Were you involved in an elevator or escalator accident in Chicago, Illinois? You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for your injuries and related financial losses. The Chicago premises liability lawyers with Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC can help you make the most of your claim.
Our top-rated personal injury law firm has over 100 years of combined experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured victims in Chicago. We’ll work just as hard for you if you hire us, so call (224) 481-1926 today for a free consultation.
How Mark L. Karno & Associates Can Help After an Elevator or Escalator Accident in Chicago, Illinois
Mark L. Karno & Associates has decades of experience handling personal injury cases in Chicago. Insurance companies and other defendants know that we have a track record of success that they won’t be able to ignore. When you hire our personal injury attorneys for help, we can:
- Investigate the mechanical cause of the accident and determine what went wrong
- Obtain maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair histories for the equipment
- Identify all parties that may share liability for the failure
- Work with engineering experts to strengthen your claim
- Pursue a lawsuit and take your case to trial if the responsible parties refuse to settle fairly
Learn more about your legal rights and options today by reaching out to us for a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work on your case as soon as you are.
Common Causes of Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators and escalators are complex mechanical systems that require regular inspection and maintenance to operate safely. When building owners or maintenance companies cut corners, the risk of a serious malfunction goes up. Some of the most common causes include:
- Doors that close too quickly and with excessive force
- Sudden stops caused by mechanical failure
- Misleveling, where the elevator stops above or below the floor and creates a trip hazard
- Escalator steps that move at inconsistent speeds
- Gaps between escalator steps and side panels that catch clothing and shoes
- Electrical malfunctions that cause fires
The resulting harm from these accidents can range from serious back and neck injuries to severe psychological distress from being trapped inside a malfunctioning elevator.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Elevator or Escalator Accident?
Illinois allows accident victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages in premises liability cases.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Disability
In rare cases that go to trial and involve egregious misconduct, punitive damages might also be awarded.
Contact a Chicago Elevator & Escalator Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
An elevator or escalator accident can leave you with painful injuries and immense uncertainty about what to do next. Mark L. Karno & Associates has the experience to investigate what happened and fight for the maximum possible compensation available if this has happened to you in Chicago, IL. Call us at (224) 481-1926 or reach out online to set up your free consultation today.