Property owners are expected to maintain their premises free from hazards that can cause injuries to visitors. In Newark, New Jersey, a slip-and-fall accident is one of the most common forms of premises liability. This could occur if the property owner or the management fails to address certain issues such as a wet floor, which could result in an accident and could cause injuries.
Another type of premises liability is an elevator accident. This was recently highlighted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, an agency that recently launched an investigation on lifts and residential elevators. According to the agency, an estimated 1,600 injuries were reported regarding the use of residential elevators from 2011 until 2012. The agency added that the elevators are not only capable of causing injuries but can also cause death.
Safety Research and Strategies, an advocacy and consulting group, reported an incident pertaining to a 3-year-old boy who sustained brain injuries in an elevator accident. The boy was trapped between the outside door and the inside door, which caused the injury.
Cases such as this are bound to happen if property owners do not take steps prevent small children and other people from getting trapped in elevators. When it comes to in-home elevators, property owners should advise visitors when using these elevators to prevent accidents. Failure to do so can make them liable for any injuries sustained on their premises.
Here in Newark, New Jersey, a person who was harmed on someone else’s property may seek compensation for his or her injuries. Before filing a lawsuit, the victim may wish to speak with a legal professional for guidance and valuation of the claim. The legal professional can also help the victim to negotiate with the presumed negligent party for a settlement or represent the victim in a traditional litigation, all of which will be for the benefit of the accident victim who needs compensation for recovery.
Source: Fairwarning.org, “Safety of home elevators under investigation,” Stuart Silverstein, Aug. 27, 2013