If you were injured on an elevator as a result of a malfunction or another issue and you suffered an injury as a result, you may be entitled to recover compensation for various damages. Read on to find out what these are and how can you recover the funds you may be eligible to collect.
When an elevator malfunctions and causes an individual to suffer an injury, it is important that you contact a personal injury attorney in Iowa who can determine what caused the malfunction and what your rights are as a victim. The fact is, the issue could have been caused by a number of different things including:
- The elevator was not properly maintained as required by law.
If the company responsible for providing maintenance to the elevator failed to do so or was aware of an issue and didn’t correct it, that company along with others could be held liable in the event an individual suffered an injury as a result of the company’s negligence.
- The company responsible for inspecting it failed to do so or failed to make the necessary repairs the elevator needed.
According to Iowa Code 89A.6, “Every existing conveyance registered with the commissioner shall be inspected within one year after the effective date of the registration, except that the safety board may extend by rule the time specified for making inspections.” The law also states, “Every conveyance shall be inspected not less frequently than annually, except that the safety board may adopt rules providing for inspections of conveyances at intervals other than annually.” The fact is, elevators are expected to be inspected regularly, whether it be annually or at an interval other than a year to ensure they are in good working condition and don’t pose as a hazard to those who utilize them.
- The elevator was installed by someone who was not qualified or licensed to perform the necessary installations which resulted in the elevator malfunctioning.
Only certain individuals are permitted to install elevators and perform work on them. Anyone who is not qualified, licensed, and trained to work with this type of machinery could be held accountable in the event the elevator doesn’t work properly and causes someone to sustain an injury.
When a company fails to comply with state requirements which results in the malfunction of an elevator, anyone who is injured at the time of the malfunction may have viable grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent company. When filing a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Iowa, you have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action. In your lawsuit, you may request that compensation be paid for any or all of the damages listed below.
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
If you would like to find out what steps you need to take to sue a company or individual for the injuries you suffered as a result of an elevator incident, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at 319-393-1020. Our experienced and highly qualified lawyers will take the time to review with you your legal rights and the forms of legal action you are permitted to take.
You can reach Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at:
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
