Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Worker crushed in Manhattan Elevator Accident

On Behalf of | Feb 19, 2015 | Elevator Accidents

A worker was killed in a freak elevator accident in Manhattan last month. The 30-year old mechanic was pinned between two cars while working in an elevator shaft at the West End Towers at 75 West End Ave. Emergency workers received a call at roughly 11 AM and responded quickly but were unable to save the unnamed individual.

Indeed, FDNY Deputy Chief Roger Sakowitch said that it was unclear exactly how the man ended up between the cars at all-saying he could have fallen. What is apparent is that one of the cars moved, trapping and crushing the worker. Generally elevator cars must be locked out (shut off) to safeguard the lives of the workers in the shaft. The repairmen could have failed to lockout the device, the safety mechanism could have failed, or some other mishap could have placed the deceased man in harm’s way. According to Department of Building records, the high-rise (owned by the Brodsky Organization) was warned three times in April 2014 about failure to keep service equipment up to code, though these violations may not have had anything to do with this latest fatal elevator accident in New York. An official Department of Buildings investigation is currently active.

OSHA and Department of Buildings regulations exist pertaining to the maintenance, upkeep, and use of all elevators across the City in order to keep workers and residents safe. When a property owner fails to maintain their equipment or correct safety protocols are not followed during maintenance, at fault parties can be held legally and financially responsible for any injuries or deaths that occur. The DOB investigation should shed some light on whether the victim’s surviving family members have a case against the building’s owners.

If you or a family member has been injured, or a loved one has been killed in a similar incident, contact an experienced New York City elevator accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.

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