Is There a Way to Be Paid if You’re Locked in a Hotel Elevator?
Depending on the details of what happened, you can get compensation for being stuck in a hotel elevator. However, to prove your right to compensation, you must have damages. Consider this situation to learn more.
You’re in a hotel elevator when the elevator shoots down the shaft. Upon impact, you suffer a broken wrist. To top it off, the doors won’t open, and you’re stuck inside. In that instance, because you suffered injuries while using the elevator, you could seek compensation.
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato advocate for personal injury claimants in South Florida. To learn more about partnering with our injury team, call (954) 633-8270.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek After Getting Stuck in a Hotel Elevator
Being stuck in an elevator, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can be a distressing experience. You shouldn’t have to cope with the trauma of it on your own, though. You may have grounds for seeking compensation. Compensable damages may include:
- Past and anticipated medical expenses: You might have visited the hospital to ensure you weren’t physically harmed, and the doctor could have conducted diagnostic tests, requested follow-up appointments, or prescribed medications. These costs add up fast, so you could recoup them in your claim or lawsuit.
- Therapy costs: Getting stuck in an elevator could have been a disturbing experience for you. Therapy can help you cope with and overcome the trauma you endured.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: The accident might have shaken you, or your injuries might need time to heal. If you took time off work, you could recover the earnings you would have made had you not been in the accident. In addition, if your injuries affect your day-to-day function, you could request compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
- Mental anguish: The accident might have inflicted emotional and mental distress, and you might suffer from insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and anxiety. Compensation for this damage can help you cope.
- Out-of-pocket expenses. Your injuries may have compelled you to spend money on certain items, like childcare costs and assistive devices. Your claim could offer compensation for these losses.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the damages you can recover. A Florida accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine your options for compensation.
How to Prove Your Right to Compensation After Being Stuck in a Hotel Elevator
You must prove that someone acted negligently to recover compensation. To do this, you need evidence, such as:
- Photographs of your injuries and the accident scene
- Video surveillance footage
- The incident report
- Your medical records
- Statements from witnesses
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- The elevator’s maintenance records
- Available recalls of the elevator
You Must Prove Negligence to Recover Damages in an Elevator Accident
The information above can work to satisfy all elements of negligence, which comprise:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a duty of care to ensure the elevator worked properly.
- Breach of duty: The other party failed to uphold this duty by overlooking issues with the elevator or not warning patrons about a possible malfunction.
- Causation: The elevator got stuck, and you suffered injuries.
- Damages: You have emotional, financial, and, perhaps, physical damages from getting stuck in the elevator.
Various parties could be to blame for the elevator being stuck. For example, you could seek compensation from the maintenance company, the elevator’s manufacturer, or the hotel’s owner.
How an Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation for Being Stuck in an Elevator
You may bring legal action against the party whose negligence led to your elevator accident. However, after what you just went through, building a case, talking to so many different people, and constantly reliving the accident could be too much. Instead, consider having a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer go to bat for you.
They can:
- Gather different types of evidence
- Identify the negligent and liable parties
- Speak to the courts, insurance companies, and other legal teams
- Assess the value of your past and expected damages
- Demand and negotiate a settlement with the insurer
- Meet all filing deadlines
- Bring your case to trial if needed
Many law firms (including the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato) offer their services on a contingency-fee-basis. That way, you won’t have to pay any upfront or hourly fees. Instead, your West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will charge their payment from the compensation they recover for you. They only get paid if you do, so you take almost no financial risk when you hire them.
Learn How to Get Compensation for Being Stuck in a Hotel Elevator Today
You may be eligible to recover compensation if you were stuck in a hotel elevator. A Miami personal injury lawyer from our firm can deal with all the legalities of your case, so you don’t have to.
Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 to start your free consultation.
