Woman Injured in Elevator Accident at Midtown Hotel

 A woman suffered injuries in an elevator accident after she fell about 6 feet down an elevator shaft at a four-star hotel in Midtown Manhattan. According to a report in the New York Post, the incident occurred at the Grand Hyatt hotel on East 42nd Street after the 50-year-old woman fell down the shaft. It is not clear if the woman was hotel guest, visitor or worker. She was transported to Bellevue Hospital where she was said to be in stable condition. The investigation is still ongoing.

Elevator Accidents
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report that about 27 people die each year as a result of elevator accidents nationwide. A majority of those victims are elevator repair workers. Elevators make about 8 billion passenger trips each year in the United States.
Statistics show that elevator accidents are rare, but when they do occur, the consequences can be catastrophic or even deadly According to the National Safety Council’s 2011 Injury Facts report, 21,876 injuries occurred due to elevator and escalator accidents. In New York City, elevator safety is overseen by the New York City Department of Buildings.
Common Causes of Elevator Shaft Falls
Falls down elevator shafts tend to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. A number of these elevator shaft injuries are preventable. Some of the common causes of elevator shaft falls include:
• Lack of posted warnings: When there is a problem with an elevator, it is important that the property owner and/or property manager post a warning informing guests or visitors about the faulty elevator.
• Lack of protections: When openings are not properly protected with simple installations such as safety nets or guardrails, they can become death traps.
• Lack of proper maintenance: Property owner and/or property manager have the responsibility and the legal obligation to maintain their premises. In New York City, that includes elevators because most buildings in the city have elevators.
• No proper inspection: Elevators require routine inspections to ensure they work properly. When this is not done, the consequences can be devastating.
If You Are Injured
If you have been injured in an elevator accident, it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away. Report the incident to the building management and to the authorities. Make sure you file a report and obtain a signed copy for your records. Take photographs of the scene where the elevator accident occurred if possible. Get contact information for others who were with you at the time or the contact information for individuals who may have witnessed the incident. Immediately contact an experienced New York elevator accident attorney who will work diligently to protect your rights.
Premises Liability Claim
If you have been injured in an elevator accident caused by a property owner and/or property manager’s negligence, then you can file a premises liability claim against the owner or manager. In a premises liability claim, a plaintiff must show that there was negligence on the part of the property owner and/or property manager or another and that their negligence caused or contributed to your accident, injuries and losses. For example, if a property owner and/or property manager or other responsible party knew there was an open elevator shaft, but failed to put up a sign warning visitors, tenants and guests, then they can be held financially responsible for any accidents that occur.
Compensation for Injured Victims
Elevator shaft falls and other types of elevator accidents can result in serious injuries such as head injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, internal organ damage and amputations. These types of accidents can cause permanent injuries, disabilities and disfigurement as well. Injured victims of elevator accidents can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York elevator accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. 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 contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. 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 TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
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Source: New York Post