Elevator Accidents on New York Construction Sites

New York Construction Workers Injured by Elevator Failures; Call The Bull

Construction sites in New York often rely on several kinds of elevators to move workers, materials, and equipment across tall buildings. While these systems are intended to improve safety and efficiency, they also present major risks when poorly maintained, improperly used, or incorrectly installed. If you or a coworker was injured in an elevator accident on a New York construction site, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we specialize in uncovering the causes, identifying negligent parties, and fighting for full recovery on behalf of injured workers.

Types of Elevators Used in NYC Construction

Construction projects in NYC typically use various elevator systems. Common types include:

Construction hoists (man‑lifts): Temporary cage‑style lifts that travel along a vertical mast to move personnel and light materials.
Material hoists: Used only for supplies and equipment; improper use involving workers can lead to severe accidents.
Permanent building elevators in progress: Elevators intended for the finished structure but operated prematurely or before all safety features are installed.
Hydraulic elevators: Often used in low-rise segments; hazards include piston failure, oil leaks, or inadequate maintenance.

Each of these systems comes with specific mechanical and operational risks on active construction sites.

Leading Causes of Elevator Accidents

Elevator accidents at construction sites usually result from a mix of mechanical failure, human error, or broken safety protocols. Common causes include:

Improper installation or misalignment of critical components
Overloading beyond the elevator’s rated capacity
Failure to maintain cables, brakes, doors, and safety interlocks
Open shafts or missing guardrails / barriers
Electrical malfunctions, short circuits, or wiring defects
Improper use, e.g. using freight-only hoists for personnel
Inadequate supervision, rushed schedules, or ignored safety rules

When safety rules are overlooked or compromised, the consequences can be deadly.

Injuries Caused by Elevator Accidents

The injuries suffered in elevator accidents often carry severe, permanent consequences. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from falls or abrupt stops
Spinal cord damage or paralysis
Multiple fractures or crush injuries
Amputations or severe limb trauma
Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
Burns or electrocution from exposed wiring

Victims may require emergency surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care. These accidents demand aggressive legal representation.

Relevant Safety Rules & OSHA Standards

Construction elevator operations in NYC must follow federal and state safety regulations. Key standards include:

29 CFR 1926.552 (Material Hoists, Personnel Hoists, and Elevators): Specifies design, inspection, and operation requirements for hoists.
Pre-shift inspections and post-modification checks are required, with written documentation.
Safeguards like guardrails, full enclosures, toeboards, and doors are mandatory.
Elevators must clearly display load limits and not be overloaded.
Only qualified, trained operators may use the equipment.
Employers must have clear emergency procedures for rescues and entrapments.

Failure to abide by these safety rules can support negligence and liability claims in injury cases.

Potentially Liable Parties in Elevator Accidents

Determining fault in elevator accidents often involves multiple parties. Those who may share liability include:

General contractors or site managers
Elevator installation or hoist subcontractors
Elevator manufacturers or component suppliers
Maintenance or inspection firms
Property owners or developers
Safety consultants or third-party inspectors

In many claims, liability is shared among several defendants, making multi-party litigation common.

How We Prove Liability in Elevator Injury Cases

Building a successful case in elevator accidents requires detailed investigation and expert insight. At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we pursue evidence such as:

Photographs, videos, and site documentation
Maintenance logs, repair records, and inspection reports
Design specifications, manufacturer manuals, and component tolerances
Personnel logs, shift schedules, and safety meeting records
Eyewitness statements from workers, supervisors, and bystanders
Medical records tying your injuries to the accident
Expert testimony from engineers, elevator system designers, and safety experts

We reconstruct the events to show exactly when and how the system failed and who is legally responsible.

Frequently Asked QuestionsElevator Accidents

Can I sue a third party if the accident happened at work?

Yes. Even if you’re covered by workers’ compensation, you may file a separate personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, such as the elevator manufacturer, installer, or maintenance firm.

What if I was partially at fault?

New York uses a pure comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation even if you share fault, though your award will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility.

Can my family file a wrongful death claim?

Yes. If your loved one died in a construction elevator accident, certain family members (spouse, children, or parents) may bring a wrongful death claim for loss of support, funeral expenses, and emotional damages.

Can undocumented construction workers file a claim?

Yes. Your immigration status does not prevent you from filing a legal claim in New York. You have the same rights to pursue recovery for injury as other workers.

Call NYC’s Elevator Accident Lawyer: Michael S. Lamonsoff

If you were injured in an elevator accident on a New York construction site, you deserve a law firm that knows how to fight back. Attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, known to clients as “The Bull”, relentlessly pursues justice on behalf of injured workers and families.

We operate on a contingency basis. You pay no fees unless we win your case.Call (212) 962-1020 for a free and confidential consultation. You don’t face this alone. Let us take on the fight, so you can focus on recovery.