California Elevator Accident Lawyers
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Record-Breaking Elevator Accident Lawyers In California
When elevator accidents happen in real life, victims could end up injured or worse. Trust our award-winning California elevator accident lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve. With the leadership of founding attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our attorneys have won over $500 million in settlements and awards for clients.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to learn if you have a valid injury claim. You may have the legal right to be compensated for any injuries, mild or serious, that you suffer in an elevator accident. Our experienced elevator accident lawyers are here to protect your and your family’s future.
Why Hire Our California Elevator Accident Lawyers
A simple elevator ride can turn into a life-altering event in an instant. From sudden falls to crushing injuries, the consequences of elevator malfunctions can be severe. If this happens to you or someone you love, you can count on our elevator accident attorneys in California to have your back.
Let us get your life back on track. Here are some reasons why thousands of clients have decided to put their trust in us:
- Experience And Expertise When It Counts — Our elevator accident attorneys have a long history of handling personal injury cases in California. As active members of esteemed organizations like the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), we stay at the forefront of legal advancements to provide the strongest representation for our clients.
- Transparent And Honest Guidance — Your injuries and recovery matter. When you work with our lawyers, you’ll get direct, no-nonsense advice about your case. We respect your time, understand the urgency of your situation, and are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.
- Full-Service Representation — From start to finish, you’ll work directly with one of our highly regarded injury attorneys. They will handle every aspect of your case, including drafting demand letters, negotiating settlements, and resolving your case in or out of court.
- No Win, No Fee Guarantee — Your justice is our motivation. Our attorneys work on your case on a contingency fee agreement. This is in line with our belief that injured victims deserve a chance to seek compensation for their injuries without worrying about paying fees upfront. We only get paid when we win your case.
Your case deserves expertise and care; our California elevator accident lawyers can offer that. When you sign with our attorneys, expect nothing less than the best legal representation.
Benefits Of Working With Good Attorneys After An Elevator Accident
Hiring attorneys for your elevator accident case is a crucial step to seeking compensation for your injuries. The right legal representation offers plenty of benefits to your case. When you’re looking for a California elevator accident lawyer to take your case, you must consider their capability to:
Build A Strong Claim
The outcome of your case depends on how strong your claim is. Experienced accident attorneys know how to gather and analyze crucial evidence. Lawyers who’ve built a brilliant reputation most likely have an extensive network of experts on speed dial. They have connections with private investigators, medical specialists, economic experts, and other professionals who can back up your claim. A good California elevator accident lawyer will also be able to identify all liable parties responsible for paying you for your pain and suffering.
Provide Personalized Attention
You need elevator accident attorneys in California who take your case seriously and handle it with the dedication it needs. We consider each aspect of your case and employ customized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
At Arash Law, we’ll also assign a case manager to oversee your case and keep you informed of any developments in the legal proceedings. We offer clear, transparent communication throughout the process so you can make informed decisions moving forward.
Maximize Compensation
Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your injuries lead to long-term disabilities, we’ll fight for compensation to cover ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost future earnings.
In cases of gross negligence, we’ll also explore punitive damages to hold responsible parties fully accountable. No matter the circumstances, we’ll pursue every available avenue to maximize your recovery and help you move forward.
Take Over Your Case Completely
Our California elevator accident lawyers take full control of your case, managing every legal aspect so you don’t have to. From handling paperwork and filings to meeting crucial deadlines, we ensure your claim is properly processed and protected.
We stand up to insurance companies, aggressively negotiating the settlement you deserve. While most cases are resolved through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if demand letters and settlement talks fall short.
Our Case Results
Arash Law is one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California. With decades of combined experience, our lawyers have built a solid reputation for helping accident victims recover substantial amounts for their injuries.
We’ve settled a worker’s compensation case for $11,250,000 for a client who fell multiple stories down an elevator shaft. He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and several other bone injuries. His settlement is structured to provide a $500,000 lump-sum payment upfront, followed by $33,000 in monthly payments for the rest of his life. We made sure he and his family had the financial support needed for his treatment and daily expenses.
