Every year, more than 30 Americans die, and 17,000 injuries occur in elevator accidents, according to the CDC. If you’ve sustained injuries in an elevator accident, please read on, then contact an experienced Atlanta stairway accident lawyer to learn what you should know about elevator accidents in Georgia.

What you should know about elevator accidents in Georgia

Multi-story buildings are a near-ubiquitous feature of the American landscape. In fact, Atlanta has the tenth highest skyline in the U.S, and 61st in the world, with over 17 high-rises. They come in many forms: office buildings, hospitals, condos, malls, airports, dorms, parking garages and more. Tall buildings necessitate the presence of elevators for those who want to or need to avoid stairs. But they present a hazard to unwary passengers. If you’ve sustained injuries in an elevator accident, you can hold the property owners liable for injuries or deaths occurring on their premises, which result from negligent maintenance. In case of design or production defects, you can hold manufacturers liable. And lastly, you can hold installers and inspectors accountable for improper or inadequate procedures. Keep in mind, you generally have two years, from the date of the accident, to file your slip and fall case in Georgia’s civil court system. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, you may have more time, but having the option of going to court can give you more leverage during settlement talks.

What are the most common causes of injuries in elevator accidents in Georgia?

Many elevator accidents are entirely preventable if proper precautions are taken. The most common causes for elevator accidents are as follows:

Misleveling (when an elevator fails to stop at the floor’s level)
Excessive speed
Lack of proper maintenance and safety inspections
Defective doors
Falls into elevator shafts
Faulty wiring
Dangerous design

How do you prove your elevator accident case in Georgia?

Georgia property owners have a duty to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe for anyone who enters them. This includes guests, those who were invited and, in some cases, trespassers. If a property owner knows about a potential hazard but does nothing to prevent or rectify it, then you can hold him or her accountable for their negligence. To that end, you need evidence in the form of photographs or videos, witness statements and incident reports from first responders. All that might take time and expertise you do not have. If so, reach out to a skilled Atlanta injury lawyer to discuss your next steps.

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Jones & Jones has helped hundreds of clients throughout the years. Our legal team handles injury and criminal matters in Georgia. Whether you need an Atlanta personal injury lawyer or a fierce criminal defense attorney, we are equipped to protect your rights. Contact The Jones & Jones Law Group today.