When elevators fail, the consequences can be serious, and the question of who is responsible isn’t always obvious. Building owners, property managers, maintenance companies, and elevator manufacturers may all play a role. An elevator accident lawyer in Edison Park can identify every liable party and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have been representing injury victims across the Chicago area since 2002, recovering more than $100 million for our clients along the way. We bring that track record and experience to every case we take on.
If you were hurt in an elevator accident, our Edison Park personal injury lawyers are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries
The injuries sustained in elevator accidents vary depending on the type of incident: a sudden drop, a door malfunction, a fall caused by misleveling, or entrapment can each produce different types of harm. Injuries we commonly see in elevator accident cases include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and back damage
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Soft tissue injuries to the neck, back, and shoulders
- Crush injuries from malfunctioning doors
- Lacerations and contusions
- Psychological trauma and anxiety disorders
Some of these injuries have long-term consequences that aren’t immediately apparent. Getting medical attention right away is important both for your health and for the strength of your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Elevator Accident
One of the most important aspects of an elevator accident claim is identifying every party who may share legal responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- The building owner or property manager: under Illinois premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, which includes ensuring that elevators are properly maintained and inspected
- The elevator maintenance company: if a contractor was responsible for servicing the elevator and failed to identify or address a known problem, they may share liability
- The elevator manufacturer: if a defective component caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under Illinois product liability law
- The elevator installation company: if improper installation contributed to the failure, the installer may bear responsibility
- A commercial tenant: in some cases, a business that occupies a building and controls access to an elevator may share responsibility for its condition
Identifying all liable parties is key because each extra responsible party may mean additional insurance coverage—and a larger potential recovery for you. An Edison Park elevator accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to make sure no responsible party is overlooked.
How an Elevator Accident Attorney in Edison Park Helps You
Elevator accident claims are more complicated than standard slip-and-fall cases. They often involve multiple defendants, technical evidence about mechanical systems, and disputes about maintenance responsibilities. Having an experienced lawyer handle the investigation and legal strategy from the start makes a big difference.
Our team can review maintenance records and inspection logs, identify all liable parties, work with engineering experts to establish what caused the failure, handle all communication with property owners and their insurers, calculate the full value of your losses including future medical costs, and represent you through litigation if a fair settlement is not reached.
We also move quickly to preserve evidence. Elevators are often repaired or serviced after an accident, which can destroy critical evidence about what caused the failure. Acting fast—and sending a spoliation letter demanding that all relevant records and equipment be preserved—is one of the most important early steps in an elevator accident claim.
Illinois Laws That Apply to Elevator Accident Claims
Several areas of Illinois law may apply to an elevator accident claim, depending on the facts of the case.
- Premises liability: Under Illinois premises liability law (740 ILCS 130), property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. A failure to maintain, inspect, or repair an elevator that results in injury can give rise to a premises liability claim.
- Product liability: If a defective elevator component caused or contributed to the accident, a product liability claim may be available against the manufacturer or distributor under Illinois law.
- Statute of limitations: Illinois gives most injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to recover, permanently.
- Comparative fault: Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). If the other side argues you were partly responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- Elevator inspection requirements: Illinois requires elevators to be inspected and certified annually by a licensed elevator inspector under the Illinois Elevator Safety and Regulation Act (225 ILCS 312). A building owner’s failure to comply with these requirements can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
Elevator accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries. The compensation available in a successful claim is designed to address the full impact, not just the immediate medical bills. Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Future treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal life
If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may also have their own separate claims under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180).
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the number of liable parties, and the insurance coverage available. We review all of those factors carefully before advising you on any settlement offer.
Talk to an Elevator Accident Lawyer in Edison Park Today
If you were hurt in an elevator accident, don’t assume the building owner or their insurer will do the right thing. Get legal advice before you speak with anyone representing the property or the elevator company.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
