Elevator accidents can be a frightening experience, and more than one party’s negligence could have caused the elevator to malfunction. If you need to file a claim for compensation for your injuries, it is important to identify all liable parties if you want to win your case and recover all the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Causes of Elevator Accidents
There are a number of reasons that victims suffer injuries in elevator accidents. You need to understand the common causes of elevator breakdowns in order to identify who to sue. Leading reasons for these tragic accidents include:
- Mis-leveling
- Defective elevator doors
- Excessive speeds
- Falls into shafts
- Elevator malfunctions
Who Could Be Liable in an Elevator Accident?
The liable parties in your case will depend on the specific facts surrounding your elevator accident. However, these three parties are typically responsible:
- Building owner and lessee. The building owner and lessee of the premises have a duty to keep the property and its elevators in a safe condition and to warn guests of any dangerous conditions. If they failed to inspect or maintain the elevator—which is frequently true in elevator accidents—or notify guests of hazards, they could be liable for compensating you for your injuries.
- Maintenance companies. Owners and lessees typically hire maintenance companies to perform regular inspections of the elevator, perform maintenance, and make necessary repairs. When these parties do not spot a potential problem or fail to repair it, they can be held legally liable.
- Manufacturer or seller. If your accident was caused by an elevator design or manufacturing defect, you may be able to hold the manufacturer and seller responsible for compensating you in a product liability lawsuit.
If you or a family member were injured in an elevator or other premises liability accident in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, our skilled and dedicated premises liability lawyers are here to identify all liable parties and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our office to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
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