Personal Injury Lawyers In Orlando, FL
As one of Florida’s main tourist and commercial hubs, the Orlando metropolitan area has its fair share of high-rise developments and skyscrapers. Unfortunately, having so many of these tall buildings in town also means elevator accidents are not uncommon. Elevator-related disasters can happen for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is negligence. Rushed installations, poor maintenance requirements, and out-of-date equipment can all be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. But, seeking compensation is not always so straightforward, especially without legal representation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an elevator accident, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.
Determining Who Is Liable For Your Injuries
As in any other personal injury case, the plaintiff has the burden of proof, meaning the injured party is responsible for proving the other’s liability. However, given how many parties are usually responsible for an elevator’s safe functioning, more than one party may be held liable, including any of the following.
- Property Owner
- The Elevator’s Inspection Company
- A Contractor
- Your Employer
- The Elevator’s Designer/Manufacturer
What Compensation Can Be Recovered From An Elevator Accident?
Elevator accidents can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Aside from any life-changing physical injuries, survivors may suffer long-lasting emotional and financial burdens. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, those injured may seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including any of the following.
- Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity
- Past, Current & Future Medical Bills
- Pain & Suffering
- Physical Therapy
- Funeral Expenses
Causes Of Elevator And Escalator Accidents
Not all accidents are caused by mechanical failures. Some happen due to rules and guideline violations, which may involve third-parties — because of this, determining liability may not be so straightforward without experienced legal representation.
The following includes some of the most common causes of elevator accidents.
- Too many people in the elevator, resulting in an overload;
- Improper use of the machine by passengers;
- Malfunctioning or broken door mechanisms;
- Malfunctioning sensors;
- Malfunctioning buttons;
- Poor mechanical design / bad wiring;
- Poor emergency planning or none at all by the property owners;
- None or few regular mechanical inspections or repairs; and
- Unqualified maintenance services.
What To Do After An Elevator Accident
Your highest priority after being in an elevator accident is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t seem bad at the moment, you could be suffering from shock and underestimating the extent of your injuries. Remember, medical reports are crucial pieces of evidence for any personal injury case, so it’s in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention.
Police reports can be just as important, so make sure to give a detailed account of the accident to the authorities. If possible, photograph your injuries and the accident area. Doing so can also provide your case with valuable evidence. Lastly, contact a professional personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Avoid giving statements to any insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
How A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be better able to gather evidence and negotiate for a fair settlement. We are well aware of how insurance companies operate and how they limit liability against your favor. We’ll fight relentlessly to identify every liable party and keep them accountable. We’ll also try to keep the case outside court to avoid expensive legal fees. However, we won’t back down from taking the case to court if necessary.
Download "Watching Out For Florida Motorcyclists," Co-Authored by Michael B. Brehne