Riding an elevator should be routine, not a life-changing moment. Yet elevators break down, doors close on passengers, and cars drop suddenly, often because a building owner or maintenance company cut corners on upkeep or a manufacturer used flawed designs or production methods.
If you suffered an injury in an elevator at a Myrtle Beach hotel, apartment building, condo, shopping center, or other commercial building, the team at Jebaily Law Firm wants to help you.
As trusted elevator accident lawyers serving the Grand Strand since 1969, our personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience. Our attorneys for elevator malfunction injuries can identify who should be held accountable and fight for the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights with our Myrtle Beach elevator accident lawyers.
Reasons to Choose Our Myrtle Beach Attorneys for Elevator Malfunction Injuries
Elevator claims can be more complicated than a typical fall case, which is why you need a legal team that is up to the challenge. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- Deep local roots – Our firm has served Florence, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach for more than five decades.
- A trial-ready reputation – We prepare every case as if it is going to court, which can encourage a fair settlement offer during negotiations.
- Personal attention – We will keep you informed at every stage and answer your questions in plain language.
- No upfront attorney’s fees – We take personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Elevator Accident in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Clients often ask what damages they can recover for an elevator accident, and the answer depends on how serious the injury is. Depending on your claim, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical costs – This covers medical bills for emergency treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and any future care your injury requires.
- Lost wages and lost income – You may recover wages you have already lost, as well as reduced earning capacity going forward.
- Pain and suffering – This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress of a serious injury.
- Out-of-pocket expenses – This includes travel to appointments and other costs tied to your recovery.
Who Is Responsible for Elevator Accident Injuries in South Carolina?
More than one party could share fault for an elevator injury. Our attorneys will investigate the full picture before pointing to any single cause. Some examples of parties who may bear responsibility for an elevator accident include:
- Property owners and property managers – Owners and operators of hotels, resorts, apartment complexes, restaurants, shopping centers, and other buildings must keep elevators in safe working order.
- Elevator maintenance companies – Contractors and maintenance workers hired to service an elevator could be held liable if they skip repairs or routine maintenance or perform careless work.
- Manufacturers – A company that designs or builds defective elevator parts may be liable if the defect causes an injury.
Evidence That Helps to Build a Strong Elevator Accident Case
South Carolina’s Elevator Code, found in Title 41, Chapter 16 of the state’s Code of Laws, requires most elevators to undergo annual inspections by licensed special inspectors. A skipped elevator inspection or an ignored defect could support a personal injury claim.
Our attorneys can gather evidence such as:
- Inspection and maintenance logs – These documents can reveal whether an owner complied with South Carolina’s safety requirements.
- Incident reports – Prior complaints involving the same elevator can indicate a pattern of neglect and non-compliance with safety standards.
- Surveillance footage – Videos from the lobby or elevator could capture exactly how the accident happened.
- Witness statements – People who saw the accident or used the elevator before can support your account of events.
Statistics on Elevator Accidents
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, elevator and escalator incidents cause an estimated 17,000 serious injuries and roughly 30 deaths nationwide each year. Elevators alone are responsible for close to 90 percent of those deaths. With hospitality establishments and shopping centers packed with visitors year-round, Myrtle Beach depends on elevators to be kept in a safe condition.
What Types of Elevator Defects Can Cause Injuries?
Mechanical failures rarely happen without a reason. Common examples of defects that lead to elevator accidents include:
- Faulty door sensors – Sensors that fail to detect a passenger can allow doors to close on a person’s body.
- Leveling problems – An elevator that stops above or below the floor can create a trip-and-fall hazard.
- Broken emergency brakes – Brakes that fail to engage during a malfunction can allow an elevator car to free-fall in the elevator shaft.
- Worn or frayed cables – Cables that are not replaced on schedule can snap or slip, causing a sudden drop.
Common Elevator Accident Injuries and Their Potential Impact
Injuries from elevator accidents range from relatively minor to catastrophic injuries. Even a short fall or sudden stop can carry a lasting impact. Elevator passengers may experience severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries – A fall or sudden jolt can cause head trauma that leads to memory loss and long-term cognitive changes.
- Spinal cord damage – Compression or impact during a malfunction can cause nerve damage or partial paralysis.
- Broken bones – Elevator doors that close forcefully or a car that drops suddenly can fracture arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Crush injuries – Becoming caught between the elevator and the shaft can cause severe soft tissue and bone injuries.
Contact Our Elevator Accident Attorneys in Myrtle Beach for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an elevator accident, do not wait to get answers. Jebaily Law Firm’s elevator accident attorneys in Myrtle Beach will review your case at no cost and explain your legal options in plain terms.
Our team has fought for injured people in South Carolina since 1969. We have secured significant results for clients throughout the state, including a $2,005,000 recovery for a client with a traumatic brain injury and an $825,000 recovery in a product liability case involving severe PTSD. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but they do reflect the preparation we bring to every claim.
We encourage you to read some of the many positive reviews our law firm has received. For example, one former client had these kind words to share about his experience working with us throughout the legal process:
“Highly recommend Jebaily Law Firm. Brian and his Team are truly professional and really fight for your well-being and what you truly deserve. Thank you so much!” – Steven P.
We want to put our experience and resources to work for you now. Contact us to set up a free consultation with our Myrtle Beach elevator injury attorneys.
