A freight elevator on Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th streets plunged three floors and injured 22 people in a Manhattan construction accident. The New York City fire officials reportedly responded to call at 7:00 a.m. from the seven-story commercial building in Chelsea. Injuries were minor, but nine workers were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Fire officials state that the elevator dropped three stories. A spokeswoman for the Police Department reports that it fell four.
Our New York personal injury attorneys understand that accidents in elevators are not an uncommon occurrence. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure that these facilities are in proper and safe working condition. If you have suffered an injury from a malfunctioning elevator, you’re are urged to contact an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights and to gain the deserved compensation for your injuries and suffering,
Reports indicate that the 22 passengers suffered from “whiplash-like injuries” and were taken to local hospitals. The nine who suffered the injuries were reportedly listed as serious but not life threatening. These injuries can often result in long-term medical complications involving the back, neck or spine.
According to the New York Times, the Department of Buildings inspected the elevator and issued a violation to the owner of the building. The owner is listed as CF 620 Owner One LLC and the violation was for failing to maintain the elevator and for illegal use of the elevator. The freight elevator was being used a passenger elevator.
“Its brake was defective, causing it to not work properly,” said city Buildings Department spokesman Ryan Fitzgibbon.
Records indicate that the elevator has received zero violations in the past 15 years.
Villanova University offers you these safety tips for you to remember for elevator emergencies:
-Remain calm and do not leave the car unless you’ve been instructed to do so by trained personnel.
-If the elevator is stuck, press the emergency call button (if available) and wait for trained assistance.
-Don’t try to stop a closing door with your arm or hand. Some elevators will not reopen and your arm could get stuck between the set of heavy doors.
-Do not try to climb out of the elevator. Wait for trained responders to help assist you.
New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose is dedicated to fighting for the rights of personal injury victims. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an elevator accident in New York City, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free and confidential appointment. Call 1-718-261-0546 or toll free at 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
New York construction workers have a high risk of fall accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 6, 2011
New York spinal cord injuries require immediate legal representation, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 7, 2011
