Elevator Accidents: What to Know
Las Vegas, Nevada

Elevator accidents and lawsuits

Elevator accidents are very rare. However, when an elevator accident happens, the results could be devastating.

If you got injured in an elevator accident, we want to hear from you. Call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. We don't charge for consultations.

We represent clients in Las Vegas and other cities in Nevada.

Why do elevator accidents happen?

The elevator's use over the allowed capacity, defective sliding doors, elevator door sensor failure, improper leveling with the elevator and hallway floors, faulty wiring, malfunctioning parts, lack of upgrades, and inadequate insulation of the elevator's components can be a cause of elevator accidents. Sometimes, the accident victims are the repair and maintenance technicians themselves.

However, in our experience, most elevator accidents are caused by a lack of elevator maintenance. Instead of spending money to keep an elevator and the surrounding areas safe, building owners and maintenance teams use temporary, unsafe solutions that may cause elevator accidents.

We've also seen property management that didn't know how to react in the event of a malfunctioning elevator.

Elevator negligence claims

The owner or operator of a passenger elevator must exercise the highest degree of care to protect people who use lifts daily. If the owner or operator neglects his duties and the accident is preventable, you might have a valid liability claim.

Often, elevator accidents result in severe back injuries and neck injuries and require long-term, expensive medical care. Some elevator accidents can cause permanent disability and, in rare cases, death.

Time limits to bring a case

The statute of limitations for all injury claims in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada is two (2) years from the date of an accident. Elevator accidents fall into this category.

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If you were partially at fault

In Nevada, the plaintiff can collect compensation from all at-fault parties if the plaintiff was less than 51% responsible for the accident.

Who is liable?

Most elevator accidents directly result from another party's negligence or carelessness.

In Nevada, the negligent party (or their insurance) is financially responsible for all damages.

The following parties could be found liable in elevator accidents that caused injuries:

• The owner of the building and the maintenance company. Both parties are responsible for the daily upkeep of an elevator. When an elevator accident happens because of a lack of maintenance, the owner and the maintenance company are likely responsible.

• The company that assembled and installed the elevator may also be responsible for an elevator accident.

• The elevator parts manufacturers, repair contractors and sub-contractors, and an elevator operator may also be found liable for an elevator accident.

• Your employer, if your accident happened at the workplace.

Can you sue for being trapped in an elevator?

Yes, but a victim must show that they suffered an injury. An injury can be both physical and mental distress. Even if you were not physically injured, the psychological pain of being trapped in an elevator for several days could cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It will affect your ability to work, perform routine daily tasks, and require medical treatment.

If it sounds familiar, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. We can help you get compensated for your past, present, and future medical bills, seeing a psychologist, lost earnings, and lost quality of life.

Elevator door sensor failure

The malfunctioning of the elevator door sensors could result in the most severe injuries. When the elevator doors fail to sense a person, arm, leg, or even clothing, the doors will shut, causing severe crushing injuries or, in some cases, death.

What is the average settlement for an elevator accident?

The compensations for elevator accidents vary and depend on the severity of the injuries, the level of negligence involved, and if the person lost the ability to work, among other things. Some victims of elevator accidents receive million-dollar compensations.

Today, many insurance companies settle elevator accidents for undisclosed amounts to prevent bad publicity for the property owner.

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Elevator accidents: How long does it take to settle?

It is not unusual for an elevator accident to settle within 2 - 3 years from the accident's date, especially in cases with more than one victim. The lawsuits involving multiple negligent parties (elevator operator, manufacturer, and owner) may take longer.

Can you re-open an old elevator accident claim in Nevada?

Yes. Under Nevada law, you can re-open an old injury case if 1) you signed a release form without an attorney and 2) within 60 days of the date of an accident. It includes all elevator accidents. Many restrictions apply to re-opening an old liability claim in Las Vegas and other Nevada cities. For more info, see NRS 10.185 or call our office.

Elevator accidents: The victim has prior injuries

Pre-existing injuries may lead to a smaller settlement in some cases. For more information, contact our office at 702-432-1000.

Do I need an attorney?

Elevator accidents can be very complicated and often involve multiple liable parties. The elevator accident attorney can help establish liability and get a fair settlement to pay for your medical bills and other damages.

How do the attorneys get paid?

We take all elevator accidents on a contingency basis, which means that - if we cannot get your settlement money, we don't get paid, and you don't owe us anything.

We can help

If you got injured from a falling elevator or the elevator door sensor failure, if you got stuck in an elevator for an extremely long time, call us at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with our attorney for personal injury.

The initial consultation is always free.

We represent clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin South, Boulder City, Laughlin, Mesquite, Clark County, and Nevada.

Last updated on January 31, 2024.

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