NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN

Table of Contents

NYC Elevator Accident Lawyer

An Elite Team That Stands Behind You.

$20+

Million Settled

$50+

Million Recovered

99%

Success Rate

Serving All Brooklyn Neighborhoods

Risk-Free Representation – No Fees Unless We Win Your Case!

Here in New York City, elevators and escalators are a fact of life for most of us. There are approximately 84,000 elevators operating in the city alone. While most modern elevators are relatively safe, that is certainly not the case for all of them.

At Kucher Law Group, NYC personal injury attorney Samantha Kucher and our team of NYC elevator accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping those who have suffered serious injuries following different accidents, enabling them to get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. 

If you have suffered an injury in a New York elevator accident, it is important to contact an experienced elevator accident attorney as soon as possible. Our elevator accident attorneys in New York have successfully represented clients who have suffered injuries after elevator accidents, including back injuries, in all types of elevator accidents.

In addition to elevator accidents, our NYC personal injury lawyers have experience representing clients in a wide range of premises liability cases, including slip and fall accidents and injuries caused by elevator company negligence. A Brooklyn premises liability lawyer can help identify who controlled the landing, who maintained the equipment, and where inspection or repair records may be stored.

Whether you are looking for a Bronx personal injury attorney, a Brooklyn personal injury attorney, or a Manhattan personal injury attorney, we are here to help.

Call us at (929) 563-6780 to schedule a free consultation for your elevator injury case.

Need Help?

Book an initial consultation with top rated Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys, Kucher Law Group!

Free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week

Why Choose Kucher Law Group

Your Injury Case is Our Top Priority

At Kucher Law Group, we understand that your injury case isn’t just another file. It’s your life. That’s why we treat every case with the utmost importance, dedicating our top-rated attorneys to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Big Results and Personal Service

We pride ourselves on delivering big results while maintaining a personal touch. Our team combines deep legal knowledge and a proven track record with a commitment to providing individualized attention to each client. You’re not just a number to us; you’re a valued partner in our pursuit of justice.

Always Reliable, Always Responsive

When you need us, we’re there. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it. We believe in being reliable and responsive, ensuring that you’re never left in the dark about your case.

We Don’t Get Paid Until You Do

Our confidence in our ability to secure favorable outcomes is reflected in our payment structure: you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case. We work tirelessly on your behalf, and our success is measured by your success.

Our Mission

At Kucher Law Group, we’re more than just a premier personal injury law firm in New York; we’re your steadfast advocates in seeking justice. Our trial attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. What sets us apart? We charge no upfront fees. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay a penny. We’re here for you, 24/7, ready to provide support and answer any questions you may have when tragedy strikes. Trust in our commitment, confidence in our results, and our unwavering availability to our clients.

Client Testimonial

Torp Hector

5.0

I really wanted to give thanks to the entire office staff at Kucher Law Group for all the things you have done for me regarding my case. They were the most considerate, experienced, efficient, and hard-working group of people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. The entire office staff at Kucher Law were always readily available to respond to any questions I had and led me thru the entire process. Their team made it feel like I was their sole client. I really felt like family. The Kucher Law team knows the workings of the legal system and settled for only the absolute best for me. I am extremely happy with the outcome of my case and I highly recommend Kucher Law Group. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me, outstanding service, and amazing results. Thank you once more!

Schedule a free consultation

Book an initial consultation with the top-rated Brooklyn personal injury firm, Kucher Law Group!

Free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week

Elevator Accident Attorney Samantha Kucher Explains the Regulation of Elevator Safety in New York

Although most municipal and state governments are fairly good at ensuring elevator oversight, here in New York, we have seen many accidents involving elevators that are the result of ineffective safety standards. Until recently, New York was one of the few states that did not require that those who worked on elevators be licensed or even properly trained or educated.

Consequently, New York State recently signed into law the Elevator Safety Act. This act requires that anyone engaged in the design, construction, inspection, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators be licensed. An advisory board in New York was also created to recommend regulations and best practices for inspecting New York’s elevators and enforcing their actions.

If you are looking for a skilled New York lawyer, we encourage you to read the results we have achieved for our clients who experienced an elevator accident. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and we are proud of the work we do. We are here to help you get the results you deserve.

