Electrical Accidents and Fires in Elevators

Personal Injury Lawyers Guiding Victims Throughout the Chicago Region

Thousands of people in Illinois and across the U.S. step into elevators to get from one floor to another at an office building, an apartment complex, or another location. While most of these rides take place without incident, the reality is that elevator accidents do happen. When they do, they can lead to serious injuries and even death. If you or someone close to you has been hurt due to an electrical accident or a fire in an elevator, you need to consult a knowledgeable Chicago elevator accident lawyer who can assess the details of your case. At Therman Law Offices, we will make every effort to get you the full and fair compensation that you deserve for your harm.

Electrical Accidents and Fires in Elevators in Illinois

According to ConsumerWatch.com, elevator accidents affect more than 10,000 people each year. Elevators, like any piece of equipment, must be properly maintained in order to be in a safe working condition. Electrical accidents and fires in an elevator can cause serious injuries to riders and even be life-threatening. For example, an electrical wire erupting could cause a fire in the elevator and have devastating consequences (such as severe burns) for everyone inside. Another cause of an electrical accident or fire could be electrical circuits being left during construction or improper wiring of the elevator.

If you or a loved one was injured in an electrical accident or fire inside an elevator, there may be multiple at-fault parties. We can examine the facts of your case, investigate maintenance and inspection records, and identify each and every potential defendant.

When an electrical accident or fire inside an elevator is a result of poor maintenance, you can likely file a claim against the property owner, property management company, or maintenance company under the legal theory of premises liability. Premises liability holds property owners like apartment managers, business owners, and other parties responsible for maintaining elevators accountable for failing to use reasonable care in terms of making sure that an elevator is in safe working order. Reasonable care is defined as how a reasonably prudent property owner would act in the same or similar circumstances. For example, a reasonably prudent property owner would conduct regular inspections and maintenance.

In other cases, an electrical accident or elevator fire may be a result of a defect in the elevator. In these instances, you may be able to recover compensation from the manufacturer or retailer through a product liability claim. Under product liability law, manufacturers and retailers have an obligation to compensate for any injury caused by defective or faulty merchandise that is sold on the market. As a result, if an electrical accident or fire was a result of a design or manufacturing defect, an injured victim will likely be able to recover damages through an Illinois product liability claim.

Once liability is established, you may be entitled to a compensation award for a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and any other losses stemming from the accident. We can help you get the compensation that you rightfully deserve, whether it is through a settlement agreement or through trial. Of course, damages are unique in each case and will depend on the extent of the injuries suffered by the plaintiff.

Discuss Your Elevator Accident Case with a Knowledgeable Attorney in Chicago

Elevators are integral to our everyday lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrical accident or a fire in an elevator, you may be able to seek compensation for your harm. At Therman Law Offices, our Chicago attorneys are committed to resolving each victim’s case as effectively and smoothly as possible. We also represent people in Schaumburg, Wheaton, Norwood Park, Edison Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, Elmwood Park, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Rosemont, Elk Grove Village, and Mt. Prospect. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.