A tragic elevator accident in Manhattan that claimed the life of a young man earlier this month has spurred local and state legislators to push a bill requiring special training and licensing for elevator repair technicians in New York.
Early New Year ‘s Day, 24-year old Stephan Hewitt-Brown was celebrating the holiday with family and friends when he was crushed to death by a malfunctioning lift. Hewitt-Brown saved a young woman and a child from the same fate by pushing them away from the elevator car an instant before he was killed.
There were 50 such elevator accidents in New York City last year alone, several of them fatal. Lawmakers say it’s time to put stronger regulations in place to protect New Yorkers.
State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assemblyman Keith Wright are renewing the push to pass a bill that would require much stricter safety regulations for the repair and maintenance of elevators in New York than currently exists. This bill enjoys bipartisan support which will help insure its passage by both the Assembly and Senate.
Squadron said in a statement that “to think the tragic death of Mr. Hewitt-Brown could have been avoided with proper elevator upkeep by licensed professionals is more than enough reason to take action today…”
While proponents of the elevator safety bill say that it would likely save lives, opponents say existing regulation are enough. They cite the fact that in 2014 there were 107 elevator accidents in New York City while just a year later that number was halved. Still, it is felt by many that better safety training is necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of elevator accident within the city, contact an expert New York City elevator accident attorney today to discuss your case. You could be entitled to monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, unpaid medical expenses and past and future lost income. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.