Freight Elevator Accidents at Work

If you work in a warehouse, a hospital, a school, or an industrial building, chances are you use a freight elevator frequently. These elevators are used to bring goods from one floor to another. In most situations, people are not supposed to ride in freight elevators. But, this does not mean that you could not be injured in relation to a freight elevator. Injuries could occur while loading or unloading the elevator car, or if it has not been made clear that you are not supposed to ride in the elevator. On this page, I will discuss some of these issues, as well as the possibility of workers’ compensation if you are injured at work.

Improper Maintenance

Freight elevators, like all elevators, are subject to proper installation and frequent maintenance. However, unlike passenger elevators, freight elevators are not required to meet certain codes, since they are not meant to carry passengers. Still, buildings that have freight elevators in them have to meet requirements set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Common Injuries

One common situation in which an injury could occur is if a person does not know that they should not travel on a freight elevator. These types of elevators should have a sign on them saying that they are not meant to carry passengers. If this sign is not visible, a person may accidentally use the elevator. If this leads to injury, the person or group who was supposed to put the sign up could be held responsible.

Injuries can also happen while loading or unloading the elevator car. Faulty equipment could cause issues during the loading or unloading process. Issues such as misleveling can also cause injuries when trying to load or unload goods.

Determining Fault

If you are injured in a freight elevator accident, you need to determine who is at fault for the injury. If you used the elevator knowing that you were not supposed to, you will likely be held responsible for your injuries. However, if there was a maintenance issue, someone else will likely be held responsible. In this case, it might be the maintenance team or the building owner who is responsible for your injuries.

Workers’ Compensation

Many people use freight elevators at work, especially freight elevators located in industrial buildings. If this is the situation that you are in, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. Of course, you will have to determine that your employer is responsible for your injuries in order to receive workers’ compensation. If you are not sure who is responsible or how to prove fault, you can contact my office. I can review your situation with you and help you determine the best way for you to proceed. Maybe it will be best for you to file for workers’ compensation. Maybe it will be best for you to file a personal injury claim. We can review your situation and help you figure out which of these options will be right for you. For more information, contact us today! We are happy to help you sort through your situation.