In another case, our California elevator accident attorneys won a substantial amount for a client in a construction accident. Our client fell into an open elevator shaft and lost consciousness upon impact. The defense disputed the nature and extent of the accident and initially offered $125,000 as a settlement. However, we fought back with evidence demonstrating that due to his injuries, our client would struggle to find sustainable work opportunities. In the end, we recovered $2,356,000.
$5,325,000.00
Our client was working as a window washer when he fell several feet while cleaning a gutter and sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as injuries to his spine. Our firm uncovered liability beyond workers’ compensation and secured a $5,325,000 global settlement on behalf of our client.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Types Of Elevator Accidents
No one gets into an elevator and expects to get injured. However, elevator accidents are relatively common despite the many safety innovations and measures applied to installing, maintaining, and operating these machines. Elevator accidents come in different forms, including:
- Decapitation Accidents — The first electricity-powered elevator was invented in 1880, and just three years later, one of the earliest recorded elevator accidents occurred. A 15-year-old worker in a warehouse suffered a gruesome fate after getting decapitated by an elevator. Becoming trapped in an elevator’s moving parts, such as counterweights, pulleys, or gears, can cause devastating crushing injuries or amputations.
- Falls During Repair Or Maintenance — Open elevator shaft accidents are not unheard of. In May 2024, a blind man fell four stories down at the Madison Hotel in Los Angeles. The video of the incident clearly shows that there were no guardrails or locks to secure the broken elevator.
- Caught-in Between Accidents —“Caught-in” fatalities included incidents where individuals get trapped in elevator machinery, such as counterweights, between two elevator cars, or between the shaft or doorway and a moving car. Struck-by accidents typically occur when an elevator descends while someone is working in the shaft.
- Braking System Accidents — When an elevator’s braking or motor system fails, it may cause the car to move erratically. Sudden stops, unexpected acceleration, or jerky movements can throw passengers off balance, causing them to fall or collide with the walls, handrails, or each other. Such movements can lead to head injuries, broken bones, or spinal injuries, especially for elderly or disabled passengers who may have difficulty stabilizing themselves.
- Electrocution Accidents — Mild electrocution accidents are often overlooked and rarely reported despite the potential for underlying injuries or long-term effects. However, faulty wiring or exposed electrical components can result in severe electrical burns, life-threatening shocks, or even fatal injuries.
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Causes Of Elevator Accidents
Elevators are a crucial part of modern infrastructure, allowing people to move quickly between floors in high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and office spaces. Though you might not think of elevators as being particularly dangerous, they are involved in fatal accidents. Maintenance issues, malfunctions, and other factors contribute to these accidents.
Elevator accident lawyers can help you understand what caused your injuries. Having such knowledge can be beneficial in determining liability.
Elevator Malfunctions
Elevator breakdowns are not only an inconvenience; they also pose significant dangers to users. Malfunctions often stem from poor maintenance, defective parts, or improper installation. Some of the most common issues include:
- Defective Doors — Elevator doors that malfunction can lead to serious injuries. If sensors fail, doors may close on passengers, trapping them or causing falls. Some individuals might get stuck between floors if they attempt to exit a malfunctioning elevator.
- Misleveling — Misleveling happens when an elevator doesn’t stop level with the floor, creating a gap. This can lead to trip-and-fall accidents, especially for older adults or those with mobility issues. Causes of misleveling include worn-out brakes, faulty sensors, and poor maintenance.
- Faulty Wiring — Electrical malfunctions due to faulty wiring can cause sudden breakdowns, erratic movement, or complete elevator failures. In some cases, exposed or damaged wiring may pose fire hazards or create a risk of electrocution. Poor maintenance or outdated electrical systems can exacerbate these dangers.
Elevators pose serious injury risks not only to passengers but also to construction and maintenance workers involved in their installation and upkeep. Workers may fall into open shafts or face electrocution from faulty circuits. Both passengers and workers may be entitled to compensation for injuries caused by elevator malfunctions.
