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Oregon Elevator Accident Lawyer
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Elevator accidents, while relatively rare, can be quite serious due to the potential for falls and entrapment.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 20,000 elevator accidents require emergency room treatment each year in US. [1]
If you or a loved one has been involved in an elevator accident in Oregon, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Contact our Oregon elevator accident lawyers for a free consultation and let us guide you towards the compensation you deserve.
Your road to recovery starts now.
What Causes Elevator Accidents?
Elevator accidents can occur due to various factors, ranging from mechanical failures to human error. Some of the common causes of elevator accidents include:
- Mechanical Malfunctions: Elevator accidents often stem from mechanical failures such as problems with the cables, pulleys, motors, or braking systems. These malfunctions can lead to sudden stops, uncontrolled movements, or elevator car drops, resulting in injuries to passengers.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical malfunctions, including power surges, shorts, or wiring problems, can cause elevators to behave unpredictably or malfunction. Electrical failures may result in elevator doors closing abruptly, elevator cars getting stuck between floors, or loss of power leading to entrapment of passengers.
- Poor Maintenance: Inadequate maintenance and neglecting regular inspections can increase the risk of elevator accidents. Failure to detect and address worn-out components, loose connections, or other issues during maintenance can lead to mechanical or electrical failures and compromise the safety of the elevator system.
- Overloading: Overloading an elevator beyond its specified weight capacity can strain the system and increase the risk of mechanical failures or malfunctions. Exceeding the weight limit may cause the elevator to stall between floors or experience sudden drops, posing risks to passengers’ safety.
- Door Malfunctions: Malfunctioning elevator doors, such as doors closing too quickly, failing to close properly, or reopening unexpectedly, can lead to accidents. Passengers may get caught or injured by closing doors, or doors may fail to close, causing delays or disruptions in the elevator operation.
- User Error: Human error, such as forcing doors open, attempting to exit a stalled elevator without assistance, or improper operation of the controls, can contribute to accidents. Ignoring safety instructions, tampering with elevator components, or engaging in reckless behavior inside the elevator can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
- Structural Problems: Elevator accidents may also result from structural issues within the building, such as misalignment of elevator shafts, inadequate support structures, or weaknesses in the building’s infrastructure. Structural problems can compromise the stability and safety of the elevator system, leading to accidents or malfunctions.
Injuries Associated with Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor abrasions to severe traumatic injuries and even fatalities.
Here’s the list of common injuries associated with elevator accidents:
- Back injuries
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Dislocations & Fractures
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Respiratory injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
Compensation Available After an Elevator Accident
After an elevator accident, individuals who have been injured or affected may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
The available compensation depends on several factors including the severity of injuries, liability, and insurance coverage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential compensation available after an elevator accident:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation typically covers all medical costs related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the elevator accident. This includes expenses for hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: If the injuries sustained in the elevator accident result in temporary or permanent disability, victims may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or income. This includes compensation for time missed from work due to recovery, medical appointments, or disability-related limitations.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims of elevator accidents may be eligible for compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured as a result of their injuries. Pain and suffering compensation aims to address the non-economic impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life, including emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disability and Impairment: Individuals who suffer permanent disabilities or impairments due to elevator accidents may be entitled to compensation for long-term or permanent loss of earning capacity, diminished quality of life, and future medical expenses related to the disability or impairment.
- Property Damage: In cases where personal property, such as clothing or belongings, is damaged or lost as a result of the elevator accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Wrongful Death: In the unfortunate event of a fatality resulting from an elevator accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of financial support, companionship, guidance, and services of the deceased. Wrongful death compensation may also cover funeral and burial expenses.
- Legal Fees and Costs: Victims of elevator accidents may incur legal fees and expenses associated with pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In many cases, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect fees if they secure compensation for the victim.
Seek legal advice from our experienced personal injury attorneys who can assess your case, determine liability, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Goldberg & Loren can help navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights.
Table of Contents
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What Causes Elevator Accidents?
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Injuries Associated with Elevator Accidents
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Compensation Available After an Elevator Accident
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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Elevator Accident in Oregon?
