Elevator Accident Lawyer in Massachusetts

Elevator Accidents and Liability in Massachusetts

Elevators are complex mechanical systems that require regular inspection, maintenance, and repair to operate safely. Massachusetts law requires that elevators be inspected and certified by the Department of Public Safety, and that building owners maintain their elevators in compliance with applicable safety codes. When an elevator malfunction, maintenance failure, or design defect injures a passenger, multiple parties may be liable, the building owner, the elevator maintenance company, and the manufacturer of any defective component. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents elevator accident victims throughout Massachusetts.

Common Elevator Accident Scenarios

• Sudden drops or free falls caused by mechanical failure of the hoisting system
• Misleveling: where the elevator stops above or below the floor level, creating a trip hazard
• Door entrapment: doors that close on passengers before they have fully exited
• Door reopening failures: sensors that fail to detect a person in the doorway
• Entrapment between floors when the elevator stops mid-shaft
• Sudden lurching or acceleration that throws passengers inside the car
• Falls into an open elevator shaft when a door opens with no car present

Building Owner Responsibility

The building owner or property manager is responsible for ensuring that elevators on the property are properly maintained, that required inspections are conducted and certificates are current, and that any known defects are repaired promptly. A building owner who allows an elevator with known maintenance issues to continue operating, or who fails to conduct required maintenance, is directly negligent in addition to potentially being vicariously liable for the elevator maintenance company’s failures.

Elevator Maintenance Company Liability

Most commercial elevator systems are maintained under service contracts with specialized elevator maintenance companies. When an elevator accident is caused by inadequate maintenance, failure to lubricate components, failure to replace worn parts, failure to identify and address developing mechanical problems, the maintenance company bears professional liability for that maintenance failure. Attorney Lavey obtains and reviews all service records, inspection reports, and maintenance logs in every elevator accident case.

Manufacturer and Installer Liability

When an elevator component fails due to a manufacturing defect or design flaw, the manufacturer of that component may be liable under product liability law. When improper installation creates a structural or mechanical hazard, the installing company may bear installation liability. Attorney Lavey evaluates all potentially responsible parties, building owner, maintenance company, and manufacturer, in every elevator accident case.

Frequently Asked Questions