserve a lawyer who will hear your side of the story and fight to hold liable parties accountable.
Send us a message online or reach out to us by phone to schedule a case consultation with an elevator accident lawyer in Chicago. Choose Charlie.
