Elevator accidents in Los Angeles occur more frequently than many realize, particularly in high-rise buildings, construction sites, and commercial properties. Mechanical failures, poor maintenance, sudden drops, misleveling, and door malfunctions are common causes, leading to serious injuries such as falls, crushing incidents, and electrocution. Despite California’s strict safety regulations and inspection requirements, negligence in maintenance and oversight continues to contribute to accidents, resulting in premises liability cases.
If you’ve been injured, a skilled elevator accident attorney at Salamati Law can help you navigate California’s liability laws, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Is It Important to Hire Elevator Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles?
Hiring a Los Angeles premises liability lawyer from Salamati Law is crucial because these cases often involve complex technical issues, multiple responsible parties, and strict legal deadlines. Whether the accident was caused by negligent maintenance, faulty installation, or defective components, we can investigate the incident, gather crucial evidence such as maintenance records and expert testimonies, and identify all liable parties. Without legal representation, accident victims may struggle to navigate California’s personal injury or premises liability laws, impacting their ability to secure fair compensation.
Additionally, insurance companies and property owners often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, making it essential to have a skilled attorney who can negotiate aggressively and, if necessary, take the case to court. Attorney Sean Salamati works tirelessly to maintain close communication with clients throughout every stage of litigation. From navigating the maze of medical bills and investigation to filing suit and arguing before a jury, Mr. Salamati is a true leader that litigants trust and opposing counsel respect.
Who Is Liable in an Elevator Accident Case in California?
In a Los Angeles elevator accident claim, multiple parties may be held liable depending on the cause of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- Property Owners and Managers – Landlords, building owners, and property management companies are responsible for ensuring elevators are properly maintained and safe for use. Failure to inspect or repair issues can make them liable under premises liability laws.
- Maintenance and Repair Companies – Companies contracted to service and inspect elevators can be held accountable if negligent maintenance, improper repairs, or failure to address safety concerns contributed to the accident.
- Elevator Manufacturers and Designers – If an accident was caused by a defective elevator component, mechanical failure, or design flaw, the manufacturer, designer, or distributor may be liable under product liability laws.
In the wake of an elevator accident, insurance companies and defense attorneys will try to confuse the picture regarding liability. Sean Salamati and his team of investigators are tenacious in tracking down the root cause of the accident and presenting a clear and convincing case based on documentary evidence and expert witness testimony.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries
Here are some common injuries in elevator accidents:
- Broken bones: Broken bones are among the most frequent injuries sustained in elevator accidents, often resulting from falls, sudden stops, or crushing incidents. When an elevator malfunctions—such as misleveling, abrupt drops, or door failures—passengers may lose balance and fall, leading to fractures in the wrists, arms, legs, or hips as they attempt to break their fall.
- Head injuries: Head injuries are a serious consequence of elevator accidents, often resulting from falls, sudden stops, door malfunctions, or structural failures. When an elevator abruptly jerks, drops, or misaligns, passengers may strike their heads against walls, floors, or metal components, leading to skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injury: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most severe and life-altering consequences of an elevator accident, often resulting in permanent disability, paralysis, or chronic pain. These injuries typically occur when someone falls, is jolted violently, or becomes trapped between malfunctioning elevator doors or walls. A sudden drop, abrupt stop, or misalignment can cause passengers to trip and fall, leading to fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or direct damage to the spinal cord.
- Electrical burns. Electrical burns are a serious risk in elevator accidents, particularly when faulty control panels, exposed wiring, or malfunctioning electrical systems cause unexpected shocks or electrocution. These burns occur when a person comes into direct contact with high-voltage electrical currents, leading to severe tissue damage, nerve injuries, and potential cardiac complications.
In Los Angeles, compensation for an elevator accident typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
Our elevator accident attorneys in Los Angeles appreciate how quickly your life can change when a building owner’s or manager’s negligence results in a grievous elevator injury or death. If you or your family member has been injured, contact the Salamati Law Firm for professional representation by skilled lawyers. All initial case reviews are free of charge, and you never owe us any legal fees unless we win money for you.