In New York elevator accidents, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the injury of the victim. If you are injured in an accident while inside an elevator, you may be able to seek compensation for your injury. Speak to an experienced lawyer for injury cases in NYC who is skilled at handling injury law and accident claims. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced accident lawyer regarding your case.

Client Testimonial

Macejkovic Jones

5.0

I was in an accident about a couple of years ago, and I was injured really badly. I went to a different law firm but they didn’t actually appear to care too much someone told me about this personal injury lawyer and said to come here instead. They were so nice, I’m so thankful I made the switch. After I changed my car accident lawyer, the entire process moved a lot easier and I was able to get a great settlement and received it quickly too. Definitely happy with my experience and will tell everyone to go here.

When Can You Sue for an Escalator Accident in New York City?

You can pursue an escalator accident claim in New York City when evidence shows that another party’s negligence or a defective escalator caused your injuries. A property owner, tenant, or operator can be responsible for a dangerous escalator condition it created or knew or should have known about and failed to correct. Depending on the circumstances, an escalator maintenance company can also be liable for failing to properly inspect, maintain, or repair equipment within the scope of its responsibilities.

A manufacturer can face a separate product liability claim when a defect in the escalator’s design, manufacture, or warnings contributed to the accident. Sudden stops, unexpected movement, defective steps, problems with the handrail or comb plate, and entrapment can require investigation to determine whether the cause was inadequate maintenance, a defective component, or another condition.

Inspection records, maintenance logs, repair histories, prior complaints, surveillance footage, and incident reports can help establish what went wrong and whether the owner, operator, or maintenance company knew or should have known about the problem.

What Evidence Should Be Preserved After an Elevator or Escalator Accident?

Important evidence after an elevator or escalator accident can include inspection records, maintenance logs, service contracts, repair tickets, prior complaints, surveillance footage, photographs, witness information, and any incident report prepared after the accident. Maintenance and repair records can help show recurring problems, previous service calls, and whether reported defects were inspected or corrected.

Surveillance footage should be requested and preserved as soon as possible because recordings can be overwritten or deleted under a property’s retention practices. Photographs or video can also document conditions such as a misleveled elevator car, malfunctioning doors, damaged escalator steps, defective comb plates, handrail problems, warning signs, or other visible defects. For a fall-related incident, see our guide to preserving surveillance video after a fall.

New York City requires periodic inspections of elevators and escalators, so Department of Buildings inspection records, test records, and violation histories can provide additional information about the condition and maintenance of the equipment. In an apartment or mixed-use building, dated repair requests and other landlord records can also help establish when an owner or manager received notice of a recurring problem.

Who Can Be Liable for an Escalator Accident?

The parties that can be responsible depend on who owned, operated, maintained, repaired, or manufactured the escalator. Potential defendants can include:

  • The property owner
  • A tenant or business operating the premises
  • The property management company
  • The escalator maintenance or repair contractor
  • The escalator manufacturer or a component manufacturer
  • A government entity that owns or controls the property

More than one party can share responsibility when, for example, a property owner knew about a recurring problem while a maintenance company failed to properly diagnose or repair it. Identifying each party’s responsibilities and reviewing the maintenance agreements, inspection history, and repair records are important parts of investigating an escalator injury claim.

Who Is Liable for an Open Elevator Shaft Fall?

Liability for a fall into an open elevator shaft can rest with the building owner, property manager, elevator maintenance company, or another contractor responsible for the condition that allowed access to the shaft. For example, an owner or manager can be responsible for failing to correct a dangerous condition it knew or should have known about, while an elevator maintenance company can be liable when its maintenance responsibilities include the defective equipment that contributed to the accident.

Elevator hoistway doors are equipped with interlocks designed to prevent the doors from opening when the elevator car is not properly positioned at the landing. If a defective or improperly maintained interlock allows a door to open onto an empty shaft, maintenance records, repair histories, inspection reports, prior complaints, and the applicable service contracts can help determine who was responsible for the failure. A contractor that left a shaft opening unsecured during construction or repair work can also be responsible, and a manufacturer can face liability when a defective component contributed to the accident.