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Statute of Limitations for Filing an Elevator Accident Claim in Oregon
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Benefits of Hiring an Oregon Elevator Accident Lawyer
Our Oregon Practice Areas
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Product Liability
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Slip and Falls
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Elevator Accident in Oregon?
In Oregon, liability for an elevator accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Parties that may be held liable for an elevator accident in Oregon include:
- Property Owners: Property owners or managers who are responsible for the premises where the elevator is located may be held liable for accidents if they failed to maintain a safe environment, neglected necessary repairs, or ignored safety regulations regarding the elevator’s operation.
- Elevator Maintenance Companies: Companies or individuals responsible for inspecting, maintaining, or repairing the elevator may be held liable if negligence or improper maintenance practices contributed to the accident.
- Elevator Manufacturers: Manufacturers of elevator components or the elevator itself may be held liable if a defect in the design, manufacturing, or installation of the elevator contributed to the accident.
- Contractors and Subcontractors: If the elevator was installed or serviced by contractors or subcontractors, they may be held liable for any negligence or errors in installation, maintenance, or repair work that contributed to the accident.
- Negligent Individuals: Individuals whose negligent actions or misconduct directly contributed to the elevator accident may also be held liable. For example, if someone intentionally damages the elevator or interferes with its operation, they may be held responsible for resulting accidents or injuries.
Determining liability in an elevator accident case requires a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the incident and assess the actions or failures of each potentially liable party.
Consulting with our experienced personal injury attorney familiar with Oregon’s laws and regulations regarding premises liability and personal injury claims can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Statute of Limitations for Filing an Elevator Accident Claim in Oregon
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including claims related to elevator accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that individuals injured in an elevator accident must file their claim within two years of the incident, or they may lose their right to seek compensation through legal action. [3]
Statute of Limitations may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the nature of the injuries, and other factors. In some situations, the discovery rule may apply, which extends the Statute of Limitations if the injury was not immediately apparent or if it was discovered at a later date.
CPWR analysis of the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries showed 263 elevator-related deaths while working in or near elevator shafts and elevators in the 17 years from 1992-2009 – about 15 deaths per year. [2]
Benefits of Hiring an Oregon Elevator Accident Lawyer
Some of the key advantages of hiring our personal injury law firm in the Beaver State include:
- Legal Expertise: When you choose Goldberg & Loren as your Oregon elevator accident lawyer, you gain access to our specialized knowledge and expertise in handling elevator accident cases. We understand the laws, regulations, and legal principles relevant to your situation, allowing us to navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim effectively.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your elevator accident, gathering evidence and determining liability on your behalf. We’ll review maintenance records, inspect the elevator, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case in your favor.
- Determining Liability: Our priority at Goldberg & Loren is to identify the parties responsible for your elevator accident and hold them accountable for their actions or failures. We’ll assess liability and pursue compensation from negligent property owners, maintenance companies, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
- Maximizing Compensation: We are committed to ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our legal team will negotiate with insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or trial litigation if necessary.
- Legal Advocacy and Representation: As your dedicated advocate, our personal injury attorneys will handle all communication with insurance companies, opposing parties, and legal representatives on your behalf. You can focus on your recovery while we navigate the legal complexities and fight for your rights and interests.
- Statute of Limitations Compliance: We understand the importance of complying with strict deadlines under the Statute of Limitations. We’ll ensure that all necessary legal documents are filed within the applicable time frame, preserving your right to pursue compensation and avoiding potential time-barred claims.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of an elevator accident can be overwhelming, but with Goldberg & Loren by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your legal rights are protected. We’ll serve as your trusted ally, guiding you through the legal process and working tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome for you.
We have a track record of success in handling elevator accident cases, and our elevator accident attorneys will work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Book a no obligation free consultation today!
Sources:
[1] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Documents/brochures/4830.pdf
[2] CPWR. (n.d.). https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/elevator_escalator_BLSapproved_1.pdf
[3] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.osbplf.org/assets/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in an elevator accident in Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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