A crashing elevator on the Lower East Side killed a 25-year-old man moments after he pushed a woman to safety. The elevator accident occurred at the Grand Street Guild Apartments on Broome Street in Manhattan on New Year’s Eve. Officials say the elevator began to move after getting stuck. The man was visiting friends in the building when the stuck elevator started to move. He shoved the woman out of harm’s way before suffering fatal injuries.
Before this accident occurred, the New York City Department of Buildings had been contacted many times over the years because of issues with the elevators at Grand Street Guild Apartments. According to one tenant, the elevators had been a problem for some time and residents expected an accident to happen if something wasn’t done to fix the problem. It is unclear why the building owner failed to take action or whether the Department of Buildings pressured management to make repairs.
It is the responsibility of all building owners in New York to provide reasonably safe conditions for visitors, workers, and residents. This obligation includes ensuring that steps and walkways are properly maintained, that there is adequate lighting, and that elevators and escalators are in proper working order. When a property has dangerous conditions or in need of repairs, property owners must put up barriers, warning signs, and other alerts to warn visitors about potential dangers.
A premises liability claim can hold a negligent property owner financially liable for victims’ injuries, damages, and losses. Victims’ families could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and pain and suffering. An experienced New York personal injury lawyer can help victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Contact Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP today at (212) 986- 7353.