Elevator accidents are rare but can have devastating consequences when they do occur. Whether caused by mechanical failures, poor maintenance, or human error, these incidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
If you’ve been injured in an elevator accident, our elevator accident lawyer in Bolingbrook can help you pursue compensation for your losses. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’ve recovered over $100 million for injury victims across Illinois.
Our Bolingbrook personal injury lawyer can identify a liable party and file a claim to seek financial recovery. Call us for a free initial consultation.
How Elevator Accidents Occur due to Negligence
Elevators are a part of everyday life, especially in office buildings, apartment complexes, malls, and hotels. While they are generally safe, accidents can happen when proper safety measures aren’t followed. Understanding the most common causes of elevator accidents is an important step toward identifying who may be responsible for your injuries.
Mechanical Failures
Elevators rely on intricate systems of cables, pulleys, and motors to operate safely. When any part of this system fails, it can lead to sudden stops, rapid descents, or doors that don’t open or close properly. Mechanical failures are often the result of poor maintenance or defective parts.
Inadequate Maintenance
Landlords, property owners, and building managers are responsible for keeping elevators in good working order. Regular inspections and timely repairs are necessary to prevent dangerous conditions. When maintenance is neglected, malfunctions become more likely.
Door Malfunctions
Doors that fail to open or close correctly can cause serious injuries. For example, a person might get stuck between the doors or be struck as they close unexpectedly.
Misleveling
Misleveling occurs when an elevator car doesn’t stop flush with the floor, creating a tripping hazard. This is particularly dangerous for individuals with mobility issues or those carrying heavy objects.
Overloaded Elevators
Exceeding an elevator’s weight limit can strain its systems, leading to sudden failures. Proper signage and weight monitoring are necessary to avoid these situations.
Falls Into Elevator Shafts
One of the most catastrophic types of elevator accidents involves falls into open shafts. These incidents often occur when safety barriers or warning systems are missing or malfunctioning.
Understanding how your accident happened is a key part of holding the responsible parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Elevator Accident?
Liability for an elevator accident often depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. Several parties may share responsibility, and our Bolingbrook elevator accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations so that we can work to hold each liable party accountable.
Property Owners and Managers
Building owners and property managers are tasked with maintaining safe conditions for everyone who uses their facilities. This includes scheduling regular elevator inspections, promptly addressing repair needs, and ensuring compliance with safety codes. Failure to meet these responsibilities can make them liable for accidents.
Maintenance Companies
Many property owners hire third-party companies to handle elevator maintenance and repairs. If a maintenance company fails to properly inspect or repair an elevator, it may be held responsible for resulting accidents.
Manufacturers
Defective elevator parts or flawed designs can lead to malfunctions and accidents. In these cases, the manufacturer of the elevator or its components may be liable under product liability laws.
Service Technicians
Individual technicians responsible for maintaining or repairing elevators may also share liability if their work was negligent or substandard.
Determining liability requires a careful investigation into the cause of the accident. This often involves reviewing maintenance logs, safety inspections, and repair records, as well as consulting with experts.
Filing an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit After an Elevator Accident
After an elevator accident, you may need to file an insurance claim, a lawsuit, or both to recover compensation for your injuries. The process often begins with filing a claim against the responsible party’s insurance, which could include the property owner’s liability insurance, a maintenance company’s policy, or a manufacturer’s product liability coverage.
Reporting the accident to the property owner or manager immediately also creates an official record of the incident, which can support your claim.
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This involves taking legal action against the responsible parties to recover compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years. Acting quickly can protect your right to pursue compensation and allow enough time to investigate and build a strong case. Contacting an attorney early can help you take the proper steps forward.
Why Choose Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.?
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we know how devastating elevator accidents can be. With over $100 million recovered for injury victims and 75 years of combined experience, we’ve helped clients across Illinois rebuild their lives after serious accidents.
Our approach is grounded in personal attention. From the moment you contact us, you’ll work directly with an attorney who listens to your story and develops a strategy tailored to your needs. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial.
We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Bolingbrook elevator accident lawyers are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With over $100 million recovered for clients, we have the resources and determination to fight for your rights.
Call today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we win your case. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and financial relief.