At Kucher Law Group, New York escalator injury lawyer Samantha Kucher and our personal injury lawyers investigate escalator accidents to determine what caused the malfunction and which parties can be held responsible. We review maintenance and inspection records, accident reports, surveillance footage, and other evidence when pursuing compensation for an injured client.

For a free consultation about an escalator accident claim, contact Kucher Law Group at (929) 563-6780.

Elevators and escalators are large and powerful pieces of machinery that require the workings of hundreds of finely tuned mechanisms working in coordination with each other. The breakdown or malfunction of any one of these means danger for unsuspecting users. A Brooklyn slip and fall lawyer can also evaluate falls caused by misleveling, unsafe landings, or poor maintenance.

Some common causes of elevator accidents include:

  • Door defects: Modern elevator doors use sensors designed to prevent the doors from closing on people entering or exiting the elevator. When these sensors fail, passengers can be struck by the doors or become trapped.
  • Sudden acceleration or deceleration: If components such as counterweights, brake systems, or control systems malfunction, the elevator car can suddenly accelerate or decelerate, causing passengers to be thrown against the walls, floor, or one another.
  • Sudden stops: Abrupt stops caused by malfunctioning controls, mechanical problems, or power failures can cause passengers to lose their balance, fall, or be thrown against the interior of the elevator.
  • Elevator car free falls: Failures involving cables, brakes, control systems, or other critical components can cause an elevator car to descend unexpectedly, potentially resulting in serious injuries.
  • Misleveling or misalignment: Sensors and control systems are designed to position the elevator car level with the landing before the doors open. A malfunction can leave the car above or below the floor, creating a tripping or falling hazard for passengers entering or exiting the elevator.
  • Falling into an open shaft: Elevator doors should not open when the car is not properly positioned at the landing. If a door opens while the elevator car is on another floor or otherwise absent from the landing, the open shaft can be exposed and create a serious fall hazard.

In addition to these, other potential equipment failures and malfunctions can cause devastating injuries or even death, including:

  • Manufacturing defects
  • Safety system or device failure
  • Defective elevator governors
  • Improper house cable maintenance
  • Interlock circuit bypassing
  • Wet floors can cause slip-and-fall injuries

Need Help?

Book an initial consultation with top rated Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys, Kucher Law Group!

Free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week

Client Testimonial

Michael Boyd

5.0

The personal injury attorneys at the Kucher Law Group in New York City are so lovely! They were able to help with my case and also helped me understand what my options are. Thank you so much!

Schedule a free consultation

Book an initial consultation with the top-rated Brooklyn personal injury firm, Kucher Law Group!

Free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week

Elevator Accident Lawyers in New York - Kucher Law Group

Samantha Kucher, Esq.

Samantha Kucher is a founding partner of Kucher Law Group who has devoted her entire legal career to representing injury victims. She focuses on premises liability and slip and fall cases, investigating hazardous property conditions, building code violations, and negligent property maintenance to help clients pursue full compensation for their injuries.

Before founding Kucher Law Group, Samantha volunteered with the New York County Family Law Pro Bono program, providing legal assistance to individuals who could not afford representation. A graduate of New York University and New York Law School, she combines her litigation experience with a client-focused approach to help injured people pursue premises liability claims.

Michael Roitman, Esq.

Michael Roitman is a founding partner of Kucher Law Group and an experienced trial attorney representing clients injured in slip and fall accidents, premises liability claims, motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, and other serious injury cases. He has obtained multiple seven-figure settlements and verdicts, reflecting his ability to litigate claims against property owners, insurance companies, and other defendants.

Admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, Michael brings extensive courtroom experience to every case. A graduate of New York University and Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, he is committed to helping injured clients pursue fair compensation through thorough preparation and strong advocacy.

Alex Rybakov

Alex Rybakov, Esq.

Alex Rybakov is a founding partner of Kucher Law Group who has focused exclusively on personal injury law for more than a decade. He represents clients in slip and fall and other premises liability cases, working to establish negligence, preserve critical evidence, and recover compensation for injuries caused by unsafe property conditions.

