Door Closing Accidents

Elevator Injury Lawyers Serving the Chicago Area

For many of us, elevators are a part of everyday life. While elevators are safe and reliable, the reality is that accidents do happen. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident involving elevator doors improperly closing, we can help. At Therman Law Offices, our Chicago elevator accident lawyers understand the nuances of this area of the law and can apply our knowledge to your case. With decades of experience on which to draw, you can trust that we will make every effort to help you secure the compensation that you need for your harm.

Accidents Caused by Improperly Closing Elevator Doors

Elevator doors must be designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained properly. If they are not, serious injuries and even death may result. Door closing accidents refer to accidents in which the elevator doors close too quickly or close on a person’s body part. These accidents typically result in crush injuries. For example, if an elevator door closes on someone’s hand, their fingers would likely be crushed. In some cases, an item of clothing can get caught in closing elevator doors and cause injuries that way.

Door closing accidents can happen in apartment complexes or other buildings because the elevator was not designed or manufactured properly. In these cases, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product. In other words, these parties may be liable for any injuries caused by defective or faulty merchandise that is sold on the market. For example, if an elevator door closing injury is caused because that elevator had a faulty proximity sensor, you can likely recover compensation from the elevator manufacturer through a claim based on this mechanical defect.

In other cases, door closing accidents can happen because the elevator is not maintained properly. Property owners have a duty to ensure that elevators are in safe working order so that riders are not injured. This includes conducting regular inspections and being in compliance with all relevant regulations. Inspections must be made in order to discover any defects (like a problem with the proximity sensor) so that those defects can then be corrected. If a failure to inspect was a reason for the door closing accident, the property owner can be liable under the legal theory of negligence. Negligence takes place when a property owner causes an injury or death by failing to adhere to the level of care that a reasonably prudent property owner would exercise under the same or similar circumstances.

Victims of door closing accidents can recover a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disfigurement, property damage, future medical bills and costs of treatment, and any other losses stemming from the accident. In cases in which a door closing accident caused a death, you may be able to seek wrongful death damages, such as burial and funeral costs, medical costs prior to death, loss of companionship, and more.

Illinois sets a time limit of two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. This time frame typically begins to run on the day of the elevator accident, although there may be some limited exceptions to this rule. Generally, however, if a claim in civil court is not filed within the proper time frame, you could lose your right to compensation altogether.

Discuss Your Situation with a Chicago Attorney Skilled in Personal Injury Claims

Elevator door closing accidents in office buildings or other commercial or residential property can lead to devastating consequences. If you or someone close to you has been injured in such an accident, you need to reach out to a Chicago lawyer as soon as possible. At Therman Law Offices, we are committed to helping our clients secure the compensation to which they are entitled in coping with their injuries. These cases are often complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make all of the difference. 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. For a free consultation, call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.