When an elevator malfunctions, the results are often violent and life-changing. A door that crushes a passenger, a sudden free fall between floors, or a car that stops uneven with the landing can cause catastrophic injuries that never should have happened. Victims and families are left facing broken bones, spinal damage, or permanent disability—all while large property owners and their insurers deny responsibility. At McArthur Law Firm, our attorneys bring decades of experience to personal injury cases, using detailed inspection records, maintenance histories, and expert testimony to prove when negligence or safety violations caused the accident.
Georgia Elevator Accident Lawyer
For families across Georgia, an elevator accident is more than an inconvenience—it is a devastating event that often reshapes daily life. Our lawyers fight for clients in cases involving failed inspections, outdated equipment, and neglected repairs, holding those at fault accountable under Georgia law. We approach each case with toughness and precision because we know the cost of inaction falls on the victim. In this piece, McArthur Law Firm outlines how elevator accidents occur, which parties may bear legal responsibility, the options available to victims, the types of compensation that may be pursued, and how a Georgia elevator accident lawyer can stand up for those seeking justice.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your elevator accident and/or injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Georgia Elevator Accidents
- Types of Elevators
- Major Types of Elevator Accidents in Georgia
- Most Common Injuries From Elevator Accidents
- Where Elevator Accidents Often Happen in Macon and Atlanta
- Who May Be Liable Under Georgia Law
- The Role of an Elevator Accident Lawyer in Georgia
- Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Accidents
- Resources
Types of Elevators
Passenger Elevators — Found in office towers, hospitals, and apartments, these carry individuals and families daily and are the most common type involved in accidents.
Freight Elevators — Built to haul heavy equipment or cargo, these are larger and sturdier, but when misused or poorly maintained, they can cause severe injuries.
Service Elevators — Used by staff in hotels, hospitals, and commercial properties, these are often hidden from public view but still require the same safety standards.
Residential Elevators — Increasingly common in private homes and smaller apartment buildings, these units can malfunction if not installed and serviced properly.
Escalator-Elevator Systems — Found in malls and transit hubs, these areas create additional risks when both systems are in constant use.
Major Types of Elevator Accidents in Georgia
Elevator Door Accidents — When elevator doors fail to sense movement, they may close too quickly on a person. This can trap someone between the doors or strike them with significant force.
Sudden Drops and Free Falls — Elevators rely on cables, pulleys, and safety brakes to keep them steady. When these systems malfunction, the elevator may suddenly drop between floors, causing passengers to be thrown against walls or floors.
Elevator Misleveling Accidents — Sometimes an elevator stops slightly above or below the floor level, creating a tripping hazard. People entering or exiting may stumble and suffer severe injuries. These accidents often involve issues with the braking system or control panel.
Falls Into Elevator Shafts — A rare but devastating event occurs when someone falls into an elevator shaft. This may happen when doors open without the car being present, or when protective barriers are missing during maintenance.
Electrical or Fire-Related Elevator Accidents — Faulty wiring, power surges, or electrical malfunctions inside an elevator can cause fires or smoke injuries. These incidents may be tied to code violations when equipment is outdated or not serviced properly.
Entrapment Accidents — When an elevator stalls between floors, passengers may become trapped for long periods. Entrapment can cause both physical harm (heat exhaustion, breathing issues) and emotional trauma.
Overcrowding or Overloading Accidents — Every elevator has a weight limit posted by the manufacturer. If an elevator is overloaded or poorly maintained, the excess strain can lead to mechanical failure.
Escalator Crossover Accidents — In some malls, transit centers, or public buildings, elevators and escalators are placed near each other. Accidents sometimes occur when people attempt to transfer from one to the other without proper safeguards.
Most Common Injuries From Elevator Accidents
Crush Injuries and Broken Bones — When doors close on a person or when someone becomes caught between moving parts, the force can break bones or crush limbs. These injuries often require surgery and long-term medical care.
Head and Spinal Cord Trauma — Sudden drops or abrupt stops can throw passengers against the walls or floor, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage. Such injuries may cause permanent disability or chronic pain.
Amputations and Severe Cuts — If a person’s hand, foot, or clothing becomes trapped in machinery, sharp edges and moving parts can cause deep lacerations or even amputations. These injuries are often life-changing and require immediate emergency treatment.
Psychological Trauma — Being trapped inside an elevator for a long period or experiencing a fall can cause emotional distress. Some victims develop anxiety, panic attacks, or even long-term fear of elevators, which can affect daily life.
Where Elevator Accidents Often Happen in Macon and Atlanta
Hospitals and Medical Centers — Facilities in both Macon and Atlanta rely heavily on elevators to move patients, staff, and equipment between floors. Because of frequent use and heavy loads, elevator accidents may happen if the systems are not properly maintained.
Downtown Office Buildings — Macon’s government and professional offices, along with Atlanta’s high-rise towers, house thousands of workers each day. Elevators in these buildings experience constant traffic, which increases the risk of misleveling, sudden stops, or door malfunctions.
Apartment Complexes and Student Housing — Many older residential buildings in Macon, especially those near Mercer University, use elevators that may not meet modern safety standards. In Atlanta, high-rise apartment towers present similar risks when regular inspections are overlooked.
Shopping Malls and Retail Centers — Large malls in Macon and Atlanta use elevators to connect multiple floors. Overcrowding or maintenance issues in these public spaces can lead to dangerous incidents.
Transit Hubs and Airports — Atlanta’s MARTA stations and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport depend on elevators for accessibility. With constant passenger flow, mechanical breakdowns or overcrowding accidents are more likely in these high-volume locations.
