When people are injured at a hospital, it usually involves cases of New York medical malpractice.  However, a terrible New York hospital accident that occurred over the weekend could be a situation that gives rise to a New York premises liability lawsuit.  A woman was visiting a local hospital over the weekend when her leg was caught in an elevator and mangled as the elevator car continued to move.  She was listed in critical condition and rescue workers took an hour to free her.

According to authorities, this New York hospital accident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday when an unidentified woman was visiting the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, located at 450 Clarkson Avenue, when she boarded an elevator on the first floor.  As the door closed, her leg got caught between the doors, and despite this obvious problem, the elevator continued to move to the eighth floor of the facility.  After her agonizing ride was stopped by the power being cut, rescue workers had to spend an hour freeing her, and her leg was badly damaged. 

Elevator Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to offer our sincere hope that the woman who was so badly injured is somehow able to recover fully and quickly, although she likely faces a daunting challenge.  In addition, this New York elevator accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding elevator accidents nationwide.  Every year, more than 20,000 people are injured in elevator accidents around the country, and more than 2,000 are injured badly enough to require hospitalization.

New York Personal Injury Lawyers

As stated above, it's possible that the hospital could be liable on a theory of premises liability if the facts of the situation indicate negligence when they are all revealed.  If that's the case, the woman could file a New York personal injury lawsuit against the facility, and if the claim is successful, she could be awarded damages that compensate her for her medical costs, her lost income and her pain and suffering as a result of this incident.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the property of another, you need to seek the help of New York personal injury lawyers who have been successfully defending the rights of those harmed for nearly 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.