Most people step into an elevator without a second thought. When one fails, however, the injuries can be severe. An elevator accident lawyer in Elmwood Park can identify every responsible party and build a claim that reflects the full impact of what happened.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’ve been representing seriously injured people across the Chicago area since 2002. We handle the investigation, the insurance battle, and the legal strategy so you can focus on getting better.
Our Elmwood Park personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. There is no fee unless we win.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries
Elevator accidents can cause injuries that range from minor to permanently life-altering, depending on the type of incident and the force involved. Common injuries in elevator accident cases include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and chronic back pain
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Soft tissue injuries to the neck, shoulders, and back
- Crush injuries from malfunctioning or rapidly closing doors
- Lacerations and contusions
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
Some injuries may not be fully apparent immediately after the accident. Getting medical attention right away is important both for your health and for establishing a medical record tied to the incident. Delays in treatment give insurers room to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, or that they were caused by something else entirely.
Illinois Laws That Apply to Your Elevator Accident Claim
Elevator accident claims in Illinois can involve several areas of law, depending on how the accident happened and who was responsible.
Premises Liability
Illinois premises liability law (740 ILCS 130) requires property owners and occupiers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. An elevator that is poorly maintained, improperly inspected, or known to be defective represents a breach of that duty and a basis for 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.
Elevator Inspection Requirements
Under the Illinois Elevator Safety and Regulation Act (225 ILCS 312), elevators must be inspected and certified annually by a licensed elevator inspector. A building owner who fails to arrange required inspections (or who ignores the findings of an inspection) may face significant liability.
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 at all.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Elmwood Park Elevator Accident
Elevator accident cases often involve more than one responsible party; identifying all of them is critical to maximizing your recovery. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- The building owner or property manager: who has a legal duty to ensure the elevator is properly maintained and inspected
- The elevator maintenance company: if a contractor serviced the elevator and failed to identify or fix a known problem
- The elevator manufacturer: if a defective part caused or contributed to the failure
- The installation company: if improper installation was a contributing factor
- A commercial tenant: if a business controlling access to the elevator failed to address a known hazard
Each additional liable party may mean additional insurance coverage available to you. An elevator accident attorney in Elmwood Park can conduct a thorough investigation to make sure every responsible party is identified and held accountable.
Steps to Take After an Elevator Accident in Elmwood Park
What you do in the immediate aftermath of an elevator accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not produce obvious symptoms right away. A medical record created close to the date of the accident is essential evidence.
- Report the incident. Notify the building manager or property owner of the accident in writing as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of any incident report that is filed.
- Document everything. Photograph the elevator, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, and anything that appears to be damaged or malfunctioning. Note the elevator number, floor, and time of the incident.
- Do not give a recorded statement. The building owner’s insurer may contact you quickly. Do not provide a recorded statement or sign any documents before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact an elevator accident lawyer in Elmwood Park as soon as possible. Elevators are often repaired or serviced after an accident, which can destroy critical evidence. Acting quickly is one of the most important steps in any claim.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
The compensation available in an elevator accident claim is designed to address the full impact of your injuries, not just the immediate costs.
Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages may include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and long-term care costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of normal life. If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may also have their own separate claims under Illinois law.
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the number of liable parties, and the insurance coverage available. We take a close look at all of those factors before advising you on any offer.
What an Elevator Accident Lawyer in Elmwood Park Can Do for You
Elevator accident claims involve technical evidence, multiple defendants, and insurers who are experienced at disputing liability. Handling that alone, while recovering from a serious injury, is an enormous burden.
Our team investigates the cause of the accident, identifies every liable party, works with engineering experts where needed, preserves critical evidence before it disappears, handles all insurer communication, and represents you through litigation if a fair settlement isn’t reached.
We also calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical costs and long-term effects on your ability to work. This means you will not be pressured into accepting less than your case is worth.
Why Charlie Therman for Your Elmwood Park Elevator Accident Claim
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has been representing seriously injured people across the Chicago area since 2002. With over 75 years of combined legal experience and more than $100 million recovered for clients, we have the resources and the track record to take on property owners, maintenance companies, and their insurers.
We keep our caseload manageable because we believe every client deserves direct access to their legal team. You won’t be handed off or left waiting for answers here.
Talk to an Elevator Accident Lawyer in Elmwood Park Today
If you were hurt in an elevator accident, don’t wait to get legal advice. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to build a strong case.
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.
