At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we understand how a simple ride in an elevator or a quick trip on an escalator can suddenly turn into a life-changing event. In a city like New York, where high-rise buildings, train stations, shopping malls, and office buildings fill every block, elevator and escalator accidents happen more often than people realize. These incidents can cause serious injuries, from broken bones and spinal cord injuries to traumatic brain injuries that leave lasting effects.
We’ve represented accident victims throughout New York City—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—who were hurt due to negligent maintenance, human error, or faulty safety devices. Whether it happened in a residential building, a busy commercial property, or a public transit hub, these accidents often involve multiple parties and demand a thorough investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator or escalator incident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Our law firm fights to hold the parties responsible accountable and to get you the financial compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. We offer a free consultation, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
Understanding Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents can cause severe injuries. We’ve seen clients suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and serious fractures after a fall or sudden stop. These accidents can happen in apartment buildings, office spaces, construction sites, and even shopping malls across New York City.
In many cases, the cause is something that could have been prevented. Poor maintenance, defective parts, and human error are among the most common reasons these machines fail. A jammed elevator door, a sudden drop between floors, or an escalator that speeds up without warning can turn a normal day into a medical emergency.
These incidents don’t just affect the injured—they also impact their families. Medical bills pile up. Lost wages can create financial pressure. In some cases, the injuries result in permanent disability, emotional distress, and a lifetime of care needs.
Understanding how and why elevator and escalator incidents happen is the first step toward holding property owners, building managers, and maintenance companies accountable. At our firm, we work with engineers, safety experts, and investigators to build strong personal injury claims for victims across NYC.
Causes and Consequences of Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents in New York City often stem from careless mistakes or a lack of proper upkeep. In some cases, it’s a faulty installation that was never caught. In others, it’s because the elevator wasn’t receiving regular inspections, or the building owner skipped necessary repairs. Negligent maintenance is one of the most common reasons these accidents happen.
Some of the most frequent causes we see include sudden stops, elevator shaft malfunctions, improperly maintained safety devices, or doors that open or close without warning. Entrapment is another serious risk—when passengers get stuck between floors or inside an elevator that won’t open.
The injuries resulting from these kinds of incidents can be devastating. Victims may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or long-term spinal injuries. Some are left unable to work for months or even years, and others may never fully recover. The consequences go beyond the physical. Emotional distress, lost wages, and massive medical bills can take a toll on a person’s life.
At our law firm, we’ve handled elevator and escalator accident claims across NYC and know how serious the aftermath can be. Whether the accident happened in an apartment building in Queens or at a Manhattan train station, we fight to make sure the responsible parties are held liable and that victims receive the full compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Proving Liability in Elevator Accident Cases
To win a personal injury claim after an elevator or escalator accident, proving who is responsible is key. In New York City, that often means looking closely at the actions—or inactions—of property owners, building managers, and maintenance companies. These parties have a legal duty to keep elevators and escalators operating in a safe manner. When they fail to do that, they can be held liable.
Establishing negligence means showing that something went wrong: a missed inspection, a poorly repaired part, or a failure to fix a known hazard. Sometimes, it’s a combination of issues. In many cases, multiple parties are involved—such as a managing agent who ignored complaints, or a contractor who installed the equipment incorrectly. That’s why a thorough investigation is critical.
We gather maintenance records, review safety logs, interview witnesses, and work with expert consultants to understand what happened and why. Whether it was a sudden stop that caused a fall or elevator doors that closed too quickly and caused harm, every detail matters.
Our firm has experience handling these complex cases. We know how to prove liability and fight for accident victims in NYC courts. If you’ve been injured, we’ll help you hold the right people accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Compensation for Elevator Accident Injuries
After an elevator or escalator accident, the road to recovery can be long and expensive. Medical bills pile up quickly. Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care. You may not be able to work, which means lost wages—and in more serious cases, permanent disability can affect your ability to earn a living at all.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we fight for full financial compensation for our clients. That includes coverage for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In tragic cases where a loved one has died because of an elevator or escalator incident, we can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family.
We’ve helped New Yorkers recover damages from building owners, property managers, maintenance companies, and even manufacturers. These parties may try to shift blame or avoid responsibility, but we work to uncover the facts and hold them accountable.
Every case we take on starts with a free case evaluation. We’ll review the details, explain your rights, and lay out a plan to pursue justice. There’s no fee unless we win, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations for Elevator Accident Cases
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for an elevator or escalator injury. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss it, you could lose your right to seek compensation—no matter how strong your case is.
However, there are exceptions. If the accident involved a city-owned property, such as an MTA train station, you may have to file a notice of claim within just 90 days. Other deadlines may apply in cases involving minors or government agencies. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we help clients understand these deadlines and make sure everything is filed on time. Waiting too long can cost you your case. We’re here to move quickly, investigate thoroughly, and preserve your right to recover damages.
If you were hurt in an elevator or escalator accident in New York City, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you take the next step toward justice and financial recovery.
Finding the Right Accident Lawyer for Your Case
Choosing the right lawyer after an elevator or escalator accident can make all the difference. At our firm, we know that accident victims need more than just legal advice—they need someone who will stand up for them, fight hard, and get results.
With years of experience handling elevator and escalator injury claims across New York City, we understand the laws, the building codes, and the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying what victims deserve. Whether your injury happened in a Staten Island apartment building, a Midtown office tower, or a busy Bronx train station, we know how to build a strong case based on the facts.
Our firm has a proven track record of success in personal injury claims, including high-value settlements and trial verdicts. We work directly with every client—you’re never passed off to an assistant or left wondering what’s happening with your case. When we take on a case, we commit to seeing it through.
If you’re looking for a New York elevator accident attorney who knows how to navigate complex cases and maximize compensation, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about your situation and what we can do to protect your rights.