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 a 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 in California at your earliest convenience.

Lesiones por el cierre rápido de la puerta de un ascensor

Due to their size and weight, elevators can cause serious injury regardless of where they are located. Elevator doors closing at the wrong time is a common 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:

• Cortes profundos y hemorragia excesiva
• Infecciones por bacterias que penetran en las heridas
• Huesos rotos
• Fractura de cráneo
• Daños en los órganos internos
• Síndrome compartimental (lesiones nerviosas por aplastamiento en brazos y piernas)
• Parálisis

Su Derecho a Indemnización por una Demanda por Accidente de Puerta de Ascensor Cerrada

Anteriormente en este artículo, hemos proporcionado algunos ejemplos de cómo una puerta de ascensor puede fallar, haciendo que se cierre demasiado rápido y lesionar a alguien mientras están todavía en la puerta. Estos accidentes suelen estar causados por negligencia, ya sea del propietario del inmueble, de la empresa de mantenimiento del ascensor, o de ambos.

Muchas de estas demandas se interponen contra el propietario del inmueble, entre los que se incluyen particulares, así como empresas y entidades gubernamentales. Estas partes poseen y/o gestionan los siguientes tipos de propiedades donde se pueden encontrar ascensores:

• Edificio de apartamentos (o condominios)
• Viviendas individuales
• Edificio de oficinas
• Escuelas
• Centros comerciales y grandes almacenes
• Biblioteca pública
• Estaciones de tren
• Aeropuertos
• Lugares de culto, como iglesias y mezquitas
• Edificios públicos

Los propietarios de estos inmuebles deben tener un cuidado razonable para asegurarse de que el ascensor funciona correctamente. Las inspecciones periódicas son esenciales, junto con las reparaciones inmediatas si hay algún problema con las puertas del ascensor. Si la reparación no puede realizarse a tiempo, debe haber señales, barreras de seguridad y otras medidas de precaución para mantener a la gente alejada de la zona. Por lo tanto, si se produce un accidente en su propiedad causado por una puerta de ascensor defectuosa, el propietario es responsable de las lesiones de la víctima.

Elevator Company Liability for an Elevator Door Injury in California

El dueño de la propiedad que contiene el ascensor puede no ser la única parte responsable de un accidente con la puerta del ascensor cerrándose. Tanto los ascensores comerciales como los ascensores privados de las viviendas deben ser inspeccionados y mantenidos con regularidad. Los propietarios suelen contratar a una empresa de mantenimiento de ascensores para asegurarse de que todo, incluidas las puertas y los sensores de las puertas, funcione como es debido.

Por desgracia, pueden producirse incidentes de negligencia por parte de un técnico de ascensores o de la empresa para la que trabaja. La mala formación y la falta de supervisión pueden desempeñar un papel en estos accidentes, aunque es posible que los técnicos experimentados se descuiden o se distraigan mientras realizan una inspección. Cualquiera que sea el problema, usted puede contar con nosotros para llevar a cabo una investigación exhaustiva y traer el acuerdo más alto posible de un caso de accidente de lesiones puerta del ascensor.

¿Cuánto vale de media un caso de lesiones en la puerta de un ascensor?

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 a whole, resolutions usually fall within the range of around a hundred thousand to much higher amounts. 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 most effective course of action is to contact our office in California and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. 

¿Cuál es el plazo estimado para resolver estos casos?

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 resolution. In the event that your case goes to court, the process of recovering your payment can take two or more years.

Prescripción para interponer una demanda por accidente en la puerta de un ascensor

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 in California as soon as possible.

Segunda opinión de un abogado con experiencia en casos de lesiones en ascensores

Our legal team from California is here 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 most appropriate 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.