If you’ve ever lived on the top floor of a 6-story walk-up, you know just how valuable elevators can be. As a city with thousands of high-rise buildings, New York City is home to over 71,000 elevators. People use these elevators every day to get to their offices, visit friends, and more. Unfortunately, people can get hurt if they’re on an elevator that isn’t working properly.
How Many People Get Hurt by Elevators?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, elevators and escalators account for over 17,000 injuries each year across the country. Because elevators operate at much greater heights than escalators, they account for the vast majority of these injuries. Considering how often people use elevators, this is a relatively low number, which means elevators are usually safe as long as they’re maintained regularly.
Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Elevators?
In New York, the building owner or management company must ensure that its elevators are working properly. Regardless of any contracts with a maintenance company, it is ultimately the property owner’s fault if an elevator causes an injury due to a malfunction or any other issue. Elevators in New York City should be inspected twice each year for any potential problems. In 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Elevator Safety Act, which states that any contractor who works on an elevator must have a license issued by New York State. This bill goes into effect in 2022 and will help improve overall elevator safety.
See How Leav & Steinberg Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator, you should consult an experienced elevator accident and liability attorney. At Leav & Steinberg LLP, we’ve protected the rights of people across NYC for over a decade. We understand how a serious injury can impact your quality of life; that’s why we’ve helped our clients receive millions of dollars in compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and more. If you’re unable to visit our offices in Manhattan and the Bronx, we can arrange a visit somewhere that’s closer to you. To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, call 212-766-5222 today.
