2023 Analysis: In-depth Review of Elevator Accident Statistics (2024)

Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Admin

There are millions of elevators in the United States, and they are generally safe. However, elevator accidents do happen, and innocent people could get hurt. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 17,000 people are injured annually in elevator accidents in the U.S. That is more than 1,400 per month.

Unfortunately, more than 30 people die annually in the country in accidents caused by elevators and escalators. According to a personal injury law firm, if you are injured in an elevator accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are some elevator accidents statistics and what you should know if you are ever involved in one.

How Common are Elevator Injuries?

Elevators and escalators are linked to more than 30 fatalities per year. Elevators account for 90 percent of those deaths and 60 percent of severe injuries, posing risks for the millions of people using them and those who work around them.

Slightly less than half of the elevator fatalities are workers, yet the number of elevator casualties is low compared to the 2000 fatalities on stairs annually.

A survey of U.S. hospitals found that the number of accident-causing injuries is about 0.015 accidents per elevator and 0.221 per installed escalator annually.

Globally, more than half of elevator accidents are not reported to the authorities, even if there are legal requirements to report them.

The most common cause of injury is an elevator door closing on a body part. About 75 percent of elevator injuries are caused by falls. In comparison, 20 percent are caused by getting stuck on the top or at the bottom of the elevator (generally due to clothing or footwear getting entangled).

Elevator falls typically occur due to malfunctions in which the elevator plummets unexpectedly while carrying people, slamming them into the ceiling, walls, or floor.

On the other hand, some beliefs about elevator safety need to be understood more. For example, most people fear that the elevator cables will snap, plummeting them to the ground. Yet, this is only known to have happened once in the time of the modern elevator.

The incident occurred in the Empire State Building in 1941 after a small plane collided with the elevator cable. Even so, the emergency safety gear (an automatic safety brake that grips the guide rails) prevented the elevator from falling.

Who is Liable in An Elevator Accident?

Every day, elevators help millions of people get around restaurants, businesses, hotels, museums, or other buildings across the country. However, not all make it to their intended floor safely. In addition, elevator accidents are becoming a regular occurrence on construction sites.

According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, the rate of elevator-related fatalities on construction sites doubled between 2003 and 2016. More than half of these accidents involved falls, especially from heights of more than 30 feet.

Under Arizona law, anyone who has contributed to an elevator accident can be found liable for the resulting damages. If you have been injured in an elevator accident, you could potentially pursue compensation from anyone who caused the accident, including the following:

• Building or property owners
• Landlords
• Employers
• Building maintenance companies
• General contractors or subcontractors on a construction site
• Government agencies
• Elevator manufacturing companies

Elevator accidents can lead to unexpected injuries and losses. It would be best if you didn’t have to pay for someone’s negligent action that caused your injuries.

Whether your hand got caught in a malfunctioning door or you fell down an elevator shaft, you may be eligible to get compensation for all your elevator accident injuries.

Related Posts:

• Who Is Responsible for a Construction Accident?
• Data Analyst: A Future Proof Career Option [2023 Career Guide]
• Steps to Take After a Construction Site Injury
• 6 Most Common Construction Injuries

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You After an Elevator Accident?

Elevator accidents can be traumatizing. From dealing with a terrifying experience to struggling with a painful injury, there are many issues to deal with.

Moreover, bills may add up, and it may be hard to make ends meet if you cannot work. Fortunately, you might be entitled to seek compensation that could help you as you focus on your recovery.

However, while you may have the right to obtain financial compensation, getting the money into your hands might take time and effort. Engaging the services of a personal injury attorney can increase the chances of getting a favorable outcome.