Elevator Accidents

Tampa Elevator Accidents Attorneys

Advocating for Elevator Accident Victims in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco & Sarasota Counties

Florida is home to millions of people who live in or visit multi-story buildings that rely on elevators. Many are unaware of the risks involved each time they step into one. There are approximately 1.5 million condominiums across the state, nearly 900,000 of which are over 30 years old, making elevator safety a growing concern.

Proactive inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to updated safety regulations are essential to addressing the risks posed by aging infrastructure. However, some manufacturers and property owners neglect these responsibilities. Even new elevators can be dangerous when those responsible neglect their obligations.

If you’ve suffered an elevator accident, we’re here to pursue justice for you and guide you through this difficult time with compassion and care.

Call (813) 491-8272 or message us online for a free consultation.

Common Elevator Malfunctions

When people hear the term "elevator accident," they often picture a car free-falling to the ground. But thanks to modern technology and fail-safe systems, such incidents are extraordinarily rare. However, many other types of elevator malfunctions can cause injuries and even fatalities, including:

Sensor Malfunctions - Doors may close too quickly or fail to detect that someone or something is in the doorway, causing injuries.
Sudden Stops and Jerks - The elevator misaligns with a floor, causing tripping hazards or sudden jolts.
Over-speed Issues - Rare but dangerous, an elevator moving too quickly can cause panic and injury.
Mechanical Failures - Worn-out parts, flawed components, or lack of maintenance can result in unsafe operations.
Power Failures or Entrapments - People can become stuck in an elevator for hours, sometimes leading to dehydration, panic attacks, and minor injuries.

Many of these accidents are preventable. If you’ve experienced injuries due to an elevator malfunction, our elevator injury lawyers can help you seek compensation for the losses you’ve endured.

Contributing Factors in Elevator Malfunctions

Elevators are highly regulated machines, designed to operate safely under strict guidelines. However, when negligence or carelessness comes into play, things can go wrong. Some key factors that contribute to elevator accidents include:

Poor Maintenance - Elevators require regular inspections and upkeep. Neglecting even small fixes can result in serious problems.
Non-Compliance with Safety Codes - Ensuring that elevators meet federal and state requirements is essential. Failure to bring them up to code makes a property owner liable for potential risks.
Faulty Installation or Manufacturing Defects - When components fail due to a design flaw or incorrect installation, accidents can occur.
Untrained or Improperly Trained Staff - Those responsible for overseeing elevator safety and operations should be properly trained. Lack of knowledge or mishandling by personnel can lead to preventable injuries.

Elevator Safety Codes in Florida

Florida law enforces stringent elevator safety standards through specific statutes and regulations. Under Chapter 399 of the Florida Statutes, elevators must comply with detailed safety requirements, construction standards, and maintenance obligations.
Additionally, buildings with three or more stories often need elevators to meet accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Key regulations include:

Regular Inspections. As mandated by Florida Statute 399.061, property owners must ensure licensed inspectors conduct annual inspections.
Licensing and Maintenance. Florida law requires elevator contractors and mechanics to be licensed under Chapter 399, ensuring proper installation and upkeep.
ADA Compliance. Elevators must meet accessibility standards to ensure safe use by individuals with disabilities, as outlined in federal and state laws.
Emergency Protocols. According to Florida Administrative Code 61C-5, elevators must have emergency communication systems and backup power in case of outages.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Elevator Accidents?

Determining liability in elevator accidents often requires an in-depth investigation into multiple parties, as the cause of the injury can stem from a variety of failures across different entities. Depending on the specific circumstances, the following parties may be held responsible:

Property Owners - Property owners have a legal obligation to properly maintain elevators to ensure the safety of occupants and visitors. Neglecting regular inspections, repairs, or safety checks could make them liable if an accident occurs due to poor upkeep.
Management Companies - If property owners delegate oversight to management companies, these entities may bear responsibility for failing to address known issues or ignoring signs of malfunction. They are crucial in ensuring preventative maintenance is scheduled and, any issues are promptly resolved.
Manufacturers - Companies that produce elevator components or design entire systems are responsible for ensuring their products meet safety standards. If an accident is caused by defective parts, faulty designs, or manufacturing errors, these companies may be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
Third-Party Contractors - Maintenance and inspection companies hired to ensure elevator safety are critical in preventing accidents. They could face liability for contributing to the incident if they fail to identify potential hazards, perform repairs adequately, or conduct thorough safety checks.

Understanding how the failures of these parties intersect is key to determining liability and can help prevent similar accidents in the future. At our firm, we uncover the facts, identify liability, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries. Call (813) 491-8272 or contact us online for a free consultation with dedicated and meticulous attorneys.

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Do I Have a Valid Elevator Accident Claim?

Victims of elevator accidents often wonder whether they have the right to file a claim. Generally, valid claims arise from accidents caused by negligence or unsafe conditions leading to injuries. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you’ve experienced the following types of damages:

Medical Costs. Hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, or long-term care expenses.
Lost Wages. Time away from work due to recovery.
Pain and Suffering. Physical pain and emotional distress may also qualify for compensation.
Permanent Disabilities. Injuries resulting in lifelong challenges.

Even minor injuries can warrant a claim if negligence is involved, so don’t wait to take action. In Florida, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim, including cases involving elevator accidents. Our attorneys are here to assess your situation, guide you through legal deadlines, and help you pursue justice.

Types of Compensation for Elevator Accident Victims

Compensation in elevator accident cases can vary greatly depending on the details of the incident, such as the severity of the injuries, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on the victim's life. Victims may be entitled to a combination of the following types of damages:

Economic Damages. These cover tangible, measurable costs resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses for treatment or rehabilitation, lost wages due to missed work, and property damage. Economic damages aim to reimburse victims for the financial burden directly caused by the accident.
Non-Economic Damages. These address more subjective, intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and a diminished quality of life. These damages are often more difficult to quantify but are crucial for addressing the emotional and psychological toll of the accident.
Punitive Damages. In cases where extreme negligence or intentional misconduct is involved, courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly but to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Each case is unique, and the total compensation will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.

Resources for Elevator Accident Victims in the Greater Tampa-Fort Lauderdale Region

If you’ve been involved in an elevator accident, there are several local resources available to provide support and assistance.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Responsible for managing elevator inspections statewide. For support, call 850-487-1395 or visit the Bureau of Elevator Safety website.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you've experienced an accident involving defective elevator parts, contact the CPSC. You can reach their hotline at 800-638-2772 or submit a report online.
City of Tampa - Code Enforcement. If the incident occurs within Tampa city limits, you can report elevator safety issues to Code Enforcement by calling 813-274-5545 or visiting their website.

Compassionate Legal Support for Individuals Harmed by Faulty Elevators

Since 1998, Burnett Law has been advocating for injury victims like you. From free initial consultations to virtual meetings for those unable to travel to our commitment to securing favorable outcomes, we’re here to help. We offer personalized legal guidance every step of the way, helping you pursue justice in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Recovering the compensation and justice you deserve starts with a single step. Call us at (813) 491-8272 or reach out online for a free consultation.

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