Elevators are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and we rarely give them a second thought. While they are generally considered safe, elevator accidents can and do happen. Here are 9 grim statistics about elevator accidents you should be aware of:
- According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), elevators cause an average of 30 deaths and 17,000 injuries each year in the United States alone. Elevator accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including mechanical failure, human error, electrical problems, and natural disasters. Elevator accidents can be minor or life-threatening, and they can happen to anyone who uses elevators, from small children to older adults.
- Elevator-related accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in children under the age of 10. This is a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of elevator safety, especially for parents with young children. Children can be curious and may try to play with the elevator buttons or doors, which can lead to serious injury or death.
- Over the past decade, elevator-related fatalities have increased by 25%. This increase is alarming and underscores the need for better safety measures and more rigorous elevator inspections. Elevator accidents can happen in any building, from offices to apartments to shopping malls, and it's crucial that building owners and managers take elevator safety seriously.
- The elderly are particularly vulnerable to elevator accidents. In fact, 55% of all elevator-related accidents involve people over the age of 65. Older adults may have mobility issues or disabilities that make it more difficult for them to use elevators safely. Building owners and managers should take steps to ensure that elevators are accessible and safe for older adults and other vulnerable populations.
- Elevator doors are responsible for the majority of elevator-related accidents, accounting for 50% of all reported incidents. Elevator doors can malfunction, close too quickly, or trap people inside, leading to serious injury or death. It's important to always be aware of the elevator doors and to never try to stop them from closing with your hands or feet.
- Overloading an elevator is a common cause of accidents. The CPSC recommends a maximum weight limit of 2500 pounds or 21 people for a standard elevator. Overloading an elevator can cause it to malfunction or stop between floors, which can be dangerous and frightening for passengers. It's important to follow the weight and occupancy guidelines for elevators to ensure everyone's safety.
- Elevator maintenance and inspections are crucial to preventing accidents. According to the National Elevator Industry, Inc., 90% of all elevator accidents are the result of human error or inadequate maintenance. Building owners and managers should schedule regular elevator maintenance and inspections to ensure that elevators are functioning properly and safely.
- The most common types of elevator-related injuries are fractures, bruises, and cuts. While many elevator accidents are minor, some can be life-threatening or result in permanent disability. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you are injured in an elevator accident, no matter how minor the injury may seem.
- Elevator accidents can have serious financial consequences. The average payout for a personal injury claim related to an elevator accident is $125,000. This can be a significant financial burden for victims and their families, especially if they are unable to work or need ongoing medical care. Building owners and managers should take elevator safety seriously to prevent accidents and protect their tenants.
These statistics serve as a reminder of the importance of elevator safety. By being aware of the risks and following basic safety guidelines, we can help prevent elevator accidents from happening. If you are a building owner, manager, or tenant, it's important to take elevator safety seriously and to report any issues or concerns to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can work to make elevators safer for everyone.
If you or a loved on have been injured in an elevator accident, the nationwide Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can schedule an initial consultation with an elevator accident lawyer at any one of our 40 offices located across the country. We can also arrange a case evaluation online with an elevator accident lawyer. There is no charge for an initial consultation with an elevator accident lawyer from our firm.
The Doan Law Firm also makes an attorney fee guarantee to you. We will never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.