Tragedy Strikes as Man Crushed By Malfunctioning Elevator in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are following news of a breaking news story this morning where an innocent victim was killed in a fatal elevator accident. The accident sent shockwaves through the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood.
On Friday, September 25, 2015, a 37-year-old man was crushed by a malfunctioning elevator in a luxury apartment building located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Although the accident is still being investigated and the details remain sparse, the unidentified man somehow plunged down an elevator shaft at the building located at 156 Hope Street. The tragedy occurred around 4:20 a.m. when the victim was crushed by the elevator car as it continued its descent.
The investigation by the Department of Buildings is ongoing, so it remains to be seen how and why the elevator of a relatively new building could have malfunctioned. This story illuminates the dangers that open elevator shafts present. They can be deadly hazards in residential and private buildings, a point made fairly clear by this senseless tragedy.
The perils of an open elevator shaft are exacerbated when the doors to the shaft open without warning. Elevator shaft accidents are often attributed to defects in the equipment. This in turn is frequently the result of poor maintenance. Careless inspection practices are also a potential cause of such an accident. The Department of Buildings investigation will be thorough.
They likely will scrutinize:
- The elevator itself
- Any installation records
- The repair history of the subject elevator and other elevators in the building
- How frequently the elevator received scheduled maintenance.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in such a devastating manner.
The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have proudly fought on behalf of the families of victims who have been seriously injured or killed in elevator accidents. The lawyers at this firm have been successful in recovering more than $850 million in verdicts and settlements for their clients. If you are interested in learning more about the lawyers, the firm and the work they have performed on behalf of serious accident victims, you can review the firm website at www.BlockOToole.com. You may also contact them at any time for a free consultation by calling 212-736-5300.