Poor Elevator Maintenance
Poor elevator maintenance is a significant contributor to elevator accidents, posing serious risks to users and maintenance personnel alike. Neglecting regular inspections and necessary repairs can lead to mechanical failures, electrical malfunctions, and safety system breakdowns, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Inadequate Maintenance — Elevators rely on complex mechanical systems, including cables, pulleys, and braking mechanisms. Without routine maintenance, these components can deteriorate, leading to malfunctions such as sudden drops or uncontrolled movements. For instance, worn-out brake pads or loose bolts can cause the elevator to operate unsafely, as evidenced by incidents where poor maintenance was directly linked to accidents.
- Negligent Maintenance — Faulty wiring or outdated control systems, when not addressed through regular maintenance, can result in erratic elevator behavior, including unexpected stops or door malfunctions. Such electrical issues not only disrupt service but also pose significant safety hazards to passengers and elevator mechanics hired to maintain them.
Understanding Who Is Most Vulnerable To Elevator Injuries And Fatalities
According to data from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), workers who are likely to be injured by an elevator while at work include employees who:
- Actively work to repair broken elevators.
- Inspect potentially dangerous elevators.
- Work in areas in close proximity to an elevator.
- Clean areas in and around elevators.
- Install elevators.
Another CPWR report revealed that between 2011 and 2016, 145 construction workers died due to elevator-related incidents, with over half of these fatalities resulting from falls to a lower level, particularly from heights exceeding 30 feet.
A National Safety Council (NSC) publication, Safety + Health, also cited information from the same CPWR report showing that elevator installers and repairers experienced the highest fatality rate among construction occupations, at 14.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Additionally, younger workers faced a higher risk of both fatal and nonfatal injuries compared to their older counterparts.
Liability For An Elevator Accident
The question of liability is one of the most important in a personal injury claim. In cases of elevator accidents, responsibility often falls on parties involved in the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and safety compliance of these systems.
There are several potential parties that your elevator accident lawyer will look into:
Elevator Maintenance Company
Elevator maintenance companies are responsible for ensuring elevator safety, and their negligence can lead to accidents and liability. They owe a duty of care to those who rely on the safe operation of the elevators they service. This duty includes:
- Proper Maintenance — Maintenance companies must adhere to industry standards and manufacturer guidelines, performing thorough inspections, lubrication, and repairs. Failure to do so can cause malfunctions.
- Competent Repairs — Repairs must be done correctly by qualified personnel. Faulty repairs create dangerous conditions like sudden stops or door malfunctions.
- Safety Code Compliance — Maintenance companies must follow all safety codes and regulations, ensuring safety devices function correctly.
- Failure To Warn — If a hazard exists, the company must warn the property owner and potentially prevent elevator use until they fix the issue.
- Negligent Hiring — The company can be liable for negligent hiring or supervision if unqualified workers cause accidents.
When an accident stems from a maintenance company’s breach of duty, injured parties can claim damages. Proving liability requires demonstrating the company’s actions or inactions directly caused the accident.
The Victim’s Employer
As we have seen, elevators can be dangerous for construction and maintenance workers who service them. Employees are entitled to workers’ compensation for any injury suffered on the job. Workers’ compensation is an insurance coverage required of every employer in California.
If a company has even a single employee, it must purchase workers’ compensation coverage or show alternative proof of financial responsibility to ensure that injured workers can receive compensation. Workers’ compensation policies are no-fault policies, meaning that you do not have to prove who was legally at fault for causing your injuries. As long as the injury occurred within the scope and course of your employment, you have the right to file a worker’s compensation claim against your employer.
The Elevator Manufacturer
Some elevator accidents occur not because of poor maintenance but because a defect has always existed in the system. In this case, an injury victim might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Consumers in the United States have strong legal protections under the rule of strict product liability. This rule requires the manufacturer of any consumer product sold in the United States to ensure that their product is free from defects in design or manufacturing.
