When you go to work or to another office space, you expect to be in a safe working environment. Unfortunately, each year, people in Illinois and throughout the U.S. are injured in elevator accidents in office buildings.
If this has happened to you or someone close to you, you should contact a Chicago elevator accident lawyer who can assess the details of your case. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we can hold negligent parties accountable for your elevator accident and pursue compensation for your injury-related losses.
We have recovered over $100 million for deserving clients from all walks of life and can fight for the redress you need. Contact our offices today to speak to an office building elevator accident lawyer in Chicago.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Elevator or Escalator Accident
You should always work with a personal injury lawyer after an accident. Between medical expenses and being unable to work, your losses might be great. A lawyer from our firm can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to recover your medical bills, lost work income, and other losses.
A Chicago personal injury lawyer can handle every aspect of filing an insurance injury claim, from initial investigation to final negotiations. If necessary, your attorney can pursue a formal lawsuit in court to recover funds for your recovery.
A lawyer can give you invaluable leverage during the entire claims process and can help you get a better settlement. Don’t hesitate to reach out and find an attorney to discuss your case.
Elevator Accidents in Office Buildings
Elevators are potential sources of serious injuries and death to the general public and to workers installing, repairing, or maintaining them. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 27 people are killed in elevator accidents each year, and over 10,000 are injured.
About half of annual elevator-related fatalities happen to repair or maintenance workers who service elevators or people who use elevators as part of their job, such as in an office building.
Elevator accidents may happen for a number of reasons. The following are some of the common causes of elevator accidents:
- Faulty wiring
- Elevator doors don’t close all the way
- Falls in the elevator shaft
- Improper leveling
- Broken cables and defective parts
- Sudden acceleration from rapid braking
These types of accidents can cause several types of injuries, ranging from broken bones and bruises to spinal cord injuries and amputations.
Who is Liable for Elevator Accidents?
Property owners, property management companies, elevator manufacturers, and maintenance companies may be held liable for any injuries caused by an elevator accident in an office building. If an entity was responsible for maintaining the elevator or building premises, they could be at fault.
Property Owners and Management Companies
Under the rules of premises liability, property owners and managers are generally responsible for injuries to guests on their properties. For instance, if the property owners neglected to perform inspections or violated safety standards, they could be liable under the rules of premises liability.
Elevator Manufacturers
The manufacturers may be liable for injuries due to defective elevator parts, such as doors, pulleys, and cables. If a defective elevator part causes an accident, we can help you file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Elevator Maintenance Contractors
Elevator maintenance companies can also be liable for accidents if they make errors leading to mechanical failures. For instance, an elevator maintenance technician might neglect to make elevator inspections or cause damage when performing preventive maintenance.
Compensation You Can Recover After an Office Elevator Accident
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover the following losses after an office building elevator or escalator accident:
- Emergency medical bills and future necessary medical costs
- Lost wages and other types of employment income
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring and disfigurement
We are adept at searching for sources of compensation and will investigate your case from all angles to identify all liable entities. If your loved one has died due to injuries from an elevator accident, we can help you file a wrongful death claim to recover your losses.
Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit in Chicago
You typically only have two years to pursue an injury claim in Illinois, counting from the injury date. Once the two years pass, you will lose your right to sue. Two years might sound like a long time, but waiting can harm your case. Evidence fades, and it becomes harder to connect your injuries to the elevator accident.
The best option is to start as early as possible by talking to a Chicago office building elevator accident lawyer. A lawyer can start gathering evidence and ensure you meet filing deadlines and requirements.
Choose Charlie as Your Chicago Elevator Accident Lawyer
Whether it’s property owners or manufacturers, you can count on Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., to hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries. We have a reputation as a fierce advocate for the injured who won’t compromise just to get a quick win.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a Chicago office building elevator accident lawyer