Elevator Injury

Americans often take for granted the safety of "vertical transportation" - elevators and escalators. However, elevators and escalators can cause serious injuries and deaths to the general public, and to workers installing, maintaining and repairing them.

According to the data from the US Department of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 17,000 American consumers and workers suffer injury--and 30 Americans are killed--each year as a result of poorly maintained elevators or escalators.

Elevator injuries are often caused by malfunction and improper maintenance. Typical injuries include:

• Oxygen deprivation, and asphyxiation, as a result of being trapped inside an elevator
• Falls resulting from an open elevator shaft
• Faulty mechanics, resulting in a sudden and uncontrolled free-fall of an elevator car
• Faulty electrical systems, resulting in electrocution

Challenging Cases

Elevator liability is a particularly challenging area of the law. These cases require imagination, perseverance and substantial resources. At Clark Perdue, we are committed to building a safer society through the creative and responsible litigation of elevator claims.

Clark Perdue attorney, Glen Pritchard, describes the unique legal issues associated with claims arising out of elevators and escalators in an article published by the Columbus Bar Association.

Cases involving defective or dangerous elevators are frequently a battle of experts. Securing the assistance and testimony of qualified experts can be one of the most important, difficult and expensive tasks in preparing and presenting a product defect case. When considering an attorney for a product defect case, it is important to question whether that attorney has ready access to the best experts in the field. Also, it is important to question whether the attorney is willing to advance reasonable expenses for an investigation of your case. For a list of other questions to ask before hiring a lawyer, click here.

Consultation

To protect the legal rights of someone who has been injured by a defective or dangerous elevator, it is wise to consult an experienced elevator liability law firm as soon as possible. Within the first week, important physical evidence can be lost and witnesses may forget important details.For more information about protecting your legal rights, or for a free consultation about your situation, please call or e-mail Clark Perdue. We promise to respond promptly.