Elevator accidents are a very serious safety hazard that can result in serious injury or even death. Although they are relatively rare, these accidents are still common enough to warrant careful attention and precautions when using an elevator. Here are six facts and statistics about elevator accidents that everyone should generally understand.
Approximately 10,000 Elevator Accident Injuries Annually in the United States
The National Elevator Industry Inc., which is the leading authority on elevator safety, reports that approximately 10,000 people are injured in elevators each year. Most of these injuries are minor because of the way modern elevators have been designed with safety features such as automatic brakes, sensors, and emergency stop buttons. Nonetheless, according to this national trade association for the elevator and escalator industry, when a more significant accident occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Fatal Elevator Accidents in the United States
An estimated 50 people die from elevator-related accidents annually in the United States. These fatalities can include falls due to malfunctioning doors or cages to entrapment between two floors caused by failure of the car's emergency brake system. There are other types of deadly elevator accidents as well.
Heighten Risk of Injury Among Elderly and Disabled Individuals
Studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control show that most of those killed in an elevator accident were either elderly or disabled individuals who were unable to evacuate themselves from an unsafe car before it malfunctioned. Additionally, these same studies reveal that most fatalities involve falls from greater than 15 feet. These accidents tend to involve individuals who initially get stuck between the floors due to brake failure or door jams rather than being crushed by the car itself.
OSHA Regulations to Enhance Elevator Safety
Elevators produce over 90 percent of all vertical transportation-related deaths according to reports published by Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. To reduce this number, OSHA has implemented regulations to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of elevators across the country along with other measures like frequent inspections and proper training for those working on them.
Human Error and Elevator Accidents
While many fatal elevator accidents occur due to mechanical failure or malfunctions, human error also plays a role in some cases. Negligence such as ignoring safety guidelines while working with an elevator can create dangerous conditions leading up to an accident. These include failing to properly inspect and maintain cables as well as neglecting necessary repairs that could have prevented a malfunction down the line if handled promptly when needed.
Many Elevators Accidents were Completely Avoidable
In considering these elevator accidents facts and stats, a significant percentage of these types of incidents should have been prevented in the first instance. In other words, every year people are victims of elevator accidents that simply should not have occurred in the first instance.
Legal Rights of Elevator Accident Victims
Women, men, and children who have been injured in elevators accidents have crucial legal rights that need to be protected. An elevator accident victim best protects crucial legal rights by proactively retaining the services of an experienced elevators accident lawyer, like a member of the legal team at The Doan Law Firm. You can reach The Doan Law Firm any time of the day or night by calling our firm at (800) 349-0000. The Doan Law Firm elevator accident telephone line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all major holidays.
We can schedule an initial consultation with a dedicated elevator accident attorney at any one of our 40 offices located across the country. In addition, we can schedule a case evaluation with an elevator accident lawyer online as well. There is never a fee charge for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a Doan Law Firm elevator accident lawyer.
Doan Law Firm Attorney Fee Guarantee
The Doan Law Firm never charges an attorney fee unless we win your case for you. Our committed legal team is dedicated to fight tirelessly to obtain justice, accountability, and the compensation you deserve in your case. We fight to win – and to win big!