If there is a defect and a consumer suffers injuries as a result, the manufacturer must compensate this victim for their injuries and losses. Product liability is “strict” because the consumer does not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. As long as the product was being used as intended, the manufacturer is liable for any injuries caused by defects.
Common Injuries And Compensation After An Elevator Accident
Elevator accidents can lead to severe injuries, often requiring extensive medical treatment and legal action to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to know about the most common injuries sustained in elevator accidents:
- Fractures And Broken Bones — Sudden stops, falls, or abrupt drops can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or even spinal fractures.
- Head and Brain Injuries — A fall or impact inside an elevator can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Severe accidents can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term medical care.
- Lacerations And Soft Tissue Injuries — Sharp edges, doors closing improperly, or getting caught in elevator mechanisms can cause deep cuts, bruises, and sprains.
- Crush Injuries — Being trapped between elevator doors or a malfunctioning elevator car can lead to serious crush injuries, often requiring surgeries and extensive recovery.
- Electrocution — Faulty wiring or exposed electrical components can cause electric shocks or burns.
Victims of elevator accidents may be eligible for compensation depending on the circumstances of the incident. Damages can include:
- Medical Expenses — Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages — Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Pain And Suffering — Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Permanent Disability — If the accident results in a long-term or permanent disability, victims may be entitled to lifetime compensation.
When elevator accidents result in fatalities, a victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. A skilled elevator accident attorney can help them seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
What You Should Do After An Elevator Accident
Any accident scene is chaotic and confusing. However, knowing what to do after an accident, you can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here are some steps to consider:
Get Medical Attention
According to elevator accident lawyers, the most important thing to do after any type of accident is to receive the medical attention you need. If you need an ambulance, call 911 and ensure trained EMTs are dispatched to you. If you feel you can leave the scene on your own, be sure you have someone to give you a ride. You should always get checked out at an emergency department or urgent care facility after an accident, even if you do not feel hurt right away.
Some injuries do not show up for hours after an accident occurs. These “latent” injuries can be fatal. Brain injuries, internal bleeding, and other serious conditions do not always show symptoms right away. If you wait until you show symptoms of these dangerous conditions, it could be too late for doctors to treat them, which is why you want to see a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. They can detect early warning signs of danger. Early treatment also gives you the best possible chance to recover from your injuries.
Take Photos Of The Scene And Any Identifying Information
Your priority must always be your health and getting the necessary medical attention. However, if your health allows it, it can be helpful to take photos of the accident scene. Take pictures of any equipment that appears to be broken or malfunctioning.
Take photos of any identifying information, such as an inspection certificate or the model and the serial number of the elevator car. These photos can be helpful evidence. Your elevator accident attorneys can use them to find the responsible parties, prove their fault, and ensure that you have access to the compensation you deserve.
Hire An Injury Lawyer As Soon As Possible
The sooner you have an elevator accident lawyer on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be. Your right to compensation can be affected by anything you say, even something you blurt out in the chaos of the accident scene. Your elevator accident attorneys will advise you on what to say and do to protect your right to compensation.
Your attorney will also start working to preserve evidence (like surveillance footage) that might get accidentally erased. These are just a few of the many things an injury lawyer does to protect your legal rights after an elevator accident.
Document Your Pain And Suffering
The largest component of many personal injury settlements is compensation for your pain and suffering, which can be a difficult loss to prove. After all, your pain is not like anyone else’s, and your body will react to trauma differently. Your personal and professional circumstances can also dictate how much pain and suffering you will endure as a result of your injuries, which is why it is helpful to document the ways you have been affected by your injuries. Perhaps you are losing sleep because you are in pain.
You may be unable to participate in hobbies or your usual workout routine. You might even miss out on major life events, such as a graduation or a wedding. You are entitled to compensation for all of these emotional losses. By documenting them clearly, you will help your elevator accident lawyer prove just how much compensation you’re owed for your pain and suffering fairly.
