Elevators, like other mechanical devices, need to be maintained. This is one of the reasons why building and safety codes exist. When property owners fail to comply with safety codes, serious accidents can take place, leading to long-term or even fatal injuries.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in an elevator accident due to a building or safety code violation, we are ready to help. Our building and safety code violation lawyer in Chicago understands how to hold responsible parties liable for a victim’s injuries and how to get you the compensation that you are entitled to receive.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Chicago premises liability lawyers have 75 years of combined experience handling cases like yours. Choose Charlie and get the skilled help you need to seek justice.
How a Building and Safety Code Violation Lawyer in Chicago Will Help You
After an elevator accident, it can be hard to know what went wrong or who should be held responsible. A building and safety code violation attorney in Chicago will investigate the incident, review maintenance records, and determine whether a building owner or elevator maintenance company is liable.
When codes are ignored or inspections are skipped, dangerous issues such as misleveling, sudden stops, or door malfunctions can seriously injure people. Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago understand how these accidents occur and can pursue the justice and damages you deserve.
While you focus on your recovery, we work to identify all responsible parties and build a strong claim based on the facts. Here’s what our team will do to help you after an accident caused by a building safety code violation:
- Investigate the accident and gather building maintenance logs, inspection reports, and other important records
- Answer any questions you have about elevator rules and regulations
- Determine whether safety code violations contributed to the incident
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate how much your claim is worth
- Preserve evidence and use it to file a strong claim
- Coordinate your care with medical providers who treat injured clients on a lien basis when needed
- Handle communication with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement
- Guide you through each step of the legal process and keep you informed throughout your case
Establishing Liability for Injuries Caused by Building or Safety Code Violations
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a building and safety code violation, you may be able to recover compensation through a lawsuit against the property owner. Property owners of apartment complexes or office buildings have a duty to ensure that elevators are properly maintained and in safe working order so people do not get hurt.
Our Chicago building and safety code violation attorneys will work hard to find evidence that shows the property owner or maintenance company failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care. We’ll use evidence to demonstrate that the at-fault party’s negligence directly caused the accident, your injuries, and your losses.
If a building code violation was part of the reason, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and seek damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future medical expenses. The damages in a case will vary depending on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered.
Statute of Limitations for Building and Safety Code Violation Lawsuits in Chicago
In Illinois, an elevator accident claim must be filed within a certain time frame, known as the statute of limitations. A plaintiff has two years to file a claim for injuries and five years to file a claim for property damage.
The clock typically starts running at the time an injury is suffered, though there are exceptions. Failing to file within the appropriate statute of limitations could mean losing your right to compensation altogether.
Meet with our Chicago building and safety code violation lawyer soon to ensure we have the time we need to meet this deadline.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Legal fees should not stop you from getting help after a serious elevator accident. At our Chicago building and safety code violation law firm, we handle cases like yours on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any upfront attorney fees to start your case.
Instead of charging you out-of-pocket, we’ll take a percentage of the money you get from your claim. If we do not recover money in your case, you do not owe us any attorney fees. We hope this fee structure allows you to pursue justice without any added financial pressure.
Discuss Your Case With a Chicago Building and Safety Code Violation Lawyer
Property owners have an obligation to ensure their elevators are in safe working order so that riders are not injured in accidents caused by uneven levels or sudden drops. If you or your loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by a building or safety code violation, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our dedicated attorneys have helped numerous victims resolve their elevator accident claims, and we can help you, too. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how a building and safety code violation lawyer in Chicago can help you and your family.