Posted On: December 26, 2011 by New York Personal Injury Attorney

Elevator Accident Claims New York Woman’s Life

A New York woman was killed recently when the elevator in her Midtown office building began rising as she stepped into it, and two other people were left injured and psychologically traumatized by the accident, according to a recent news report on MSNBC.

The elevator had stopped to pick up the 41-year-old woman, who worked in an advertising agency in the 90-year-old building. As she stepped onto it, however, it suddenly began moving, without the doors closing. The woman was trapped between the elevator and the wall of the shaft. Rescue workers rushed to the scene but were unable to save the woman’s life.

Two other people who worked in the building were already on the elevator as the woman stepped on. They saw the accident occur but were unable to stop it or to save the woman, according to investigators. A technical fault in the elevator’s wiring has been blamed for the accident, but the defective equipment investigation is still ongoing.

The elevator has been placed out of service in the meantime, but the building’s 10 other elevators are available for use. The elevator involved in the accident was temporarily taken out of service due to a safety problem in 2003, but that problem was corrected and the elevator had operated properly since, according to building personnel.

Modern society relies on all kinds of machinery, equipment, and programming to work correctly so that we can travel, work, and live safely. When something goes wrong, however, serious injuries can result. If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product or equipment, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced New York elevator accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. Our number is (212) 222-4336, and your initial consultation is free and confidential.