Elevator Accident Statistics
You might think that elevator accidents are rare. The fact is that this is not a “one in a million” phenomenon. According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, elevator and escalator accidents are responsible for about thirty deaths (and over seventeen thousand serious injuries) across the United States every year.
Here are other findings according to the CPWR report cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Falls to a lower level made up 53.5% of fatalities, which makes them the primary cause of elevator-related construction deaths.
- Nearly half (47.9%) of these fatal falls were from heights of 30 feet or more.
- Workers installing or repairing elevators faced the highest fatality rate at 14.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.
- Laborers accounted for the most fatalities, with 31 deaths recorded.
- Small businesses (10 or fewer employees) represented 33.8% of the fatalities.
- Younger workers (under 35 years old) made up 35.2% of fatal injuries.
- The annual number of elevator-related fatalities increased between 2003 (14 deaths) and 2016 (28 deaths), peaking at 37 deaths in 2015.
- Almost half of all annual elevator-related fatalities involve workers who were either servicing an elevator or working near an open elevator shaft.
Whether your company installs, maintains, or disassembles elevator components, you are entitled to proper safety training and protective equipment. Following strict safety protocols can help prevent accidents and ensure workers complete their tasks without injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Accident Claims
If you’ve sustained injuries in an elevator accident and are planning to take legal action, it’s natural to have questions. Our California elevator accident lawyers compiled and answered questions frequently asked by those injured in an elevator incident. If you need further clarification or if you have specific inquiries about the elevator accident claims process, don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations!
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After An Elevator Accident?
The statute of limitations varies by state. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some situations may “extend” this deadline.
For example, if the injured victim is a minor, the clock will not run until they turn 18. While the statute of limitations pauses for minors, parents or guardians can file a lawsuit on behalf of the minor before they turn 18. Prompt legal action can be beneficial to address immediate needs arising from the injury.
Consulting qualified elevator accident lawyers as soon as possible is crucial.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For An Elevator Accident Claim?
A good personal injury attorney can help you handle the legal legwork involved in your elevator accident claim. They can provide guidance tailored to the specific circumstances of the case and ensure they meet all legal deadlines.
For example, you have to collect strong evidence that can help prove negligence and support your claim. However, this task might prove difficult as you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
Your elevator accident lawyers can gather the following evidence on your behalf:
- Medical records documenting your injuries.
- Relevant incident reports.
- Surveillance footage of the accident.
- Witness statements from bystanders.
- Elevator maintenance records.
- Expert testimony from engineers or elevator specialists.
Furthermore, elevator accident cases often involve complex liability issues and insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement and represent you in court if necessary. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an elevator accident, work with the best elevator accident lawyers in California to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Elevator Accident Lawyer?
Most elevator accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if they win your case. The typical percentage they take ranges from 33% to 40% of the final settlement or verdict. Arash Law elevator accident attorneys will outline all of these fees during your case onboarding.
What If My Elevator Accident Happened At Work?
If the accident occurred on the job, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, covering medical expenses and lost wages. In some cases, a third-party lawsuit (against an elevator manufacturer, maintenance company, or another entity) may be possible for additional compensation. If you have additional questions, our elevator accident attorneys invite you to take advantage of our free consultations. Call (888) 488-1391 today.
How Long Does An Elevator Accident Lawsuit Take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether a fair settlement is possible or a trial is necessary. Cases may take several months to a few years to resolve. Experienced elevator accident attorneys can help expedite the process and maximize your compensation.
Experienced Elevator Accident Lawyers For All California Injury Cases
You don’t have to spend hours searching online for an “elevator accident lawyer near me.” Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is the best personal injury law firm in California. Our accident attorneys know how to handle the complex technical issues involved in elevator accident cases, and our team has collected over 500 million dollars for clients across the Golden State. Our injury lawyers also have decades of experience representing clients with all types of injuries.
The Golden State’s premier car accident attorneys in our firm serve clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California. Wherever you are, our team is close by. Call (888) 488-1391 today to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait to protect your legal rights.
