NYC Elevator Accident Attorneys
Over 40 years of experience representing victims of elevator malfunctions and accidents in New York City and Long Island.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
New York City has thousands of elevators in residential buildings, office towers, hotels, and subway stations. When these elevators are not properly maintained, they can malfunction in dangerous ways, causing serious injuries or even death. Elevator accidents often result from negligent maintenance, deferred repairs, or failure to follow safety regulations.
At Licatesi Law Group, our experienced elevator accident attorneys have successfully represented victims of elevator malfunctions for over 40 years. We thoroughly investigate each case, obtain maintenance records and inspection reports through legal process, and hold building owners and maintenance companies accountable for their negligence. Our goal is to recover maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Common Types of Elevator Accidents
Mechanical Failures
- Sudden drops or free falls
- Cable or pulley failures
- Brake malfunctions
- Motor or electrical failures
Door & Entry Issues
- Doors closing on passengers
- Misleveling causing trips/falls
- Doors opening between floors
- Entrapment between floors
NYC Elevator Accident Statistics & High-Risk Buildings
Elevator Safety in NYC
Elevators operating in NYC buildings
Elevator-related fatalities annually in the US
Elevator injuries requiring ER visits each year
Average time doors should remain open - malfunctions cause injuries
High-Risk Building Types
- Older Residential Buildings
Pre-1970s buildings with outdated elevator systems and deferred maintenance
- NYCHA Public Housing
Notorious for broken elevators, delayed repairs, and safety violations
- Budget Hotels & Motels
Cost-cutting on maintenance increases malfunction risks
- Subway Station Elevators
Heavy use, exposure to elements, frequent out-of-service issues
- Parking Garage Elevators
Extreme temperature changes, oil/grease exposure, heavy loads
NYC Department of Buildings violations are public record. If your accident occurred in a building with prior elevator violations, this significantly strengthens your liability case.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries
Elevator malfunctions can cause catastrophic injuries due to sudden drops, crushing forces, and falls from heights. Common injuries include:
Crushing Injuries
- Limbs caught in doors or between elevator and shaft wall
- Hand/finger amputations from door mechanisms
- Chest/torso compression from malfunctioning doors
- Pelvic fractures from partial door closures
Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Head trauma from sudden drops or stops
- Concussions from striking walls or ceiling
- Skull fractures from falling inside elevator car
- TBI from falls down elevator shafts
Spinal & Back Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries from sudden vertical forces
- Herniated discs from abrupt stops or drops
- Compression fractures of vertebrae
- Paralysis from shaft falls
Fractures & Broken Bones
- Hip and pelvic fractures from falls
- Broken arms, wrists, ankles from tripping on uneven floors
- Leg fractures from sudden drops
- Rib fractures from impact with elevator walls
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Severe whiplash from abrupt elevator movements
- Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, rotator cuff)
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Tendon damage from sudden jolts
Psychological Trauma
- PTSD from entrapment in stalled elevators
- Claustrophobia and elevator phobia
- Anxiety disorders from traumatic falls
- Depression from life-altering injuries
Why Elevator Accident Cases Are Complex
Unlike slip-and-fall cases, elevator accidents require proving mechanical failure through expert testimony. Building owners often immediately repair elevators after accidents, destroying evidence of the defect. Immediate legal action is critical to preserve elevator maintenance logs, inspection reports, and witness statements before evidence disappears.
Our attorneys work with mechanical engineers and elevator safety experts who inspect the accident scene, review maintenance records, and testify about code violations and negligent maintenance practices.
NYC Elevator Regulations & Building Owner Responsibilities
New York has some of the strictest elevator safety codes in the nation. Building owners and property managers have legal duties to maintain elevators in safe working condition.
NYC Building Code Requirements
- Annual Inspections: Category 1 (full load) and Category 5 (annual safety) inspections required
- Maintenance Records: Building owners must maintain detailed service logs for at least 6 years
- Emergency Communications: Two-way communication systems required in all elevators
- Door Safety: Doors must reopen if they encounter resistance (door edge sensors required)
- Weight Limits: Posted capacity limits must be accurate and visible
- Emergency Lighting: Battery backup lighting required in case of power failures
Common Code Violations Leading to Accidents
- Skipped Inspections: Failing to conduct required annual Category 1 or Category 5 tests
- Deferred Maintenance: Ignoring known defects to cut costs
- Door Sensor Failures: Non-functioning or disabled door reopening mechanisms
- Brake System Neglect: Worn brakes not replaced, leading to sudden drops
- Unqualified Contractors: Hiring cheap, unlicensed elevator maintenance companies
- False Inspection Reports: Certifying elevators as safe without proper inspections
How We Prove Negligence in Elevator Cases
Our attorneys obtain NYC Department of Buildings records to uncover a building's elevator violation history. If the building had prior DOB violations for the same elevator or similar defects, it proves the owner had notice of dangerous conditions and failed to correct them - establishing negligence.
We also subpoena maintenance contracts and service logs to prove:
- Inspections were skipped or falsified
- Prior complaints about the same malfunction were ignored
- Parts needing replacement were documented but not installed
- Unqualified personnel performed maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our NYC Elevator Accident Lawyers Today
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Available 24/7.