Everything You Should Know about Elevator Accidents in Florida 

Most people do not think twice about getting on an elevator, and many Floridians use them every day. That is why it’s so frightening when an elevator accident occurs. If you sustained injuries because of an elevator in South Florida, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Baker Legal Team. We will launch a thorough investigation and determine if negligence played a role in the accident. If it did, we could pursue compensation for your accident-related losses. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Elevator Accidents? 

From hotels and offices to malls and schools, we encounter elevators everywhere we go. While state and federal laws require elevator operators to schedule regular safety inspections, not every building owner is diligent about this duty. When no one addresses a safety hazard, an accident may occur. 

Some common causes of elevator accidents include: 

• Defective doors: Most elevators have doors with built-in sensors and open at a slow pace to prevent an accident. However, sometimes the sensors can fail and close while a person is entering or exiting the elevator. Some of the most severe injuries occur when a person’s limb is caught in the door, especially if the elevator is moving. 

• Free falls: Elevators weigh thousands of pounds and operate through complex pulley systems. Unfortunately, these systems can quickly become overloaded, particularly if the mechanic did not install them properly. A snapped or faulty wire may cause the elevator to free fall, putting passengers at risk of severe injuries or death. 

• Unbalanced leveling: Buildings constructed before the 1960s often have elevator braking systems that frequently break, leading to unbalanced leveling. That means that the elevator might stop a few feet above or below the intended floor. Senior citizens and children are especially at risk for slip and fall accidents when the elevator is not balanced correctly. 
• Speed malfunctions: If the counterweights, control systems, or braking systems are not working correctly, the elevator might move too fast, injuring passengers in the process. 

Other causes of elevator accidents might include electrocutions due to faulty wiring, falling down the elevator shaft, or elevator fires. Those involved in these accidents often suffer from severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or post-traumatic stress disorder. 

How to Obtain Compensation from an Elevator Injury?  

To obtain compensation for an elevator accident, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the injuries. In general, building owners or landlords are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of elevators. If they fail to maintain them, they might be responsible for any accidents. There could also be times where the elevator manufacturer is liable. This might happen if they were aware of a faulty part but failed to notify customers.

However, you will need sufficient evidence to prove their negligence to receive compensation. You can do this by taking photos or videos at the accident scene. You can also talk to any witnesses who were not involved in the accident. Additionally, you should seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine or show no external injuries, a doctor can perform a complete check-up and begin treating any injuries that have yet to show symptoms. Furthermore, seeing a doctor shows proof that your injuries are as severe as you claim. 

One thing you should never do when filing an injury claim in Florida is put your faith in the insurance company. Their goal is to maximize profits whenever possible, and that means employing tactics to deny or reduce your claim. That is why you must partner with an experienced injury attorney. They can handle the day-to-day aspects of your case and negotiate compensation amounts with insurers on your behalf. The compensation you may receive depends on various factors. After reviewing your case, an injury attorney might be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and therapy costs. 

Contact the Injury Attorneys at the Baker Legal Team Today 

If you were in an elevator accident in Florida, contact the Baker Legal Team today. When you partner with us, you will receive personalized services from our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys. Led by Attorney Robert Baker, we are strong advocates who aggressively pursue injury claims while protecting your rights. 

You must remember that you only have four years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Florida. While that may sound like a lot of time, it takes time and patience to find and analyze evidence, file court motions, and interview witnesses. If you suffered severe injuries, you might not have the time to complete all of these tasks and miss the deadline to file a claim. When that happens, you will likely have to pay for your accident-related expenses out of pocket. Do not delay and contact us immediately. To schedule a free consultation, call (561) 320-0000 or complete our contact form.