Alex earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University and his J.D. from Seton Hall Law School. He develops personalized legal strategies for every case and works closely with clients to protect their interests and pursue the compensation available under New York law.

New York City Regulations on Elevator Operations

New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces rules regarding elevator inspections and maintenance. Inspection histories, maintenance logs, and documented building code violations can help show whether a hazardous condition was identified and corrected.

Each elevator within each of the five boroughs must undergo an inspection twice a year by a contracted inspection agency. The inspections are unannounced and usually occur spontaneously. A building owner must have an active maintenance contract with an approved agency for elevator maintenance. This agency is responsible for providing maintenance and repairs as well as replacements. The NYC Construction Code states that maintenance contracts must include a Maintenance Control Program (MCP). The MCP should be based on the specific elevator manufacturer’s maintenance protocol. Also, all maintenance on elevators must be documented.

Residents must be notified 10 days prior to any elevator maintenance work in multi-unit housing. These notices should indicate the type of work that will be performed on the elevators. All elevator maintenance work also requires permits.

The most frequent violation is failure to maintain an elevator. These violations are issued when a defect in the elevator is detected during testing. Owners are given 10 business days to correct the violation in the elevator or risk a criminal court summons. When the property owner fails to fix an issue that they are aware of, this is considered negligent behavior.

Kucher Law Group has years of experience in helping clients seek compensation for their elevator accident cases. Our skilled attorneys in New York City can help you hold the responsible party liable for their negligence.

Client Testimonial

Julia Star

5.0

Great personal injury attorneys! Very knowledgeable, experienced and professional with clients. Honest and clear communication every step of the way. They achieve great results!

Getting the Help of a Skilled Elevator Accident Lawyer at Kucher Law Group

At Kucher Law Group, we believe in putting our clients first. We offer a free consultation to all potential clients, and we do not collect any fees unless we win your case. We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to our clients’ stories and understand their individual needs. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized service to each and every client.

Kucher Law Group is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered injuries due to accidents such as being injured inside an elevator. Our injury lawyers have a proven track record of achieving excellent results for our clients. We understand the impact that an injury can have on a person’s life, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Our elevator accident attorneys have extensive experience in a wide range of injury cases, including nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and construction accidents. We also handle premises liability cases, such as slip and fall accidents. If you have been injured in an accident, we can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

When you have been injured in an elevator accident in New York, you should not attempt to navigate this alone. At Kucher Law Group, our personal injury attorneys are with you each step of the way to ensure that you get fairly compensated for your injuries.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation – we are here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (929) 563-6780.

Risk-Free Representation – No Fees Unless We Win Your Case!

Schedule a free consultation

Client Testimonial

Steven Saperstein

5.0

Extremely professional. Was responsive to questions during representation of my relative in her case for home health aide negligence. Tremendous job in getting a high settlement!

Schedule a free consultation

Book an initial consultation with the top-rated Brooklyn personal injury firm, Kucher Law Group!

Free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week

Serving Elevator Accident Victims Throughout New York City

As one of the premier elevator accident law firms serving all five boroughs of New York City, Kucher Law Group understands the unique challenges facing residents, workers, and visitors navigating our city’s complex vertical landscape. With approximately 84,000 elevators operating across New York City—more than any other city in the world—elevator accidents unfortunately occur with alarming frequency in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. 

From historic pre-war buildings in Brooklyn Heights to modern high-rises in Hudson Yards, from residential developments in Long Island City to office towers in Midtown Manhattan, our elevator accident attorneys have successfully represented clients injured in every type of building across every corner of the metropolitan area.

Our team has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in elevator accidents throughout Kings County (Brooklyn), New York County (Manhattan), Queens County, Bronx County, and Richmond County (Staten Island), as well as surrounding areas including Nassau County, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey just across the Hudson River.

Manhattan Elevator Accidents

As the borough with the highest concentration of commercial high-rises, residential towers, and historic buildings, Manhattan presents unique elevator safety challenges. Kucher Law Group has extensive experience handling elevator accident cases throughout Manhattan, from the Financial District and Battery Park City to Midtown, the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, and Washington Heights.

