In 2011, a New York City advertising executive was killed in an elevator accident as she was on her way to work. Last year, city officials determined that repairmen working on the elevator at the time did not follow proper safety procedures.
The victim’s father recently filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Five employees with the repair company are named in the lawsuit as well as one of the company’s co-owners. The company that manages the building is also named in the lawsuit.
Since the tragic accident, city officials have issued more fines for elevator violations. Between January and October of last year, 753 fines were issued. In 2011, only 515 fines were issued during those same months.
People in New York City ride elevators nearly every day. They probably don’t think twice before stepping into an elevator. Sadly an improperly maintained elevator can cause severe injuries and even death.
However, people should be able to visit office buildings and even private homes without fear that they will be harmed. Property owners and building managers must do all that they can to prevent serious accidents.
As evidenced by this most recent lawsuit, people who have failed to properly maintain a building can be held responsible. Compensation that is obtained through a successful premises liability lawsuit can be put towards medical expenses and funeral costs.
Nothing can change the past. However, a successful lawsuit may give victims and their family members peace of mind and closure. In most instances, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is best.
Source: The New York Post, “Father of ad exec killed in elevator suing repair company,” Josh Saul and Dan MacLeod, Jan. 29, 2013
Our firm handles cases like the one discussed in this post. To learn more, please visit our New York premises liability page.