Hotels and Sports Arenas — Atlanta’s hotels and event centers, including major sports arenas, use large-capacity elevators to handle crowds. Accidents in these settings can affect dozens of people at once when elevators malfunction or safety rules are ignored.
Who May Be Liable Under Georgia Law
Property Owners and Managers — The people or companies that own or manage a building must keep elevators safe for visitors. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, they have a duty to exercise ordinary care in keeping premises and approaches safe. When they fail to meet this standard, they may be held responsible for injuries caused by dangerous elevator conditions.
Elevator Manufacturers — If an elevator accident happens because of a defect in design, parts, or warnings, the manufacturer may be liable. Georgia’s product liability laws under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11 hold manufacturers accountable when they sell equipment that is not reasonably safe for use.
Maintenance and Repair Companies — Companies that are contracted to inspect and service elevators have a duty to perform this work with reasonable care. When they cut corners or fail to detect dangerous problems, they may be liable for resulting injuries under Georgia negligence law.
Third-Party Contractors — When construction or renovation work affects an elevator’s safety, the contractor may be responsible for harm caused by poor workmanship. Georgia courts have recognized liability for contractors who create unsafe conditions on a property, even if the owner also has responsibility.
Georgia Elevator Safety Laws and Codes — The Georgia Elevator Safety Act (O.C.G.A. § 8-2-100 through § 8-2-111) sets standards for the construction, installation, inspection, and operation of elevators throughout the state. The Act requires permits, regular inspections, and compliance with safety codes. Enforcement is handled by the Georgia Department of Labor’s Elevator Safety Division. When owners, managers, or service companies fail to follow these rules, they may be held accountable for accidents.
The Role of an Elevator Accident Lawyer in Georgia
Specialized Knowledge and Investigation — Elevator accident cases are complex and require more than the general approach used in other personal injury claims. A Georgia elevator accident lawyer understands how to gather elevator inspection records, maintenance logs, safety certificates, and witness accounts. They know how to work with engineers and safety experts to pinpoint what went wrong and why Georgia elevator safety laws were not followed. This detailed investigation is critical to proving responsibility in court or in settlement discussions.
Handling Insurance Claims and Lawsuits — Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny compensation in elevator accident cases. A lawyer fights back by presenting the evidence of negligence and demanding full payment for losses. If the insurer refuses to pay fairly, the lawyer files a lawsuit in Georgia courts to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Damages a Lawyer Pursues — In these cases, a lawyer does not just focus on short-term bills. They pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation, and long-term care. They also fight for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages for families. Because elevator accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, the damages are broader and more severe than in routine personal injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Accidents
How does someone know if an elevator accident in Georgia was caused by negligence?
A lawyer reviews maintenance records, inspection reports, and safety logs to determine whether negligence caused the elevator accident. Georgia law requires property owners and operators to follow safety rules, and ignoring them often proves legal fault.
What should a person do right after an elevator injury in Georgia?
Anyone suffering an elevator injury should immediately seek medical help, report the event to building management, and document the scene with photos or witnesses. Speaking with a lawyer quickly helps preserve critical evidence and protect legal rights.
Does a person need a Georgia elevator accident lawyer for a small injury?
Yes. Even small injuries from an elevator accident can worsen with time. An experienced lawyer ensures fair treatment, prevents quick settlements that undervalue damages, and helps protect victims’ rights if symptoms progress or hidden complications later develop.
How long does someone have to file a claim after an elevator injury in Georgia?
Georgia law gives elevator injury victims two years to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline usually ends the chance to recover damages, so immediate legal guidance is critical to preserve the right to compensation.
Can a family file a lawsuit if an elevator accident causes death?
Yes. Georgia law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit after an elevator accident. Families can recover compensation for the value of life lost, funeral costs, emotional harm, and other financial damages.
What damages can a victim recover after an elevator injury in Georgia?
Victims of an elevator injury may recover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Families in wrongful death claims can also seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
How much does it cost to hire a Georgia elevator accident lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer for an elevator accident usually requires no upfront cost. Most attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning they are only paid if the case is successful through settlement negotiations or a court judgment.
How long does it usually take to settle an elevator injury case in Georgia?
The length of an elevator injury case depends on the complexity of evidence, severity of harm, and insurance company disputes. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take years if court trials or appeals are necessary.
Resources
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire – Elevators & Escalators — This source provides information from Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire about elevator and escalator inspections, permits, licensing, and safety rules. It explains responsibilities for maintenance, inspection requirements, emergency contacts, and how to access professional services online.
State of Georgia – Rules and Regulations for Escalators and Elevators — This source outlines Georgia’s official rules and regulations for escalators and elevators. It explains state safety codes, inspection requirements, accident reporting, penalties, and responsibilities for owners, contractors, and inspectors. The rules incorporate national standards such as ASME and NFPA codes, while also detailing state-specific amendments.
News 12 – Recent Ga. Legislation Grows Out of Lethal Elevator Accident — This news report covers legislative action in Georgia following the 2021 death of student athlete JauMarcus McFarland in an elevator accident. It explains the circumstances of the incident, the overdue inspection of the elevator, and details about House Bill 994, which increases penalties for missed inspections.
Consumer Product Safety Commission – CPSC Recalls More Than 100,000 Residential Elevators in 2021-2022 — This source provides details about U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls of over 100,000 residential elevators due to child entrapment hazards. It explains the risks associated with residential elevators, recalls involving multiple manufacturers, related injuries and deaths, and the Commission’s enforcement actions.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Elevator Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