With major business corridors like Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Broadway hosting thousands of office workers daily, elevator malfunctions in Manhattan can affect workers, tenants, delivery personnel, and visitors. Our attorneys have represented clients injured in elevator accidents in iconic Manhattan buildings, historic pre-war apartment buildings, newly constructed luxury condominiums, and commercial office towers throughout the borough. 

Whether your accident occurred in a Midtown East office building, a Tribeca loft, a Chelsea residential tower, a Gramercy Park co-op, or a high-rise in Battery Park City, we understand Manhattan’s diverse building stock and the specific regulations governing elevator safety in New York County.

We’ve successfully handled cases involving elevator accidents at major subway transfer hubs like Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and Columbus Circle, where thousands use elevators daily for accessibility. The congested streets of Manhattan—including the FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and major crosstown thoroughfares—mean elevator service and repair can be challenging, sometimes leading to deferred maintenance and dangerous conditions.

Our Manhattan elevator accident experience includes cases in the Financial District (Wall Street area), Civic Center, Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, NoHo, Greenwich Village, East Village, Flatiron District, Murray Hill, Kips Bay, Tudor City, Hell’s Kitchen, Lincoln Square, Morningside Heights, Hamilton Heights, Inwood, Roosevelt Island, and everywhere in between. From Hudson Yards’ ultra-modern towers to century-old tenement buildings on the Lower East Side, we’ve seen how elevator accidents can occur in any type of Manhattan structure when property owners and maintenance companies fail in their duties.

Brooklyn Elevator Accidents

Brooklyn’s rapid development and diverse building landscape—from historic brownstones in Park Slope to new construction in Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg—creates varied elevator safety challenges. As one of the leading Brooklyn elevator accident law firms, Kucher Law Group has deep roots in Kings County and understands the unique issues facing Brooklyn residents, construction workers, and building employees.

Our Brooklyn elevator accident attorneys have handled cases throughout the borough, including Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Sunset Park, Borough Park, Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Canarsie, Brownsville, East New York, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, and beyond.

Brooklyn’s mix of pre-war apartment buildings, newer residential towers along the Brooklyn waterfront, commercial developments near the Barclays Center, and industrial buildings in Sunset Park and Red Hook presents diverse elevator accident scenarios. Whether you were injured in a brownstone elevator in Carroll Gardens, a high-rise apartment building near Atlantic Terminal, a commercial building in Downtown Brooklyn, or a newly constructed luxury tower in Williamsburg, our attorneys know Brooklyn’s building code history and enforcement patterns.

We understand Brooklyn’s major transportation corridors including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and Fourth Avenue, where commercial buildings serve workers and visitors daily. Brooklyn’s rapid gentrification means older buildings with outdated elevator systems now serve more residents, increasing accident risks when modernization doesn’t keep pace with occupancy.

Our firm has successfully represented construction workers injured in elevator accidents at Brooklyn construction sites, building maintenance personnel hurt while servicing Brooklyn elevators, residents injured in residential elevator malfunctions, and delivery workers and visitors injured in Brooklyn commercial buildings.

For help with a construction-site injury, see our Brooklyn construction accident attorneys.

Queens, The Bronx & Staten Island Elevator Accidents

Queens County: Queens’ diverse neighborhoods—from Long Island City’s booming residential towers to Flushing’s dense commercial district, from Astoria’s mix of old and new buildings to Jamaica’s commercial center—all rely heavily on elevators. Our attorneys have handled elevator accident cases in Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Forest Hills, Flushing, Bayside, Jamaica, Far Rockaway, and throughout Queens County. With major corridors like Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, and the Long Island Expressway serving commercial buildings, and transit hubs like Jamaica Station requiring accessible elevators, Queens presents unique elevator safety challenges.

Bronx County: The Bronx’s mix of large residential complexes, commercial centers along the Grand Concourse and Fordham Road, and growing developments near Yankee Stadium all depend on safe elevator operation. We’ve represented clients injured in elevator accidents throughout The Bronx, including the South Bronx, Mott Haven, Hunts Point, Morrisania, Highbridge, Concourse, Fordham, Belmont, Tremont, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Throggs Neck, and Co-op City—one of the largest residential developments in the country with extensive elevator systems.

