An elevator accident in Manhattan at a luxury apartment building claimed the life of a 37-year-old Israeli man early this month. Eran Modan was visiting friends in The Espoir building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, when the elevator he was riding in stalled between floors. Eran was attempting to crawl out of the elevator when the brakes failed and the car suddenly dropped, crushing him between the roof of the car and the floor. His friends were able to free him and attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation but Mr. Modan succumbed to his injuries before emergency service crews arrived.
The entire gruesome elevator accident in Brooklyn was caught on tape. Security camera footage shows the loaded elevator car stalling; occupants prying the door open, and Mr. Modan’s fatal accident.
Elevator inspector Scott Schindler says the elevator car was carrying more people than its posted limit of 10. However, Schindler works for Preferred Lifts-the company which services the elevator in The Espoir-and an investigation into that particular elevator shows a history of safety violations. Between 2013 and 2015 there were no fewer than four violations on file. One complaint from 2012 states that the elevator would only travel up and the doors failed to open fully.
After an inspection in June of 2014 the elevator was rated “unsatisfactory” but when Schindler inspected the car a year later he deemed it “satisfactory.” Given the discrepancy Buildings, Department Commissioner Rick Chandler vowed a full investigation into this tragic elevator accident in Brooklyn.
Bringing a claim against an elevator company or the building owner requires specific expertise. Minimally, the attorney must obtain and have the installation, Building Department and maintenance records reviewed by a competent expert.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any of the hundreds of elevators or mechanical lifts around the city, contact an expert New York elevator accident attorney today. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.