Maryland Elevator Accident Lawyer
Most elevators are safe and fully functional. Unfortunately, elevator accidents do occasionally occur, and are still a major problem in big cities. Elevator maintenance and utility workers are at an increased risk of injury, primarily because of the nature of their jobs.
If you were injured in an elevator accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries with the help of an experienced attorney. A Maryland elevator accident lawyer could fight for your right to hold the person responsible for your accident accountable. Whether your accident was caused by the owner of the elevator or the manufacturer, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering you endured.
Regulations Governing Elevator Ownership
Elevator regulations vary from state to state, and Maryland has its own set of rules and regulations governing the installation and use of elevators on public and private properties. Property owners, maintenance firms, and manufacturers must adhere to these regulations, or they can be held liable in the wake of an accident. There are certain state codes and regulations that require elevator owners to take the following into consideration when operating an elevator:
- Construction of hoist ways
- Loading and capacity
- Proper top and bottom clearances
- Gates, enclosures, doors, and frames
- Counterweight and horizontal car clearances
Owning and operating an elevator is no easy task from a regulatory standpoint. Numerous safety standards and regulations must continuously be met, but in many accident cases, these standards and regulations have been thrown to the wayside by the owner(s). A local attorney could ensure that an elevator owner is held accountable for neglecting any of these regulations.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries
Elevator accidents are fairly rare, but when they occur, the injuries they cause can be life-threatening. In addition to physical injuries, survivors may suffer from a host of psychological problems after an accident. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries sustained by elevator accident victims include:
The mental impact of an elevator accident can be long-lasting and prevent a person from participating in everyday life. A strong fear of elevators can make going to work, traveling, or living in an apartment complex extremely difficult. Some accidents can even lead to mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and claustrophobia.
Those who lose body parts in accidents often lose the ability to perform basic tasks such as bathing, eating, working, and shopping. Disfigurement can also result in immense psychological damage, which can be permanent and debilitating. Such injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat, and without the help of an elevator accident lawyer in the local area, survivors can be left to foot the bill for their own injuries. If someone is killed in an elevator accident, their loved ones may also be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Seek the Help of a Maryland Elevator Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an elevator accident, it may be possible to take the responsible party to court and recover damages. Elevator accidents are often preventable, but when a person chooses to ignore signs of wear and tear or to inspect their elevator regularly, they place the lives of others in danger.
Seek the help of a Maryland elevator accident lawyer if you think you may have a case. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and start building your personal injury claim.
