Super Seriously Injured in Washington Heights Elevator Accident

A superintendent at a Washington Heights apartment building suffered major injuries in an elevator accident after he was pinned underneath it. According to a news report in Firehouse.com, the incident occurred when the 56-year-old super was trying to get to a bunch of keys he had dropped under the elevator and it suddenly came down trapping him underneath. Firefighters helped free the man. He was transported to a local hospital with head trauma and cuts on his hands and head. He is listed in serious condition.
A spokesman for the New York City Department of Buildings said that there have been at least three complaints filed against the building’s owner stating that the elevators have been defective or inoperative. Investigators are still looking into whether this elevator accident was caused by human error or mechanical error.
Elevator Accident Injuries
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 27 people are killed in elevator accidents nationwide each year. At least 10,200 people are injured in elevator accidents nationwide each year. A majority of these accidents are related to elevator door malfunction, open elevator shafts and carriage misalignment with floors.
Liability Issues
If the elevator accident was caused by poor maintenance on the part of the property owner or manager, injured victims can file a premises liability claim seeking damages. Property owners are not only required to regularly maintain and service their elevators, but they are also required to warn tenants and visitors when an elevator is not working properly. Once the elevator is fixed, it must be inspected by the New York City Department of Buildings before being put to use.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm recovered $3,000,000 for a man who fell and suffered two broken legs when he walked into an open elevator shaft. Please call our offices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: Firehouse.com