That thumping and lurching that you and your co-workers nervously joked about turned out to be serious. That old-fashioned lift that seemed charming when you rented the flat turned out to be a dangerous contraption. New York City has some 60,000 elevators in apartment buildings, department stores, hospitals, office towers, and other high-rises, many of them outdated and perpetually in disrepair.
Injuries from Elevator and Escalator Defects
If you were seriously injured when an elevator malfunctioned, the property owner may bear responsibility for code violations or neglected maintenance. Sullivan & Brill, LLP will vigorously pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We handle elevator injury claims across New York City, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Riding elevators and escalators is part of daily life for many New Yorkers; one hardly gives it a thought. Yet they are complex machines that rely on massive cables, chains, gears, pulleys, and counterweights, not to mention bearings, grease, and oil. Under city code, property owners are responsible for periodic inspections, regular maintenance, and necessary repairs or upgrades to keep elevators and escalators in safe working order and in compliance with building codes.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Joseph F. Sullivan leads our legal team, and we can prepare a strong premises liability case against the landlord, commercial entity, or municipality, We can also seek potential lawsuits against the company that manufactured, installed, or serviced the machine.
We can investigate liability for any escalator or elevator injury accident, such as the following:
- Falling into an open elevator shaft
- Sudden drops, jerks, stops, or upward acceleration
- Caught in the door when the elevator car went up or down
- Trapped between floors
- Mis-leveling that caused a trip-and-fall
- Sharp edges or damaged teeth on escalators
We can help you determine what kind of claim you have, and guide you throughout the process. We know that it is difficult to think of legal matters when you are dealing with medical bills and other expenses. This is why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay any attorney fees until we secure a positive outcome on your behalf.
We are ready to speak with you during a free consultation so we can have a better understanding of your situation and injuries.