Accidents in the Elevator

When our elevator breaks down, the first thing to do is stay calm. And be sure that the elevator is not going to fall, since the security measures available are numerous and completely effective. The second is that you will never be short of oxygen inside the cabin, since they are designed to circulate the air while stopped.

Finally, you never have to try to get out of the car if the elevator has stopped between two floors. You will have to wait for the maintenance company or the fire department to rescue you, as the risk of falling through the shaft or serious entrapment injuries if the lift is started can cost you your life.

After these recommendations and as we have already said, in addition to being used since ancient times, it is the safest means of transport. But it was in 1857 that the first modern elevator with an effective safety mechanism was installed. Still, on occasion, they can cause accidents that in most cases are caused by human error.

These errors are mainly due to failures in the maintenance process or when trying to get out of the elevator car when it is stopped due to a breakdown between two floors. Those responsible for maintenance run the risk of falling into the elevator shaft, in which case injuries can be fatal or very serious. Or even dragging another person trying to help out of the cabin. Another minor but frequent accident is tripping and falling when getting out of the cab, as it remains below ground level.

Now, are personal damages compensated for these types of accidents? Yes, in any case. Since they are covered by the insurance of the elevator company, that of the owners’ association or personal accident insurance, if it has been contracted. From the expert point of view, when assessing the personal injuries derived from an elevator accident, the same method is usually used as when a traffic accident has been suffered.

An elevator accident can also be considered a work accident. That is, when the worker suffers an accident when he goes to or returns from work, or performing his task inside or outside the company. They would therefore be accidents in itinere or on mission, respectively. If the worker has sequelae, he could be compensated by his labor mutual according to the assessment of Non-Invalidating Permanent Injuries. And also, for the elevator insurance through the assessment of Traffic Accidents.

As a last recommendation to close this post that reveals a world that surely we have ever thought about while climbing loaded with the shopping bag: Do not use it if there is a fire in your building or an earthquake occurs.