New York Elevator Accident Lawyer

Elevator work in New York City's towering skyline is essential but inherently dangerous, leading to some of the most severe construction site injuries. If you are an elevator mechanic, installer, or maintenance professional injured on the job due to someone else’s negligence, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses. At Hach & Rose, LLP, our experienced New York elevator accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for injured elevator workers and their families. With nearly 25 years of experience, our firm has recovered over one billion dollars for injured New Yorkers, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to justice. We understand the complex legal nuances of these cases and are ready to tenaciously advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. [dynamic-toc]

Why Choose Hach & Rose, LLP for Your NY Elevator Accident Claim?

Selecting the right legal partner is a pivotal decision after a severe workplace elevator accident. Hach & Rose, LLP, stands apart with a proven record of success, deep legal knowledge, and an absolute dedication to our hard-working clients.

Proven Results and Trial Readiness

Our firm has achieved multimillion-dollar outcomes for accident victims across New York. Defense lawyers know we thoroughly prepare our cases for trial, which is proven by our track record of turning inadequate settlement offers into substantial verdicts. Our readiness to litigate ensures we are always prepared to fight aggressively for your rights, whether in settlement negotiations or in the courtroom.

Experience in Complex Elevator Accident Law

Elevator worker accidents involve intricate federal and state regulations. Our attorneys possess extensive experience navigating these complex legal frameworks, particularly New York Labor Laws like 241-a, 240, 241(6), and 200, which specifically protect construction and maintenance workers in and around elevator shafts. We investigate every accident detail to identify all liable parties and build a robust case grounded in worker protection statutes and evidence.

Client-Centered Representation

We pride ourselves on diligence, integrity, and a strong commitment to every client. Each case receives personalized attention, tailored legal guidance, and consistent communication throughout the entire process. Your needs are our priority, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

No Fees Unless We Win

Understanding the immense financial strain following a workplace injury, Hach & Rose, LLP, accepts cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict award for your case.

Free and Confidential Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your elevator accident. This is your opportunity to understand your legal rights and options without any financial commitment. Contact us today at (212) 779-0057.

Common Causes of Elevator Mechanic Accidents in New York

Elevator workers—including mechanics, installers, and maintenance professionals—face unique, inherent dangers on the job. Their work often involves accessing restricted areas, dealing with complex machinery, and operating at heights. Common causes of elevator worker accidents stem from:

Falls into Elevator Shafts

One of the most catastrophic hazards is falls, which can occur due to uncovered or unsecured openings, inadequate safety barriers, or poor lighting around elevator shafts during construction, repair, or demolition.

Crushing Injuries and Entrapment

Workers can suffer severe crushing injuries from moving elevator components, counterweights, or unexpected door closures. Entrapment within machinery during maintenance or repair is also a significant risk.

Electrocution and Electrical Burns

Elevator systems use high-voltage electricity. Accidents involving exposed wiring, faulty electrical components, or inadequate lockout/tagout procedures can lead to severe electrocution or burns.

Equipment Malfunctions or Defects

Malfunctioning brakes, faulty cables, defective control systems, or poorly maintained hoisting mechanisms can lead to sudden drops, uncontrolled movements, or the collapse of equipment, endangering workers.

Unsafe Work Practices and Lack of Training

Negligence can arise from an employer’s insufficient safety training, inadequate supervision, or a failure to follow established safety protocols for installation, repair, or testing procedures.

Falling Objects

Tools, components, or debris falling from within the shaft or from higher levels can strike workers below, causing severe head trauma or other impact injuries.

New York Laws Protecting Elevator Accident Victims

Our New York elevator accident lawyers are adept at applying New York’s protective statutes to build your case.

Key New York Labor Laws Protecting Elevator Workers

New York has specific statutes designed to protect construction and maintenance workers in and around elevator shafts:

• New York Labor Law Section 241-a: This critical law specifically protects workmen in or at elevator shaftways, hatchways, and stairwells of buildings under construction or demolition. It mandates the use of sound planking at least two inches thick across openings not more than two stories above and not more than one story below workers, or other specified protective means. Violations often lead to strict liability.
• New York Labor Law Section 240 ("Scaffold Law"): This statute provides broad protection for workers suffering gravity-related injuries, such as falls into shafts or falls while working on an elevator at height, if proper safety devices were not provided or failed. It imposes strict liability on owners and general contractors.
• New York Labor Law Section 241(6): This section requires owners and contractors to ensure all work areas are constructed, operated, and conducted to provide reasonable and adequate protection to workers, often by adhering to specific industrial code rules relevant to elevator work.
• New York Labor Law Section 200: This general workplace safety statute requires owners and contractors to provide a safe workplace. It applies when they have control over the work or premises and had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition.

New York Elevator Accidents Can Lead to Catastrophic Injuries

Elevator workers face some of the most dangerous conditions on a job site, and falls, crushing incidents, or electrical accidents involving elevators often lead to severe, life-altering, and sometimes fatal injuries due to the inherent forces involved. Our firm is dedicated to securing comprehensive compensation for the full extent of your damages, which can include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impacts from sudden stops, falls, or crushing forces can lead to concussions, contusions, or severe TBIs with permanent cognitive, memory, or personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls into shafts, crushing injuries, or violent impacts can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and significant loss of mobility.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Severe fractures to limbs, the pelvis, or spine are common, often requiring multiple surgeries, extensive physical therapy, and potentially leading to permanent pain or limited range of motion.
• Internal Organ Damage: Crushing injuries or severe impacts can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, or other life-threatening internal injuries requiring emergency medical intervention.
• Amputations: In severe cases, limb loss can occur due to crushing or entanglement with elevator machinery.
• Electrocution and Burns: For workers, contact with live wires can cause severe burns, nerve damage, or fatal electric shock.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, elevator accidents can be fatal. In such heartbreaking circumstances, our firm helps families pursue wrongful death claims to seek financial stability and justice.
• Emotional Distress: Being trapped or experiencing a sudden drop can cause significant psychological trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks.

