Elevator Accidents in NYC: When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

From the towering high-rises of Midtown to the historic walk-ups in Brooklyn, elevators are a vital part of daily life in New York City. However, when something goes wrong, such as an elevator stalling, jerking, dropping, or malfunctioning, the results can be catastrophic. Sadly, many of these accidents were preventable and can be traced back to negligent maintenance, oversight, or outdated infrastructure.

At Morgan & Morgan, we represent individuals who were seriously injured in elevator and escalator accidents throughout New York City. Whether you were hurt in a residential building, subway station, commercial property, or construction site, our attorneys have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate the incident and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Elevator Accidents in New York City

Many elevator incidents occur in buildings where complaints were ignored and inspections were skipped. Unfortunately, unsafe elevators are often a known issue, right up until someone gets seriously hurt.

Frequent causes of elevator-related injuries in NYC include:

• Poor or irregular maintenance
• Missed safety inspections
• Faulty wiring or malfunctioning sensors
• Lack of barriers around open shafts
• Unqualified elevator technicians
• Operating an elevator while under repair
• Improper installation or outdated equipment

In New York City, property owners and managers are responsible for complying with strict building codes and elevator maintenance requirements. When they fail to meet these obligations, they put lives at risk.

Types of Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator incidents can occur in various ways. Some common types of accident cases include:

• Falls down open elevator shafts
• Entrapment between floors or doors
• Sudden drops or uncontrolled movement
• Platform collapses
• Being crushed or pinned by a moving elevator
• Escalator malfunctions or falls

Some of the most tragic cases involve people getting caught between elevator doors or falling into an exposed shaft. Even brief moments of negligence, such as a missing sign or a deactivated safety switch, can result in lifelong consequences.

Injuries We Commonly See in Elevator Accident Claims

Elevator accidents are often severe because of the forces involved. Common injuries associated with elevator injuries are:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

The long-term costs of these injuries can be astronomical, especially when they involve surgeries, rehabilitation, mobility aids, and lost income. That’s why our NYC elevator accident lawyers work to recover every dollar possible.

Who Is Liable for Elevator Accidents in NYC?

Several different parties may be responsible for your elevator injury, including:

• Property owners or landlords
• Building management companies
• Maintenance or elevator repair contractors
• Equipment manufacturers
• Government entities (e.g., MTA or city housing authorities)

Liability will depend on where the accident happened, who was responsible for inspection and upkeep, and whether the elevator was under service at the time of the incident. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault.

Proving Negligence in an Elevator Injury Case

In civil court, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injury. That typically means showing:

• A duty of care was owed to you.
• That duty was breached (e.g., through poor maintenance or oversight).
• The breach directly caused your injuries.
• You suffered damages as a result (including medical bills, lost wages, and pain, etc.).

Our legal team thoroughly investigates every case, reviewing maintenance logs, surveillance footage, safety reports, and witness statements to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the facts. We also work with forensic engineers and medical experts to build the strongest possible claim.

What To Do After an Elevator or Escalator Accident

If you were injured in a building or subway elevator, take these steps to protect yourself:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the accident to building management or the MTA.
• Take photos of the elevator or escalator involved.
• Get contact info for any witnesses.
• Do not sign any documents or accept blame.
• Contact a New York elevator accident attorney as soon as possible.

Elevator and escalator companies, along with their insurers, often attempt to minimize claims as quickly as possible. Having an experienced legal team in your corner makes all the difference.

How Long Do I Have to File an Elevator Accident Claim in NYC?

There are strict deadlines for filing elevator accident claims in New York, and they can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. In some situations, especially those involving government entities, you may be required to submit additional paperwork shortly after the incident. Waiting too long to act could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure you meet all the legal requirements and protect your right to file.

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on your injury and the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Lost income or diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death and funeral expenses (for fatal accidents)

Every case is different. Our goal is to maximize your recovery, ensuring you’re not burdened with the costs of someone else’s negligence.

Escalator Accidents in NYC Subways, Malls, and Airports

Escalators can be just as dangerous as elevators, especially in high-traffic areas like Penn Station, JFK, or shopping centers. We represent victims who were injured by:

• Sudden stops or reversals
• Missing steps or handrail failures
• Clothing or limbs caught in machinery
• Slippery or defective escalator surfaces

These claims may involve private property owners, retail chains, transit authorities, or maintenance contractors.

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve recovered over $25 billion for injury victims nationwide, and we don’t back down from powerful defendants. We have the resources to take on major building owners, multinational elevator manufacturers, and large insurance companies.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 1,000+ attorneys nationwide, including attorneys licensed in New York
• A full investigative and litigation team assigned to your case
• No fees unless we win
• 24/7 access via our client portal and mobile app
• Transparent, aggressive representation from start to finish

Contact a New York Elevator Accident Lawyer Today

You deserve answers. You deserve compensation. And you deserve a team that won’t back down, no matter who’s on the other side.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re here to fight for you. Whether you were injured in a malfunctioning elevator in the Bronx, a Midtown office building, or an MTA subway station, our attorneys are ready to investigate, negotiate, and, if necessary, take your case to trial.

Fill out our free case evaluation form today to get started. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win.