Richmond County (Staten Island): While Staten Island has fewer high-rises than other boroughs, elevator accidents still occur in residential buildings, medical facilities like Staten Island University Hospital, the Staten Island Ferry terminal, and commercial buildings in St. George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, New Brighton, and throughout the island.

New York City Elevator Safety Statistics You Should Know

  • 84,000+ elevators operate in New York City—representing approximately 14% of all elevators in the entire United States
  • NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requires category inspections twice per year for all passenger and freight elevators
  • Thousands of elevator-related injuries occur annually in NYC across all five boroughs
  • New York State’s Elevator Safety Act now requires all elevator workers to be properly licensed and trained
  • Manhattan alone has more than 60,000 elevators—more than any other county in North America
  • High-rise buildings in NYC (particularly those over 40 stories) rely entirely on elevators for daily access, with some buildings having 50+ elevator cars

Comprehensive Service Throughout the New York Metropolitan Area

Our elevator accident representation extends beyond NYC’s five boroughs to:

Nassau County: Garden City, Hempstead, Mineola, Westbury, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Long Beach, and throughout Nassau County

Westchester County: Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and surrounding Westchester communities

Adjacent Areas: Parts of New Jersey including Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City), Bergen County, and areas across the Hudson River where New York workers commute

Brooklyn Office & Convenient Consultation Options

Our main office is conveniently located in Brooklyn, easily accessible from:

  • Manhattan: via Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, or Williamsburg Bridge
  • Queens: via Brooklyn-Queens Expressway or Grand Street
  • The Bronx: via Major Deegan Expressway to Brooklyn
  • Staten Island: via Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
  • All boroughs: via extensive subway connections (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, B, D, F, N, Q, R, W trains)

Can’t come to our office? We come to you. Kucher Law Group offers home consultations, hospital consultations, and workplace consultations throughout all five boroughs and surrounding counties. We also provide virtual consultations via phone and video for clients who prefer remote meetings.

Learn More

Elevators, whether in historic buildings in Brooklyn Heights or modern structures at the Brooklyn waterfront, require consistent and thorough maintenance to ensure safety and functionality. When this essential upkeep is neglected, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to dangerous accidents.

Here are some common causes of elevator malfunctions:

  • Lack of Proper Maintenance: The primary cause of elevator failures is insufficient maintenance. Regular inspections and servicing are crucial to keep all components in optimal working condition.
  • Misaligned Drive: If the elevator’s drive system is not correctly aligned, it can lead to erratic movements and sudden stops, posing a risk to passengers.
  • Worn Sheaves: Over time, the sheaves, which are the pulleys that the ropes move over, can wear down. This wear can cause the ropes to slip, leading to sudden drops or stalls.
  • Old Lubricant: Proper lubrication of moving parts is vital for smooth operation. Old or insufficient lubricant can cause increased friction and wear, potentially leading to mechanical failures.
  • Power Failures: Interruptions in the power supply can cause elevators to stop unexpectedly, trapping passengers and possibly resulting in injuries.
  • Faulty Doors: Malfunctioning doors that close too quickly or fail to detect obstructions can trap body parts, leading to significant injuries.
  • Unstable Movement: If an elevator sways or moves unpredictably, it can create a hazardous situation for those inside.
  • Mis-leveling: When an elevator fails to stop level with the floor, passengers can trip and fall when entering or exiting.
  • Sudden Stops or Drops: Mechanical issues can cause the elevator to halt abruptly or drop uncontrollably, both of which can result in serious injuries.

Elevator incidents in New York fall under the category of premises liability, which generally implies that these accidents occur due to hazardous conditions or the negligence of property owners. It is the responsibility of property owners to ensure the safety of individuals on their premises by regularly maintaining and repairing their properties to eliminate potential risks of an elevator accident.

When elevators are inadequately maintained or have unsafe designs, they can pose significant dangers to passengers. Some of the potential risks associated with elevators include sudden falls, door closures, doors getting stuck, and misalignment with the floor level.

Elevator accidents can impact anyone, regardless of age, including the elderly, young children, and construction workers.

