5 Injuries That Happen in Elevators

5 Injuries That Happen in Elevators

Different hazards within an elevator can cause injuries to various parts of your body, leaving you with huge medical bills. If you’ve been harmed due to negligence, a slip and fall lawyer may assist you in filing a claim. Here are five injuries that happen in elevators:

Head and Face Injuries

If an elevator stops suddenly due to mechanical issues, you may lose your balance and fall forward, harming yourself. Such abrupt stops may lead to forehead bruises, nose fractures, or concussions once your head hits the floor or wall. When loose components from the elevator become loose and fall on passengers, it could cause eye injuries.

When there are loose handrails and you’re trying to hold on to them for support, you may fall and injure your teeth. If you experience such injuries, seek medical attention right away so that a doctor may examine you for head injuries. During treatment, keep all your medical records as they are used as evidence to support your claim.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Wet elevator floors can cause you to slip and fall, harming your legs, arms, and hands in the process of landing or trying to catch yourself. If an elevator door closes too quickly or fails to detect you when entering, it can trap a hand, foot, or limb. It is also possible for an elevator not to line up evenly with the floor, making people trip while getting in or out, leading to broken bones and fractures.

When you sustain broken bones, they can time to heal and cause chronic pain, which means you may not be able to work. An experienced slip and fall lawyer should help you determine negligence by checking surveillance footage, if available, witness statements, or your medical records due to the incident. Your attorney also reviews maintenance records to determine if the elevator was properly maintained or not.

Back and Spine Injuries

If an elevator drops suddenly due to underlying problems, you can be thrown off balance and harm your spine. Slipping on a wet or uneven floor can also cause you to fall hard onto your back and injure it. Some back and spine injuries make it hard to walk, stand, or do everyday tasks. If you are in this situation, reach out to a lawyer who can determine who is responsible for the incident and whether it’s the building owner or the elevator company. They can also negotiate your compensation to help you pay your medical bills and living expenses.

Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries

Poor lighting in or around the elevator can make it difficult for you to see everything while entering or exiting. This can lead to missteps, causing muscle strains or twisted ankles from tripping or misjudging the floor’s level. Some elevators lack handrails, which means you experience sprains and soft tissue injuries due to sudden stops. Even though such injuries might seem minor, take photos of the affected area, location, and hazards. Your attorney may collect witness statements and work with doctors to determine how severe your condition is.

Cuts and Bruises

If you grab a handrail that’s too loose and has sharp edges, it may cause cuts and abrasions to your hands. Chipped or cracked tiles and concrete could lead to deep cuts if a person trips or falls onto them. When the elevator contains broken glass or sharp objects on the floor, you may get bruised when you trip and fall. In this situation, your attorney should communicate with an insurance company and negotiate your compensation. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer represents you in court and provides evidence.

Hire a Qualified Slip and Fall Lawyer

Whether you have minor or significant injuries from an elevator incident, talk to an attorney to evaluate your case. A slip and fall lawyer works with medical professionals to see if your records are documented properly for you to receive compensation. To have your case evaluated, call a trusted law firm today.