NYC Elevator Accident Lawyers | FREE Consult | Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek

Elevator Accidents

Millions of New Yorkers ride elevators every day. They are essential for the transport of people and cargo in a city of high-rise buildings. Elevators can malfunction and cause injury or death.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimate that there are about 30 deaths in elevator accidents each year in the United States.

New York property owners are legally responsible for properly maintaining buildings and ensuring the safety of elevators on the premises. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident, reach out to an experienced elevator accident attorney at Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek P.C. today.

Causes of Elevator Accidents

Elevator accidents can happen due to a lot of underlying causes. They typically involve preventable errors such as:

  • Elevator door malfunctions
  • Carriage misalignment with floors
  • Wiring defects
  • Broken or snapped pulleys
  • Improper maintenance procedures
  • Unsafe speeds
  • Abrupt stops
  • Misleveling
  • Unexpected door closings or openings
  • Falls due to open shaft
  • Exposure to the outdoors during winter, causing damage if water on trolleys or car frames freezes

The results of a malfunctioning or improperly maintained elevator can be devastating.

Common Elevator Accident Injuries

Elevator accidents can result in severe harm, including:

Unfortunately, some elevator accident injuries can be fatal.

Elevator Accident Fatalities

There are many cases of New York elevator accidents that have claimed the lives of innocent victims. In 2019, a Manhattan man was crushed to death after an elevator in his apartment malfunctioned. A mechanic on the Upper West Side suffered a similar fate in 2015 when he was repairing an elevator.

There was another incident at a construction site when a 25-year-old man fell down an elevator shaft while working on the 24th floor of a luxury hotel near Times Square.

If you have lost a loved one due to an elevator accident, you are not without legal recourse. You may be entitled to compensation for your grief and other damages.

Call our compassionate NYC wrongful death attorneys today to learn more about filing a wrongful death claim in New York.

What to Do After an Elevator Accident

If you or a loved one is a victim of an elevator accident here’s what you need to do to achieve compensation:

  1. Get out of the elevator immediately. If you’re unable to move, call for help.
  2. Seek medical attention. Even if you are feeling okay, some injuries may appear later. Ask your doctor for a full report.
  3. Gather information. If there are witnesses or other victims, get their contact information.
  4. If possible, document the scene. Take pictures of the elevator and where the accident occurred. The more details you get, the greater the chance that you’ll be compensated.
  5. Contact a lawyer. An experienced and knowledgeable elevator accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue a claim to maximize your potential compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you have been injured in an elevator accident, you may be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by the property owner’s negligence. An attorney may discover that a third-party or multiple parties can be held liable.

A lawyer from Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. can review the specifics of your accident, and determine whether someone else was at fault for your injuries. If so, we can help you pursue compensation that you are due to cover medical bills and other injury-related losses.

Call a NYC premises liability lawyer from our firm at (212) 490-5700, or reach out online to schedule a consultation of your case.

New York City Elevator Laws

Regardless of their type or use, New York City code requires that all elevators in the city be properly installed and maintained. Other municipalities throughout the state have similar codes and ordinances.

The NYC Department of Buildings’ Elevator Division inspects elevators in accordance with the city’s building code and American Society of Mechanical Engineers elevator standards. Elevators must pass installation inspections as well as periodic inspections by the Department of Buildings to be legally operated.

Notable
Results

$9,000,050

Construction Workers Injured on an Exterior Scaffold

Read More Results
 

Have You Been Injured in an Elevator Accident?

Neglected maintenance, incomplete or poorly performed repairs, or inspections by unqualified personnel can lead to an elevator malfunction.

The Consumer Watch website says among passengers using elevators while not at work, such as in apartment buildings and stores, almost half of deaths reported were due to falls in the elevator shaft, and the other half occurred as a result of being caught between the elevator and the shaft wall.

You May be Due Compensation for an Elevator Accident

The owner of a building with elevators is responsible for maintaining all elevators on the property and paying all inspection fees. Neglecting elevator maintenance may lead to fines. If the failure to properly install and maintain elevators causes an accident that injures someone, the building owner may be held liable and compelled to compensate the injured person. In some cases, the elevator manufacturer or the company that installed it may be liable as well.

Elevator accidents can cause injuries that result in permanent disabilities that make the accident victim unable to work for a living. Compensation sought in a legal claim after such personal injuries may consist of money for:

  • Medical care, including hospitalization
  • Lost wages
  • Home care
  • Rehabilitation therapy

Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. can help by thoroughly investigating your accident to document your injuries and determine whether the building owner or other parties should be held liable for the harm you have suffered. With the evidence collected, we will diligently seek all benefits you are due for your medical costs and other injury-related expenses.

Evidence in an Elevator Accident Case

Records will indicate whether the elevator has been inspected on a regular basis as required by law. Footage from the elevator’s security camera may have recorded your accident. In addition to your statement and testimony by any witnesses to your accident, there may be other complaints on file by others who frequent the apartment building, office tower, shopping mall, or hotel where your accident occurred. Others may be able to testify to similar malfunctions or accidents, and indicate that the building’s management knew of the problem.

Filing a Claim

Our law firm will be by your side throughout the claim process, helping you obtain sufficient medical documentation of your injuries and the ongoing effect it has had on your life. New York City personal injury attorneys from our firm will advise you of the potential outcomes of your claim and the pertinent premises liability and personal injury law.

New York Statute of Limitations

Personal injury lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to begin the work necessary to pursue a legal claim as soon as you are able. New York’s statute of limitations requires personal injury victims to file claims within three years of the date of the accident or from the date that the injuries became evident. It is best to begin work in a timely manner to ensure your claim is not denied due to the statute of limitations.

Contact Our New York Elevator Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a malfunctioning or otherwise unsafe elevator in New York, contact Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. for a free discussion of your accident and the legal options available to you. The owner of the building where your accident occurred or others may be required to compensate you for medical bills and other expenses related to your accident.

Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. is a personal injury firm that provides seasoned legal help to victims of elevator accidents in New York City and elsewhere in New York State. We work hard to ensure our clients secure the financial benefits necessary to fully recover financially from their injuries. Contact us today at (212) 490-5700.

CLIENT REVIEWS

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09/09/2021

When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.

5 Stars Review 5
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08/11/2021

Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.

5 Stars Review 5
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06/22/2021

I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.

5 Stars Review 5
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04/01/2021

I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.

5 Stars Review 5
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03/01/2021

Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/25/2021

I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

Amazing job, settled my case in 90 days.

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/29/2021

I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/19/2021

The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/18/2021

Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/14/2021

Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/14/2021

Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/06/2021

We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….

5 Stars Review 5
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12/29/2020

Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/28/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/11/2020

My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/10/2020

Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/08/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/07/2020

I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/07/2020

Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!

5 Stars Review 5
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12/04/2020

Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with.  He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…

5 Stars Review 5
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10/27/2020

The best

5 Stars Review 5
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01/21/2020

I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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06/05/2019

I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…

5 Stars Review 5
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05/01/2015

“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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05/01/2015

“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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Average 5 out of 5 rating based on 43 Reviews