Elevators are a great way to travel between floors quickly and efficiently. However, they aren’t without risk of injury. While you can’t always prevent an elevator accident from occurring, there are certain things that you can do to decrease the likelihood of injury to yourself and others. Here are tips for staying safe when using an elevator.
Stand Back
Even before you get onto the elevator there are things that you can do to improve safety. Be sure to stand a fair distance from the elevator itself in order to allow anyone who is already on the elevator to exit safely rather than potentially colliding with anyone. Standing a reasonable distance from the elevator doors also allows you to ensure that the elevator is actually there. There have been instances in which someone goes to step on an elevator as soon as the doors open without looking and end up falling to their death. For these reasons take your time entering the elevator.
Watch Your Step
Once on the elevator, be sure to watch your step since there can be leveling issues. Sometimes the elevator car and the floor that you are trying to get on or off of can be at two different levels. Even slightly different levels can cause you to trip and fall.
Pay Attention to Weight Capacity
It’s also important to be cognizant of the fact that every elevator has a weight capacity. It should be listed on the inside of the elevator. But even without knowing exactly what the capacity is, pay attention to how crowded the elevator is before you get in. If there are already a decent number of people on the elevator it could be reaching capacity. It’s best practice to wait for the next car. While it may be inconvenient to have to wait, it would be more inconvenient for the elevator to break down due to superseding the weight limit.
Do Not Run to Catch It
This may seem like common sense, but never run to catch an elevator. This is even more important if the doors are already closing. If you attempt to enter the elevator while the doors are closing, you (or your clothing) could get caught in the door, leading to injury.
Once Inside Remain Still
Once on the elevator try to remain reasonably still. Jumping around or moving too much while in the elevator can result in problems. If you have issues with balance, it may be a good idea to hold onto the guard rail around the perimeter of the elevator if there is one.
Call for Help if Needed
If the elevator ever stops in between floors while you are on it, it’s important that you remain calm. There should be a help or call button on the panel of buttons where you can choose your floor. Press the button and you should be able to reach someone who can help. If you can’t get anyone, you may be able to use your cell phone to call someone in the building to notify them that you need help. Wait calmly until help arrives; Do not try to fix the issue yourself.
The Attorneys at Rochelle McCullough Help Those Who Have Been Injured in an Elevator Accident
When you have been the victim of an elevator accident, you are often faced with handling the financial ramifications that accompany it. You should not be held responsible for someone else’s negligence. You may be entitled to compensation. Be sure to speak with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The lawyers at Rochelle McCullough help victims of elevator accidents to get their lives and their livelihood back on track. We will fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.