Apply Now
Today, many office buildings, skyscrapers, multi-level homes, residential apartments, and condos feature elevators to help ease the movement of people using the property. Likewise, these machines make it easier to transport heavy items and goods without breaking a sweat. However, while elevators can help save energy and time when going up or down multiple levels, there are some hidden dangers lurking beneath the machine – elevator accidents.
Furthermore, a seemingly ordinary ride can instantly turn into a nightmare when the elevator malfunctions. According to research by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), elevator accidents are responsible for about 17,000 injuries and 30 fatalities annually. Thankfully, victims of negligent elevator accidents may be eligible to seek damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
In this post, we will explore some of the causes, possible injuries, and the next steps to take after getting hurt in an elevator accident. Also, we will determine your eligibility to take out legal funding before your case settles.
Common Causes of Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents are avoidable tragedies that are caused by different factors. Some of the most common causes of elevator accidents include:
- Malfunctioning equipment, such as faulty cables, brakes, sensors, and doors.
- Human error or negligence, such as improper use of elevator controls, operator recklessness, and overloading the elevator.
- Manufacturing defects and flaws in the elevator design.
- Inadequate or lack of routine maintenance.
- Inadequate safety features
- Power outages and electrical issues
- Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and fires.
- Acts of vandalism, such as tampering with the elevator controls and safety mechanisms or destroying the elevator doors.
- Lack of awareness or underestimate the potential dangers that may occur from using elevators.
Elevator accidents are often life-altering and may leave the victim with significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Common Injuries from Elevator Accidents
Depending on how the accident occurred, an elevator incident may result in minor inconveniences or devastating physical injuries. Some of the common injuries from elevator mishaps include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruises and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and head trauma.
- Emotional scars and psychological trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Crush injuries
- Sensory impairments – such as vision loss or hearing difficulties – from damage to the eyes and inner ears.
If you or someone you know were hurt in an elevator accident, you need to seek immediate medical help for your health and general wellbeing. In addition, you should reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to understand the next steps to take and explore your possible legal options to recover your rightful financial compensation.
Next Steps to Take After an Elevator Accident
The moments after an elevator mishap can be unsettling and difficult to sort through. However, it is important that you remain calm and manage the situation carefully. If you’re involved in an elevator accident, you should take the following steps where possible:
Get to Safety
Carefully exit the elevator and get to safety. Also, you should stay calm and avoid panicking. The emergency responders or building personnel will provide you with specific instructions that you should follow.
Seek Immediate Medical Help
In addition, you should seek immediate medical help from a qualified doctor. Even if you weren’t injured or you feel fine, getting a medical diagnosis can help detect hidden injuries and symptoms. Moreover, the earlier you receive the necessary treatment, the quicker you can recover.
Report the Incident
Inform the building owner, management, or operator about the elevator accident as soon as possible. Also, you should file an official report with the police or local law enforcement. You will need the police report when filing your injury claims or lawsuit.
Gather Evidence
Gather and document necessary evidence, including accident scene photos, pictures and videos of the damaged elevator, witness statements, and testimonies. Also, you should obtain a copy of the police report, security footage, and maintenance records of the elevator.
Document Medical Records
Also, gather and document all records and reports related to your medical treatments. These include medical bills, hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and medical reports. These medical records will be crucial to pursue your legal claims. In addition, you should document how the elevator accident has affected your daily activities and your ability to work.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Hire a highly-skilled personal injury attorney with extensive knowledge of elevator accident cases. Your attorney can investigate all of the facts of your case, enlighten you about your legal rights, and help you navigate the legal process. Also, your attorney can handle all communications and discussions with the insurance provider and help you pursue your rightful financial justice.
Lawsuit Funding for Elevator Accident Cases
However, elevator accident cases often involve lengthy and rigorous legal battles. While your case is ongoing, medical bills will accumulate, your wages may cease, and you may be unable to meet your financial obligations. If you’re facing financial adversity due to a personal injury from an elevator accident, you may apply for a risk-free lawsuit loan to get the immediate funds you need.
Furthermore, applying for our legal funding at High Rise Financial is easy and hassle-free. Our lawsuit loans are available to plaintiffs with elevator accident claims and other premises-related injuries. There are no credit checks, job history checks, or income validation to qualify for our pre-settlement funding. In addition, our lawsuit funding is absolutely safe and non-recourse. If you lose your case, you don’t have to pay back. Also, if you’re approved for the settlement loan, you will receive your funds within 24 hours.
Apply for Affordable Settlement Loan Today
If a personal injury from an elevator accident has turned your life upside down and you’re facing financial hardship, High Rise Financial can provide you with affordable lawsuit loans. Reach out to us online or call (866) 407-6404 today to speak with our dedicated representatives. Our experts can enlighten you about your available lawsuit funding options and assist with your pre settlement loan application.