What Are the Common Causes of Elevator Accidents in New Jersey?

Elevator accidents in New Jersey are serious accidents that often result from mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe property conditions, as victims may be entitled to compensation depending on the cause and responsible party. If you were hurt in one, do not wait to reach out to our skilled Monmouth County personal injury attorneys to discuss your options.

How Do Elevator Accidents Occur In New Jersey?

The results of an elevator accident can be serious, as they most commonly occur due to mechanical failures, poor maintenance, electrical issues, and unsafe property conditions. These incidents are often preventable, occurring as a result of negligence by the entities responsible for maintaining safe conditions, such as property owners and contractors.

Common Causes of Elevator Accidents

• Tripping due to uneven or unbalanced leveling with the floor
• Electrocutions due to faulty wiring
• Falling down elevator shafts
• Getting caught between malfunctioning doors
• Being whipped around due to excessive elevator speed
• Elevator fires

What are the Most Common Types of Elevator Accidents?

Understanding the types of elevator accidents can help you easily identify liability and prevent injuries from occurring in the future. Many incidents fall into recognizable categories tied to maintenance failures or defective designs.

Common Elevator Accident Scenarios

• Sudden drops or free-fall accidents as a result of mechanical failures
• Door entrapment caused by faulty sensors
• Misleveling accidents where the elevator stops between floors
• Over-speeding elevators caused by malfunctioning brakes
• Electrical system failures

What Types Of Injuries Can Occur After An Elevator Injury?

Elevator accidents can result in very serious injuries to the people involved. In some cases, these injuries can have lifelong effects on an individual’s life. As a result, compensation can be recovered in the event of injuries.

Common Elevator Accident Injuries

• Cuts and bruises
• Crush injuries
• Back injuries
• Head trauma
• Neck injuries
• Severed limbs
• Broken bones
• Wrongful death

These elevator accident injuries in New Jersey often require extensive medical care and can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Elevator Accident in New Jersey?

Liability for an elevator accident will depend on who was responsible for maintaining, manufacturing, or inspecting the equipment. As such, you may find that multiple parties are liable depending on your circumstances.

Potentially Liable Parties

• Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises
• Contracted elevator repair companies
• Manufacturers, if the accident was caused by defective parts or an unsafe design
• Building management companies responsible for overseeing safety compliance
• Contractors, if faulty installation or lack of inspection are to blame

Can I Pursue Legal Action?

If your elevator accident was a result of another’s negligence, for example, a manufacturer, you may be able to pursue legal action and recover damages for your burdens. If an elevator manufacturer cuts corners during production, the machine may be defective. On the other hand, if the property owner does not ensure the machine is maintained over time, it can become defective. In these circumstances, your injury may be a result of another party’s negligence, and you may be able to recover compensation.

Steps to Take After an Elevator Accident

• Call 911. The police can dispatch an ambulance, file an accident report, and more.
• Get witness contacts. If anyone saw your accident occur, they may be able to verify your version of events later on.
• Document the scene. You can do this by taking photos and videos at the scene of the accident. Be sure to record the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
• Seek medical attention. It is critical that you visit the hospital immediately after an accident. This will provide you with evidence of the origin and extent of your injuries. Make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents and bills.

Elevator Safety Laws and Regulations in New Jersey

Elevators in New Jersey are regulated to ensure safety through inspection, maintenance standards, and compliance requirements. These laws are generally regulated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA),

Important Elevator Safety Standards

• Elevators must comply with safety codes in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
• Elevators must undergo routine inspection to ensure they are in proper working condition
• Violations can result in penalties and liability in injury cases

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm

If you were injured in an elevator accident in Monmouth County or anywhere in New Jersey, it is in your best interest to reach out to Wilton Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or contact us online.