Maximizing Compensation for Your Elevator Accident Claim

After a workplace elevator accident, proactive steps and hiring legal counsel are crucial to protecting your rights and maximizing your financial recovery. Consider these vital actions:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health. Get evaluated by a medical professional right away, even if injuries seem minor. Medical documentation is critical evidence.
• Report the Accident Promptly: For workers, notify your supervisor and ensure the incident is formally documented. For the public, report to building management or property owners. This supports your claim.
• Preserve Evidence: If safe, take photos or videos of the elevator car, shaft area, hazardous conditions, and your visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses. Do not touch or move any equipment unless absolutely necessary for safety.
• Document All Expenses: Keep detailed records of all medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, transportation, and proof of lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
• Avoid Solo Insurance Company Communication: Insurers aim to minimize payouts. Do not give recorded statements or sign documents without first consulting an attorney. Direct all communications to your legal representative.
• Contact a Skilled New York Elevator Accident Lawyer Immediately: Seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is paramount. Our attorneys will guide you through every stage, protecting your rights and pursuing all recovery opportunities.

What Damages Can You Request After a New York Elevator Accident?

If you experience a New York elevator accident, you may request compensation for a wide range of losses, both economic and non-economic.  Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, including past and future medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, therapies, and medications. They also encompass lost wages due to time off work and any reduction in your future earning capacity.  Non-economic damages address intangible losses that are still very real. We can help you place a value on physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Our goal is to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your damages, both immediate and long-term.

How Hach & Rose, LLP, Champions Your Elevator Accident Claim

The aftermath of a serious elevator worker accident can be a daunting journey. At Hach & Rose, LLP, we lighten your burden by handling every facet of your injury claim, enabling you to focus entirely on your recovery. Our commitment to your case involves:

• Identifying All Responsible Parties: We do a comprehensive investigation, pinpointing everyone accountable for your workplace accident, from general contractors, site supervisors, and project owners, to equipment manufacturers and other subcontractors involved in the elevator's construction or maintenance.
• Building an Ironclad Case with Evidence: Our team gathers and analyzes all related evidence, including accident reports, witness accounts, maintenance and inspection logs, black box data, photographic and video evidence, and expert testimony, to construct a powerful argument on your behalf.
• Shielding You from Insurers: We take charge of all communications and negotiations with insurance companies. Our goal is to protect you from their tactics designed to minimize or outright deny your rightful claim.
• Navigating Legal Timeframes: We track all legal deadlines, including statutes of limitations, ensuring your rights are never jeopardized by missed deadlines.
• Pursuit of Full Compensation: Whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we aggressively fight to recover the maximum financial compensation for all your economic damages.
• Providing Steadfast Support: Throughout your legal journey, we offer honest and compassionate legal guidance. We keep you fully informed and supported, ensuring you understand each step as we move toward securing your justice.

New York Elevator Accident FAQs

What if I am a union worker injured in an elevator accident?

As a union worker, you have specific protections and rights when injured on the job. We have a strong history of representing union members and understanding the unique aspects of their cases. We ensure that your collective bargaining agreements and specific legal protections, including those under New York Labor Laws like 241-a, are considered when pursuing your claim, aiming to secure the full compensation you deserve while protecting your union standing.

Can undocumented workers file a claim after a New York elevator accident?

Yes. In New York, your immigration status does not prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim for an accident. New York law protects all individuals who are injured due to negligence, regardless of their immigration status. Our firm has extensive experience representing undocumented individuals, and our Spanish-speaking staff is ready to assist. Hablamos español y estamos aquí para ayudarle.

How long does a NY elevator accident lawsuit typically take?

The duration of an elevator accident lawsuit in New York varies significantly based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, the number of liable parties, and whether a settlement is reached or the case proceeds to trial. Cases may resolve within a year or two, while more complex cases, especially those involving severe injuries or multiple defendants, can take several years. Our firm always strives for the best possible outcome for you as efficiently as possible.

What is the difference between a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit for an elevator accident?

Workers' compensation provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries, generally regardless of fault, but typically prevents you from suing your direct employer. A personal injury lawsuit, however, is filed against negligent third parties (like a building owner, maintenance company, or equipment manufacturer). This type of lawsuit allows for recovery of a broader range of damages, including pain and suffering, which workers' compensation usually does not cover. You may be able to pursue both claims simultaneously.

Trust Hach & Rose, LLP as Your New York Elevator Accident Law Firm

A severe elevator worker accident can instantly change your life, leading to catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and significant lost income.  You need a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team to advocate for your rights and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to. At Hach & Rose, LLP, our mission is to help elevator accident victims rebuild their lives. We manage every detail of your case, from initial investigation to settlement or trial, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being. With our proven track record, deep legal knowledge, and unwavering commitment to client success, you'll have the confidence of knowing your claim is in highly capable hands. Take the first step toward justice. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP, today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced New York elevator accident lawyer. Call us now at (212) 779-0057 or complete our secure online contact form for a free case review today.