West Palm Beach Elevator Accident Lawyer
Most people do not think of elevators as particularly dangerous. But elevator accidents are more common than you might realize. Indeed, by some official estimates there are about 17,000 people injured every year on elevators and escalators combined. And the overwhelming majority of those injuries occur on elevators.
A defective or poorly maintained elevator is a public safety hazard. Building owners and elevator operators can–and should–be held legally responsible for the harms they cause. A skilled West Palm Beach elevator accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is a team of experienced Florida personal injury lawyers who represent clients throughout Palm Beach County who have been hurt due to dangerous conditions on private and public property. They can review your case and advise you of your options.
How Do Elevator Accidents Occur in Florida?
Elevators are found in just about every type of multi-story building. There are a number of federal and state regulations governing the construction, inspection, and maintenance of elevators. Yet many building owners try to cut corners when it comes to safety–and innocent passengers often end up paying the price.
Some of the more common causes of elevator accidents in Florida include:
- Misleveling. When an elevator fails to stop level to a floor, that is called misleveling. It is often the result of a mechanical defect with the elevator itself. This can leave an unexpected space between the elevator and the floor, which frequently leads to passengers tripping and falling as they exit the car.
- Speed. If the elevator’s control system and brakes are not functioning properly the car can suddenly pick up speed or even stop abruptly, knocking passengers off of their feet and slamming them into the elevator’s wall or floor.
- Doors. A malfunctioning door can close suddenly, striking a passenger or even trapping them inside the elevator.
- Electrocution. Modern elevators are electrical devices, which means there is always a risk of electrocution due to defective wiring in the control panel or other exposed areas.
- Falling down shafts. While uncommon, it is possible for someone to step into an elevator that hasn’t actually arrived at the floor, causing them to fall down the shaft.
Even something as simple as a trip-and-fall accident in an elevator can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and concussions. It is therefore important to seek immediate medical attention following any unexpected incident involving an elevator or similar device such as an escalator.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today
As with any accident, it is up to the victim to prove an elevator owner’s negligence caused their injuries. Given the specific issues involved in these kinds of accidents, it is imperative to work with a qualified West Palm Beach elevator accident lawyer who can conduct a full investigation into your incident and present you with the best options for seeking compensation. Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to schedule an initial consultation.
