Virginia Elevator Accident Lawyers Fight for Victims’ Rights
Dedicated pursuit of compensation after elevators and escalators malfunction
We depend heavily on elevators and escalators in residential, commercial and transportation facilities. They enable us to accomplish a steep climb with little to no effort on our part. Unfortunately, when these devices fail, the risks to users are considerable. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an elevator or escalator accident in Virginia, the attorneys at Pikrallidas & Probasco in Fairfax can help you obtain the full compensation you deserve.
Common causes of elevator and escalator malfunctions
Elevators serve a multitude of uses. They carry passengers as well as freight. They assist disabled people in their homes. Escalators assist the flow of passengers on mass transit and help consumers move about in shopping centers and transportation facilities. We even use moving walkways to travel long stretches in airport terminals. But despite the benefits of these devices, malfunctions can be extremely dangerous.
Mechanical failures due to faulty design, installation or maintenance can cause any of the following:
- Sudden acceleration
- Sudden deceleration or abrupt stopping
- Uncontrolled drops
- Door malfunctions
- Entrapment of a person within the mechanism
Such events often inflict severe harm, which is sometimes tragically fatal.
Severe injuries from elevator and escalator accidents
The type of injury a person sustains often depends on the nature of the accident. Escalator accelerations have caused severe pileups, in which riders were crushed and trampled. The sudden drop of an elevator can inflict the same harm as any fall from a great height, including severe fractures, head injuries and spinal injuries. Our attorneys will fully investigate your case and analyze the type and extent of your injury to help you obtain full compensation.
Legal responsibilities of property owners for elevator and escalator accidents
Property owners have a duty to make their premises reasonably safe for people who might enter. This means ensuring that elevators and escalators are regularly inspected and properly maintained. Commercial building owners and operators generally contract for those services with a service company. In many accident cases, the service company or the equipment manufacturer might also be liable for injuries caused by a malfunction.
Personal injury lawsuits for elevator and escalator accidents
Individuals harmed by malfunctioning elevators or escalators can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover economic and noneconomic damages. These include reimbursement for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering
In most cases, the injured party must prove either that a service company was negligent in inspecting and maintaining the equipment or that the manufacturer is strictly liable because the equipment was defective. Proving negligence or product defect is a complex process, requiring in-depth investigation and consultation with experts in the fields of maintenance, design and manufacture. Our attorneys also consult with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and your prognosis for recovery, and financial experts to estimate the future costs of your injuries. Our goal as your legal representative is to help you recover the maximum amount in damages under the provable facts of your case.
Many cases will settle without trial. But that doesn't mean you can get the full value of your case by dealing directly with an insurance company. Insurers are determined to pay out as little as possible for accident claims. An experienced attorney can assert their best efforts to ensure you don’t have to settle for less.
Contact our Virginia attorneys for a free elevator accident consultation
Pikrallidas & Probasco in Fairfax provides representation for victims of elevator and escalator accidents in Virginia and Washington, D.C. To retain dedicated representation for your personal injury claim, call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
