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When an elevator malfunction sends your life into a tailspin, you deserve an apartment building elevator accident lawyer in Chicago that will fight just as hard as you do.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have recovered over $100 million for injured clients across Chicago, and we know what it takes to hold negligent property owners and building managers accountable.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an apartment building elevator accident, the Chicago elevator accident lawyers at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., are ready to stand in your corner and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Why Choose Charlie After an Apartment Elevator Accident?
Elevator accident cases involve complex liability questions, multiple potentially responsible parties, and insurance companies that will do everything in their power to minimize your claim.
You need a legal team with the experience, resources, and commitment to take on that fight. Choose Charlie and let our decades of dedication to Chicago injury victims go to work for you. Here’s why the community turns to our Chicago personal injury lawyer team:
- Over $100 million recovered for injured clients throughout the Chicago area
- 75 years of combined experience handling serious personal injury cases with proven results
- Since 2002, we’ve remained a trusted name in the community
- No win, no fee means that you pay nothing unless we win your case
- Family-oriented service because we treat every client like one of our own, with the care and attention your case deserves
Elevator Accidents in Apartment Complexes May Cause Serious Injuries
Elevator accidents can result in serious injuries, such as burns, broken bones, head injuries, neck injuries, and back injuries. These injuries, if serious, can be extremely costly to treat. However, Illinois law allows elevator accident victims to recover a variety of economic and non-economic damages.
These damages typically include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, disability, and any other losses arising from the accident.
If you were injured in an elevator accident in an apartment complex, you may be able to recover compensation for your harm through a negligence lawsuit. Elevator accidents can happen due to a number of malfunctions, including:
- Open shafts or faulty doors
- Incomplete repairs, poor maintenance, or inspections by unqualified personnel
- Worn or broken cables, or improperly maintained cables or elevator doors
- Wiring malfunctions that cause electrical problems
- Strained elevator cables or failing elevator brakes
- Carriage misalignment with floors
- Improper elevator design
How Premises Liability Works
An injury occurring on the property of another party usually gives rise to a premises liability claim brought by the victim against the building owner or occupier. In order to establish liability, Illinois law requires an accident victim to provide evidence that supports certain elements.
They would need to show that the property owner knew or should have known of the hazardous condition’s existence, but the property owner failed to remedy or address the hazardous condition.
The property owner must have known or should have known that the injured party would not be aware of the hazard, or would not be able to take their own protective measures against the hazard, and the type of accident in which the victim was hurt must have been foreseeable.
Can Other Parties Be Held Liable?
It is important to note that there may be other parties, aside from property owners, that may be liable for an elevator accident. For example, an elevator manufacturer might be liable if the accident was caused by defective design or manufacture.
This might give rise to a product liability claim based on strict liability, which means that the negligence of the company would not need to be shown. In other situations, an elevator maintenance company may be liable if it failed to inspect or repair the elevator properly.
To learn more, talk to our team of apartment building elevator accident lawyers in Chicago 24/7.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in an Elevator Accident
If you’ve been injured in an apartment building elevator accident, the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can make or break your personal injury claim.
Property owners and their insurance carriers will begin building their defense immediately, and you should be building your case just as quickly. Here is what you should do after an elevator accident in Chicago, including talking to a personal injury attorney:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional right away. Serious injuries (including internal trauma and concussions) may not present obvious symptoms at first.
- Report the accident. Notify the building manager, property owner, or landlord about the accident as soon as possible and request that a written incident report be filed. Ask for a copy of that report for your records.
- Document the scene. If you are physically able, take photographs and videos of the elevator, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Note the elevator number, floor, and any warning signs, out-of-order notices, or visible damage that the property owner was negligent about.
- Gather witness information. If anyone else witnessed the accident or was present at the scene, collect their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be a powerful asset in your case.
- Preserve all evidence. Hold onto any clothing or personal items damaged in the accident. Do not repair or discard anything that could serve as evidence of what happened.
- Keep records of all expenses. Save every medical bill, prescription receipt, and documentation of lost wages. These records will be essential when calculating the full value of your damages.
- Contact a Chicago premises liability lawyer. Before speaking with any insurance company or signing any documents, consult with an experienced injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and a single misstep in your communications with them could cost you.
Get a Free Case Consultation With a Chicago Apartment Building Elevator Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been injured in an elevator in an apartment complex in the Chicago area, it is vital to speak to a knowledgeable injury lawyer as soon as possible.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we know how to pursue compensation for people who have been hurt in elevator accidents. To discuss your legal rights and options at no cost, call our apartment building elevator accident lawyers in Chicago for a free consultation or visit our FAQ page.
