Most people step into an elevator, press a button and arrive at their destination without a problem. However, elevators can malfunction during use.
If someone has experienced an accident in an elevator, he or she may feel scared, hurt or confused. Depending on the circumstances, the person may be seriously injured and struggle to recover.
Common types of accidents
Several things can go wrong with an elevator, including:
- Broken doors
- Leveling issues
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Defective pulley systems
When entering or exiting the elevator, injuries can occur if the doors close suddenly. Unbalanced leveling can cause an elevator to stop above or below the intended floor. This can cause passengers to trip and fall while getting in or out of the elevator.
Malfunctioning brakes and defective pulleys can result in freefalls and injuries to passengers who are inside of a moving elevator.
Potential injuries
Depending on the malfunction, personal injuries can range from mild to severe and may even result in death. Head trauma, broken bones and amputation can occur during an elevator accident.
People’s mental health can suffer as a result of an accident. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, bad accidents may cause post-traumatic stress disorder.
Legal action
People may consider taking legal action against the company responsible for the maintenance of the elevator. Accident victims should seek out medical attention immediately and document their injuries to help their cases.
An elevator accident can have a detrimental effect on people’s lives. Taking the time to process the event and take the right steps afterward can help people heal.
