Elevator Accident Lawyer in Dallas, Texas

Why do Elevator Accidents Occur?

Elevator accidents in Texas occur more frequently than many people imagine, and in most cases, they are caused by preventable failures. Sometimes, negligence or errors during installation, or manufacturing defects, are the reasons behind these incidents.

An elevator accident attorney carefully examines each case to determine why the accident occurred and to demonstrate who is responsible for the damage using evidence.

The most common causes include:

Poor or Lack of Maintenance

The Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 754, requires all elevators to be inspected and maintained periodically to ensure their proper functioning.

However, many property owners or building managers ignore this obligation, allowing elevators to operate with defective brakes, tangled cables, or misaligned pulleys. When an accident occurs due to these omissions, the property owner or the maintenance company may be held legally responsible.

Improper Installation or Technical Errors

Installers must comply with established safety standards, such as those set by ASME A17.1 and ASME A18.1 codes. Incorrect installation—such as poor leveling or improperly configured cables—can cause sudden drops, abrupt stops, or trap passengers inside the elevator.

Manufacturing or Design Defects

Some accidents occur due to manufacturing errors, such as faulty brakes or sensors that fail to detect a person’s presence. In these cases, the manufacturer or supplier of the defective part must be held legally accountable.

Negligence of The Building Owner or Manager

A property owner has a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If they are aware of a problem with the elevator and fail to address it promptly, they are committing negligence.

Human Error or Improper Use

In some cases, accidents occur because maintenance staff—or even untrained third parties—handle the elevator improperly. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that only authorized and trained personnel perform operations or repairs on the elevator.

Types of Injuries Caused by Elevator Accidents

Elevator accidents can lead to various types of injuries, ranging from minor to permanent or fatal. In every case, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and obtain appropriate legal assistance.

The most common injuries include:

• Fractures and bone injuries, caused by impacts or falls inside the elevator.
• Head trauma, resulting from severe blows to the head.
• Spinal cord injuries, frequent in abrupt descents or sudden stops.
• Amputations or entrapments, caused by defective doors or mechanical parts.
• Internal injuries and hemorrhages, resulting from compression or impact.
• Electrocutions, caused by electrical failures.
• Psychological or emotional harm, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.

These injuries may require long-term therapy, surgery, or rehabilitation that can affect the victim’s ability to work or maintain their quality of life. For this reason, an elevator accident attorney must evaluate each case taking into account:

• Present and future medical costs.
• Need for physical or psychological therapy.
• Loss of income or earning capacity.
• Emotional damage and loss of quality of life.

Texas law allows victims to claim compensation for these consequences, as long as negligence or breach of duty of care is proven.

Who is Liable in an Elevator Accident in Texas?

Determining liability for an elevator accident requires thorough technical and legal analysis. Under state law, the following parties may be held responsible:

• The property owner or building manager who failed to perform necessary inspections or repairs.
• The maintenance company that did not meet safety standards.
• The manufacturer or designer of the elevator if there was a defect in its origin.
• The contractor or installer who made technical mistakes during installation.

The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code establishes that any person or entity that causes harm through negligence or failure to comply with safety standards may be subject to legal action.

What to do After an Elevator Accident in Dallas

The way you act after an accident can determine the success of your claim. If you have been involved in an elevator accident in Dallas, follow these recommendations:

• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries appear minor, obtain professional medical care and keep all medical records.
• Report the incident. Notify the property owner or building manager and request an official report of the event.
• Document the scene. Take photographs, record videos, and collect witness information.
• Keep all documentation. Preserve medical bills, hospitalization reports, and proof of expenses.
• Avoid premature settlements. Do not sign any agreements with insurance companies or property owners without first consulting your elevator accident attorney.
• Contact a specialized attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas will guide you through the correct legal steps.
• Act within the legal deadline. In Texas, the general statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident.
• Follow medical and legal instructions. Complying with treatments and cooperating with your lawyer will strengthen your case.

Following these steps allows elevator accident attorneys to defend your rights more effectively before insurance companies and in court.

Compensation in an Elevator Accident Case

The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, economic losses, and the degree of negligence of the responsible party.

Javier Pérez and his team always strive to obtain the maximum possible compensation, which may include:

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Loss of income and earning capacity.
• Physical pain and emotional suffering.
• Rehabilitation or home modification costs.
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Each case is unique, and the final amount depends on the evidence collected and the attorney’s ability to demonstrate the real impact of the accident on your life.