The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have been privileged to represent many construction workers over the years. Block O’Toole & Murphy has also been fortunate to be in a position to help many elevator accident victims during the last few decades. Today, these attorneys bring you some news about two construction workers who were injured in a dangerous elevator while working at a construction site.
The two workers were injured when the elevator they were in malfunctioned. The accident happened in Manhattan’s ritzy West Village, a neighborhood noted for its high priced apartments, famous restaurants and celebrity residents.
The elevator reportedly came off its track and fell several feet at an apartment building that was undergoing some construction work. Investigators revealed that the elevator cables snapped, causing the elevator to become dislodged and fall before becoming wedged in the elevator shaft. The elevator was actually positioned sideways when it came to rest. The workers, who were using the elevator to transport construction materials, were rushed to a local hospital after the elevator was secured.
Thankfully, their injuries are not life threatening. Still, imagine the sheer terror they must have felt as this elevator began to freefall… Even after it stopped falling, as the elevator car was hanging, precariously in the shaft with nothing to support it. It must have been a very harrowing experience.
How did this happen? Building residents claim this is not the first elevator malfunction since construction began on the building. Reportedly, others have been trapped in this elevator. A resident described the building situation as “chaos” and called the building “a nightmare at the moment.” Everyone is fortunate that these injured workers are still alive because it must now be apparent that elevator accidents can be very serious and sometimes fatal. Elevators that have repeat problems are not uncommon. Investigators will try to identify the source of the problem.
They will look at:
- Whether there was a sign of equipment malfunction
- The maintenance Records
- The quality and frequency of elevator inspections
- Is the elevator meeting the code requirements of the Department of Buildings
The investigation will be revealing and something we will follow if additional information is made available.
Block O’Toole & Murphy is a law firm that prides itself on helping victims that have been seriously injured in accidents. We pay particularly close attention to how a serious accident impacts a person, their family and their loved ones. Our results, including almost $800,000,000 in verdicts and settlements, illustrate our commitment to excellence inside and outside of the courtroom. You can learn more about Block O’Toole & Murphy by reviewing the firm website at blockotoole.com or by calling us at 212-736-5300.
Source: $2,000,000 for a dietary aide who injured his back in an elevator accident