Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Elevators
Millions of elevators across the United States move people and goods safely every day. According to industry estimates, more than 900,000 elevators are currently in operation nationwide, completing over 18 billion passenger trips each year (National Elevator Industry, Inc.). Yet, as experienced elevator accident lawyers, we know that even a small mechanical failure or overlooked safety issue can have devastating consequences.
Despite this reliability, elevator accidents still happen—and when they do, the results can be catastrophic. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that elevator and escalator incidents cause dozens of fatalities and thousands of serious injuries every year in the United States. Most of these involve elevators rather than escalators, affecting both passengers and workers who install, repair, or maintain these systems.
While serious accidents are rare compared with the billions of safe trips taken annually, even a single malfunction—such as a door failure, sudden drop, or mis-leveling—can lead to devastating harm. These injuries are almost always preventable with proper maintenance, inspections, and adherence to safety standards.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our elevator accident lawyers represent victims and their families across Ohio and Michigan. We hold property owners, maintenance companies, and equipment manufacturers accountable when negligence causes life-altering injuries, helping clients recover the full compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Elevator Accidents
Elevator systems rely on complex mechanical and electronic components that must be properly maintained to remain safe. When any part fails, passengers and workers can be seriously harmed.
One of the most common causes is mis-leveling, when an elevator stops slightly above or below the landing floor. Even a small height difference can lead to a dangerous trip and fall, particularly for older adults or anyone carrying items. Other accidents occur because of defective door sensors. When sensors or safety edges fail to detect movement, doors may close too quickly or strike someone entering or exiting the cab.
In some cases, elevators move or drop suddenly because of faulty brakes or counterweight issues. A rapid stop can throw passengers against the walls or floor, resulting in fractures, concussions, or spinal injuries. The most devastating incidents happen when doors open without a cab present, or when individuals fall into open shafts on construction or maintenance sites—often the result of both negligent maintenance and unsafe premises conditions.
Electrical failures, poor lighting, missing warning signage, and malfunctioning interlocks also contribute to elevator-related injuries. While the causes vary, nearly all point to one truth: when maintenance lapses or safety standards are ignored, people get hurt.
Common causes include:
Mis-leveling at floor landings due to hydraulic or braking failures
Defective or unresponsive door sensors and safety edges
Sudden movement, free fall, or abrupt stops from control or counterweight malfunctions
Doors opening without a cab or unsecured shafts during construction or repair
Electrical faults, missing warnings, and malfunctioning interlocks
Who May Be Held Liable
Determining liability after an elevator accident requires a detailed investigation. Multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on who owned, installed, or serviced the equipment.
Property owners and building managers have a legal duty to keep elevators in safe operating condition. They must schedule regular inspections, make timely repairs, and immediately address reported hazards. When they fail to meet these obligations, they can be held accountable for injuries under premises liability law.
Maintenance and service contractors are often hired to inspect and repair elevators. These companies must follow the manufacturer’s and state safety standards. Negligence—such as skipping maintenance cycles or performing substandard repairs—can make them directly liable for resulting injuries.
Manufacturers and equipment designers may also be responsible when a mechanical or electrical defect causes harm. Faulty control panels, cable systems, doors, or sensors can all be considered defective products under Ohio or Michigan law.
In construction or renovation settings, general contractors and subcontractors may be liable if open shafts or malfunctioning lifts are left unsecured, exposing workers to preventable dangers.
In every case, our attorneys gather maintenance records, inspection reports, witness statements, and digital control data to establish exactly what went wrong—and who is responsible.
Injuries and the Impact on Victims
Injuries from elevator accidents vary widely but are often severe. Victims may suffer broken bones, head and neck injuries, herniated discs, soft-tissue damage, or internal trauma. Some develop chronic pain or permanent mobility loss. For workers, these injuries can mean time off work, reduced income, and uncertainty about future employment.
Beyond physical harm, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. Victims may face months of rehabilitation, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies eager to minimize payouts. Our role is to protect clients from these tactics, ensure proper medical documentation, and demand the full compensation the law allows.
How Our Attorneys Build Strong Cases
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we don’t just handle claims—we build them from the ground up using evidence and experience. Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation that includes reviewing elevator inspection certificates, maintenance contracts, and service logs. When necessary, we work with independent engineers and safety experts to analyze mechanical systems, braking functions, and control logic.
We also collect medical documentation to prove the full scope of injury-related losses, including ongoing therapy, mobility aids, and long-term care needs. Our attorneys pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and—when justified—punitive damages against negligent parties.
Because elevators are often governed by overlapping state safety codes and federal standards, our firm’s deep regional knowledge helps ensure no detail is missed. We have decades of experience navigating the legal systems in both Ohio and Michigan, and we understand how to use state-specific regulations to our clients’ advantage.
Why Choose Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault
Proven Record: Decades of successful results in personal injury and premises liability claims.
Local Advantage: Deep understanding of regional courts, building codes, and inspection agencies.
One-Attorney Model: Each client works directly with a dedicated attorney for consistent communication and strategy.
No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Elevator accident cases can be technically complex and emotionally draining. Our attorneys handle the details so clients can focus on healing.
Client-Centered Legal Advocacy
Our firm’s approach is built on genuine care for the people we represent. We take time to understand your story, your injuries, and the challenges you face at home and at work. From the first meeting, we explain your options clearly and keep you informed through every step of the process.
We believe trust is earned through transparency, preparation, and results. That’s why our personal injury lawyers provide individualized attention—answering your calls, meeting in person, and ensuring you always know who is managing your case. Whether your claim involves a dangerous building condition, a defective product, or a workplace injury, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and rebuild your life.
No Risk, No Upfront Costs
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we believe financial worries should never prevent someone from pursuing justice. That’s why every elevator accident and personal injury case we handle is on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and no attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict.
This approach allows our clients to focus on healing—not bills—while we take on the legal and financial burden of proving fault, gathering expert testimony, and negotiating with insurance companies. We advance the costs of investigation, filings, and expert analysis so you can move forward with confidence, knowing that our success is directly tied to yours.
Our clients choose us because they know we stand up to powerful property owners, national maintenance companies, and large insurers every day—and we have the experience, resources, and record of results to win.
Call for a Free Consultation
After an elevator accident, confusion and uncertainty can set in quickly—especially when property managers or insurance adjusters start calling before you’ve even had time to recover. You don’t have to face them alone. The sooner you contact an experienced elevator accident lawyer, the sooner critical evidence can be preserved, witnesses interviewed, and your rights protected.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we’ve spent more than 70 years standing up for injured people and their families across Ohio and Michigan. Our elevator accident attorneys know how to uncover what really caused an elevator failure—whether it was poor maintenance, defective equipment, or negligence hidden behind corporate red tape.
Your recovery matters, and so does your peace of mind. Call 419-843-6663 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our experience, local commitment, and proven results work for you. We’ll handle the fight for justice—so you can focus on healing.
FAQ
What causes most elevator accidents?
Most elevator accidents occur due to poor maintenance, defective sensors, mis-leveling, or sudden stops caused by control system failures. Construction and maintenance workers are also at risk from unsecured shafts and electrical hazards.
Who can be held responsible for an elevator accident?
Liability may fall on property owners, maintenance contractors, manufacturers, or construction companies—depending on which party’s negligence caused the malfunction.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Time limits vary by state. In Ohio and Michigan, you typically have a limited window to file a personal injury claim, and certain claims against public entities require faster notice.
What damages can I recover?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
Do I have to pay upfront fees?
No. Our firm works on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney’s fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
