Unfortunately, however, it is estimated that about 17,000 people become seriously injured in the United States each year due to incidents involving elevators and escalators, and 60 percent of these accidents are caused by elevators. The majority of these injuries are caused when workers are repairing an elevator; however, it is possible for general members of the public to become injured due to the faults of an elevator. This is especially true when a person becomes stuck in an elevator for a significant period of time.
What are the most common types of elevator injuries?
When an elevator malfunctions, it can unexpectedly stop after moving at a high speed. This can lead to elevator users suffering from head or neck injuries as a result. The situation can be worse if the elevator is overcrowded at the time because it could lead to people falling on each other. In addition, it is common for people to become injured when the elevator door shuts on their body or their hand.
If you have been injured in an elevator in the state of Virginia, it is important that you are able to show that the premises owner in question acted negligently, and that this negligence led to your injury. If you are able to show this, you may be able to claim damages.