To promote safety when using elevators, it is important to keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • If necessary, push the emergency button inside the elevator to alert authorities.
  • Avoid attempting to force open stuck doors as this can worsen the situation.
  • During a fire, it is advisable to use the fire escape instead of the elevator.
  • Inform rescue personnel about the specific floor and elevator location to expedite assistance.

By being aware of these precautions, individuals can enhance their safety while using elevators and help mitigate the risks associated with elevator incidents.

Elevator accident claims are a matter of personal injury law. This means that if you are injured due to the negligence of another, that person or entity may be held liable for your damages.

Certain criteria must be established in order to prove negligence:

  • The controlling party owed you a duty of care and was responsible for your safety by ensuring that the elevator was properly maintained, serviced, and inspected.
  • They breached that duty and failed in their legal obligation to keep you safe.
  • Their breach caused the accident.
  • You suffered damages as a result of that accident.

Although these steps may seem simple and straightforward, proving negligence after an accident involving an elevator can be complicated. The building owner or controlling party and their insurance company may try to pin the blame on you for the accident. Insurance companies also often make it very difficult to get fairly compensated and may try to deny or minimize your settlement. This is when you need our experienced New York elevator attorney fighting on your behalf.

At Kucher Law Group, we will seek compensation for:

  • Any current medical costs such as hospitalizations, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, or any other medical costs associated with your injuries
  • Any future potential medical costs as they may be related to your injuries
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Or other costs associated with your accident and injuries.

After an elevator accident, an accident victim will have a very short time frame in which they will be able to file an injury claim. In general, the victim will have three years to seek compensation after they are hurt. If they wait too long, they might risk losing their right to file a claim or ask for compensation for their injuries after being involved in an accident inside an elevator.

The specific facts of the case will determine if the victim has more time or less to file a claim. One example of this is if the victim needs to seek money from the government or workers’ compensation insurance, then they will have less time. However, if the victim has a reasonable delay in discovering their injuries or if they were a minor at the time of the accident, they may have a longer time to seek additional compensation. 

FAQs

Yes! Kucher Law Group proudly serves elevator accident victims throughout all five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan (New York County), Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens (Queens County), The Bronx (Bronx County), and Staten Island (Richmond County). We also represent clients in surrounding areas including Nassau County, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey. Whether your accident occurred in a Manhattan office building, a Brooklyn apartment, a Queens commercial property, a Bronx residential complex, or anywhere in the metropolitan area, we’re here to help.

Our main office is conveniently located in Brooklyn, easily accessible from all five boroughs:

  • From Manhattan: Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, or Williamsburg Bridge
  • From Queens: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway or via Grand Street
  • From The Bronx: Major Deegan Expressway to Brooklyn
  • From Staten Island: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
  • Via Public Transportation: Multiple subway lines serve our area (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, B, D, F, N, Q, R, W trains)

Yes! Our attorneys have handled elevator accident cases in neighborhoods throughout all five boroughs, including:

  • Manhattan: Financial District, Tribeca, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Midtown, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Washington Heights
  • Brooklyn: Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Flatbush, Canarsie
  • Queens: Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Forest Hills, Jamaica
  • The Bronx: South Bronx, Fordham, Riverdale, Co-op City
  • Staten Island: St. George, Stapleton, throughout the island

No matter where in NYC your accident occurred, we have the local knowledge and experience to handle your case.

Absolutely. We’ve represented clients injured in elevator accidents at major NYC transit hubs including Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, Columbus Circle, and subway stations throughout all five boroughs. These cases often involve unique liability issues with the MTA, station management, and elevator maintenance contractors. Our firm understands the specific regulations governing elevator safety in NYC public transportation facilities.

Yes, we handle both. New York City has incredible building diversity—from pre-war buildings constructed in the 1920s-1940s to brand new construction completed this year. Our attorneys understand:

  • Historic buildings: Often have older elevator systems with grandfathered regulations (common in Brooklyn Heights, Upper West Side, Greenwich Village)
  • Modern buildings: Must meet current building codes but can still have design defects or maintenance failures (common in Hudson Yards, Downtown Brooklyn, Long Island City)
  • Converted buildings: Lofts and industrial conversions with retrofit elevators (common in DUMBO, Tribeca, Williamsburg)

Call Now Button