Elevator accidents can lead to catastrophic harm. Understanding the common types of incidents and injuries is crucial to protecting your rights, so work with a Sussex County elevator accident lawyer for skilled representation today.
How Do Elevator Accidents Happen?
Elevator accidents, while relatively rare, can result in serious injuries in New Jersey. They often stem from a combination of mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or user error. Understanding the different types of incidents is crucial for recognizing the potential risks.
Common types of elevator accidents include:
- Sudden drops: This rare scenario occurs when the elevator car plunges rapidly due to cable failure, brake malfunction, or other catastrophic mechanical failures. The sudden, violent stop at the bottom can cause severe trauma.
- Door-related incidents: Accidents can happen when doors malfunction, such as closing too quickly and striking a passenger, opening during transit, or failing to align properly with the floor, creating a tripping hazard.
- Misleveling: When the elevator car stops slightly above or below the actual floor level, it creates a dangerous lip or gap that can cause occupants to trip or fall when entering or exiting.
- Crush accidents: These occur when a part of a person’s body gets caught between the moving elevator car and the wall or between the car and the landing threshold.
- Electrocution/fires: Electrical failures within the elevator system can lead to electrocution or spark fires, trapping passengers inside and exposing them to smoke and flames.
Common causes behind these accidents include neglected routine maintenance, faulty wiring or components, improper installation, and failure to inspect and repair safety systems like brakes.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Elevator Accidents?
Elevator accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries, depending on the nature of the incident. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Often resulting from a sudden stop during a fall or being struck by moving parts, TBIs can range from concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.
- Fractures and broken bones: Sudden drops or impact accidents can cause broken legs, arms, wrists, and hips, particularly among passengers trying to brace themselves.
- Spinal cord injuries: The extreme force of a sudden drop can compress or sever the spinal cord, leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and whiplash are common, especially in incidents involving abrupt movements or jerks.
- Lacerations and bruises: These often occur from being crushed by doors or scraped against the elevator’s surfaces or doors.
- Burn injuries and smoke inhalation: If the accident involves electrical failure or fire, passengers may suffer severe burns or respiratory damage from smoke.
What is the Statute of Limitations for an Elevator Accident in NJ?
In New Jersey, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including elevator accidents, is two years from the date of the injury. This means a lawsuit against the negligent party must generally be filed within two years. Failure to meet this deadline typically results in the loss of the right to sue for damages. Claims against government entities may have stricter requirements, so it is highly recommended that you consult with a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and options.
