Elevator Accidents Can Cause Significant Injuries

Gruesome elevator accidents are the stuff of a horror movie – at least, we’d certainly like to think so. However, serious injuries and even deaths occur daily due to faulty or out-of-service elevators. One such incident occurred at Christus St. Joseph Hospital in Houston. An elevator at the medical center had malfunctioned, with an out of order sign being placed on the lift for a couple of days. Inexplicably, the out of order notice was removed from the elevator despite the conveyance still not working properly.

A 35-year-old resident at the hospital attempted to enter the defective elevator when the doors themselves malfunctioned. The man’s neck was caught between the elevator doors. The elevator began to move, quickly decapitating the doctor.

Elevators are widely used across the Lone Star State, usually without any issues. Even so, elevator accidents can and do happen. These incidents can have truly devastating and deadly consequences. If you or a loved one are harmed in an elevator accident, our experienced personal injury attorney in Houston may be able to help.

47 Serious Elevator Accident Injuries Occur Daily

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission provide a sobering statistic: elevators account for approximately 30 deaths and 17,000 serious injuries each year in the United States. It’s a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that can exist in everyday machinery and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety measures in elevator use and maintenance. The grim reality is that all of these accidents could have been avoided in the first instance.

Construction Workers and Elevator Professionals at Great Risk

Even more alarming is that a majority of these elevator-related fatalities – around 90 percent – involve workers who are directly engaged in the construction, repair, or maintenance of elevators. This underscores the inherent risks associated with these occupations, necessitating the implementation of rigorous safety training programs and the provision of high-standard safety equipment to protect these workers.

Falls Down Elevator Shafts Take a Majority of Lives

A significant proportion of the deaths related to elevators – around 60 percent – result from falls down the elevator shaft. This scenario typically involves a considerable failure in safety measures, serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper elevator use or maintenance.

Death Between Elevators

Approximately 10 percent of elevator-related deaths are caused by individuals being caught in or between elevators. Although less common, this cause of fatalities serves to demonstrate the wide range of potential dangers that can be associated with elevator use, further emphasizing the importance of safety measures, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Severe Injuries and Long-Term Disability from Elevator Catastrophes

Non-fatal elevator accidents are far more prevalent, with an estimated average of 17,000 incidents occurring per year. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including long-term disabilities, highlighting the importance of understanding and adhering to elevator safety measures.

Types of Elevator Accidents

Commercial Buildings and Elevator Injuries

The private industry sector records the highest number of elevator accidents, particularly in the construction and manufacturing industries. These industries often involve heavy use of elevators, and the statistics reflect the increased risk associated with this usage, stressing the need for stringent safety protocols.

Residential Elevator Accidents

Residential buildings are not immune to elevator accidents either. These accidents are often caused by factors such as poor maintenance or misuse of the elevator, underscoring the importance of regular elevator inspections, prompt repairs, and the adherence to proper use guidelines. Young children are the most frequent victims of residential elevator accidents.

Older Americans and Elevator Accidents

Elderly people are a significant demographic impacted by elevator accidents, with falls being the primary cause. This highlights the need for safety measures and designs specifically aimed at protecting the elderly population, such as handrails and appropriate speed settings.

Protect Your Legal Rights After an Elevator Accident

If you or a loved one have been injured in an elevator accident, you can learn more about your important legal rights by scheduling an initial consultation with the legal team at The Doan Law Firm. You can schedule an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm elevator accident lawyer by calling us any time of the day or night at (800) 349-0000.

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