Most individuals will not think twice about riding an elevator. They will walk through the doors and stroll back out onto a new floor without a single thought of an injury. Unfortunately, for some, elevators can cause injuries due to the negligence in the maintenance of said elevators. There are many moving parts that must be maintained properly to avoid an unsafe situation from occurring. If you have been injured in an elevator accident, continue reading to discover what you should do following your accident and how to properly file your personal injury claim to receive the financial compensation you require to heal.
What Are the Common Causes of Elevator Accidents in Maryland?
Elevator accidents are often preventable. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are the result of inadequate maintenance and routine inspections. Elevators contain a number of mechanical and electrical components, and when property owners or building managers fail to ensure these systems are in compliance with safety standards, innocent individuals can suffer serious injuries as a result.
Common Mechanical and Maintenance Failures
- Drive malfunction
- Faulty wiring
- Improper installations
- Power failures
- Pulley system malfunction
- Negligent elevator design
- Mechanical breakdown
- Abrupt stops
- Failing to keep equipment up-to-date
- Door operator errors
- Defective sensors
- Failure to inspect the fixture
- Failure to comply with Maryland building safety requirements
Who May Be Responsible for an Elevator Accident?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, multiple parties can face legal responsibility for the injuries suffered in a Maryland elevator accident. Common parties include:
- Property owners
- Commercial landlords
- Property management companies
- Elevator installation companies
- Product designers and manufacturers
- Third-party repair and maintenance companies
- Construction companies
In the event an elevator accident occurs because of a defective part or negligent design, the case will proceed through a product liability claim. However, if the injuries suffered are the result of a property owner’s failure to inspect and maintain these systems, a premises liability claim would apply.
Why Do Elevator Accidents Happen?
- Inadequate elevator maintenance
- Door malfunctions
- Uneven flooring or leveling
- Failure to inspect the system
- Sudden drops
- Faulty electrical systems
- Defective parts
- Improper installation
Common Injuries Sustained in Maryland Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents, unfortunately, can cause serious injuries that could change the quality of the victim’s life. Unfortunately, these often catastrophic injuries can result in the victim needing serious, long-term care, including surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Frequently Reported Elevator Accident Injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
- Severed limbs
- Head trauma
- Crush injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
What Should I Do After Being Injured in an Elevator Accident in Prince George’s County?
If you have been injured due to an unsafe elevator, whether it’s in your Hyattsville apartment building or a corporate office in Upper Marlboro, understanding how to proceed is critical. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an elevator accident can impact not only your health and well-being but also the outcome of your claim.
Important Steps to Take After an Elevator Accident
- Call 911 to request a police report and any necessary medical assistance at the scene
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Collect all medical documents relating to your injuries
- Photograph the scene of the accident, the hazardous conditions, and any injuries sustained
- Collect any witnesses’ contact information
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager
- Keep copies of all records, including medical bills and insurance communications
- Retain the services of an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney who will help you satisfy the burden of proof to recover financial compensation for your injuries
Maryland Elevator Accident Laws and Time Limitations
Under Maryland premises liability law, property owners, landlords, management companies, and other entities responsible for maintaining elevators are legally responsible for conducting reasonable inspections and repairs of these systems. Failure to address known hazards can establish negligence in a Maryland personal injury claim.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Maryland is three years. This means that you will have three years to take legal action regarding your injuries. Failure to file a claim within this time period can result in you being barred from recovering the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Often Available in Elevator Accident Claims
- Medical expenses, including current bills and future care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages in the event the accident is fatal
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Firm
In the event you have suffered serious injuries as a result of an elevator accident in Hyattsville, Lanham, College Park, or any other Prince George’s County community, you should not hesitate to contact the experienced team at Timian & Fawcett, LLC. We understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with your firm to help you in the fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
