In the United States, more than 30 victims die, and 17,000 injuries occur every year in elevator accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you were one of those injured, please read on, then contact an experienced Columbia slip and fall lawyer to discuss what you should know about elevator accidents in South Carolina.
Elevator Accidents in South Carolina
Multi-story buildings are a near-ubiquitous feature of the American landscape. Just look at downtown Columbia, if you need further proof. They come in many forms: office buildings, hospitals, condos, malls, airports, dorms, parking garages and more. Tall buildings necessitate the presence of elevators for those who want to or need to avoid stairs. But they present a hazard to unwary riders. If you’ve sustained injuries in an elevator accident, you can hold the property owners liable for injuries or deaths occurring on their premises, which result from negligent maintenance. In case of design or production defects, you can hold manufacturers liable. And lastly, you can hold installers and inspectors accountable for improper or inadequate procedures. While the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident, you do not want to wait to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their negligence.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Injuries in Elevator Accidents in South Carolina?
Many elevator accidents are entirely preventable if proper precautions are taken. The most common causes for elevator accidents are as follows:
- Misleveling (when an elevator fails to stop at the floor’s level)
- Excessive speed
- Lack of proper maintenance and safety inspections
- Defective doors
- Falls into elevator shafts
- Faulty wiring
- Dangerous design
If you have sustained injuries as a result of these or any other elevator-related accidents, you will need a skilled Columbia personal injury attorney to fight for you and your future.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, elder abuse, or whistleblower protection, look no further than Mann Blake & Jackson Law. To discover more about our services and how we can assist you, contact our firm today.