Closing Elevator Door Accident Lawsuit Attorney

Taking an elevator from floor to floor is a normal task for most of us, whether we’re at work or browsing at a shopping center. Some people also have elevators in their homes due to a disability that makes it impossible or difficult for them to use stairs. Because they are so common, most people take it for granted that an elevator is safe to use. Sadly, accidents from a malfunctioning elevator are very common, and a good deal of these incidents are caused by elevator doors.

The most common source of injury from an elevator door is due to the doors closing on someone while they’re standing in the doorway. This can happen from a door sensor not working properly or from lack of a sensor on the door jambs. Another problem is failure to inspect the elevator or failing to note mechanical defects that can lead to a crushing injury.

These are all examples of negligence by property owners or elevator maintenance companies. If you’ve been harmed from an elevator door rapidly closing, it’s essential to determine who is responsible for the accident. That way, you can demand monetary compensation, which will help you cover the costs associated with your accident. To discuss your rights and legal options with a closing elevator door injury attorney, contact us at your earliest convenience.

Injuries from a Rapidly Closing Elevator Door

Due to their size and weight, elevators can cause serious injury regardless of where they are located. Elevators doors closing at the wrong time is a leading cause of accidents, whether you’re in an office building or a private residence. Here are some examples of bodily harm you can sustain if you are crushed between a set of elevator doors:

• Deep cuts and excessive bleeding
• Infections from bacteria getting into your wounds
• Broken bones
• Skull fracture
• Damage to the internal organs
• Compartment syndrome (nerve damage due to crushing in the arms and legs)
• Paralysis

Your Right to Compensation from a Closing Elevator Door Accident Lawsuit

Earlier in this article, we provided some examples of how an elevator door can fail, causing it to close too quickly and injure someone while they’re still in the doorway. These accidents are typically caused by negligence, either by the property owner, the elevator maintenance company, or both.

Many of these lawsuits are filed against the property owner, which include individuals, as well as companies and government entities. These parties own and/or operate the following types of properties where you can find elevators:

• Apartment building (or condos)
• Individual homes
• Office building
• Schools
• Shopping malls, shopping centers, and department stores
• Public library
• Train stations
• Airports
• House of worship, such as churches and mosques
• Government buildings

Owners of such properties must take reasonable care to ensure that the elevator is in good working order. Inspections on a regular basis are essential, along with immediate repairs if there is anything wrong with the elevator doors. If the repair can’t be completed in a timely manner, there should be signs, safety barriers, and other cautionary measures to keep people away from the area. Thus, if there is an accident on their property that’s caused by a defective elevator door, the owner is liable for the victim’s injuries.

Elevator Company Liability for an Elevator Door Injury 

The owner of the property that contains the elevator may not be the only party that’s responsible for a closing elevator door accident. Both commercial-grade elevators and private elevators in homes need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Property owners generally hire an elevator maintenance company to ensure that everything, including the doors and door sensors, are functioning as they should.

Unfortunately, there may be incidents of negligence by an elevator technician or the company they work for. Poor training and lack of supervision can play a role in these accidents, though it’s possible for experienced technicians to get careless or distracted while performing an inspection. Whatever the issue, you can count on us to conduct a thorough investigation and bring you the highest possible settlement from an elevator door injury accident case.

How much is an Elevator Door Injury Case Worth on Average?

The total amount you can receive from a personal injury lawsuit is based on many different elements, including how badly you are injured, long-term complications to your health, and the degree of liability by the defendant. If we look at these cases as whole, settlements usually fall within the range of $100,000 to over $2 million. But your own case is different than anyone else’s, and it’s important to remember that some cases are worth less, or perhaps more than the “average” range. If you’re interested in learning what your elevator accident case is worth, the best course of action is to contact our office and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.  

What is the Estimated Timeline to Settle these Cases?

Unfortunately, there is no formula that we can use to calculate how long it will take to settle your case. The timeline can range from 30 days to several years, though we would say that the majority of elevator injury cases are settled within 6 to 12 months. A big part of the settlement process has to do with the defendant and their willingness to admit liability. Based on their cooperation, it can sometimes take up to 18 months to negotiate a settlement award. In the event that your case goes to trial, the process of recovering your payment can take two or more years.

Statute of Limitations to File an Elevator Door Accident Lawsuit

In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit if you were injured by an elevator door. The statute of limitations normally begins on the date your accident, so please don’t wait to seek legal advice from an elevator accident lawsuit attorney. Before you know it, the two-year period will be over, and at that point, it’s unlikely that the courts will give you more time to file a lawsuit. To protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve, contact our law firm as soon as possible.

Second Opinion from a Lawyer with Experience in Elevator Injury Cases

Our legal experts are here for if you have a pending elevator injury case that you would like to discuss with another lawyer. Sometimes, people want a second opinion on important questions, like “Should I take what the insurance company is offering me?” But there may be more serious problems in your case, like incompetence or lack of dedication by your attorney. We can bring these issues to your attention during a one-on-one case review and help you decide on the best way to move forward. As this is a free service, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to schedule a free second opinion.

Contact DTLA Law Group

DTLA Law Group is committed to the rights of accident victims who were injured from an elevator door closing on them. We know the losses that can result from these incidents, and how essential it is to recover maximum payment on behalf our clients.

Under the Zero Fee Guarantee, you receive free legal services starting from the very first consultation. All legal fees are paid by the defendant along with your settlement award, so there’s no out of pocket costs for you and your loved ones. And if we don’t win your case, you won’t be billed for a single penny of our expenses.

Please take this opportunity to give us a call and schedule a free case evaluation with the elevator accident lawyers of DTLA Law Group.