Rochester’s Elevators and Escalators Are Failing: Are You the Next Victim?

You stepped into the elevator expecting a smooth ride. Instead, the doors jammed, the lift jolted, or worse—it plummeted. Escalators aren’t much better. In Rochester, elevator and escalator injuries are happening more than most people realize. And when something this serious happens, personal injury attorneys can help you figure out who’s to blame—and what you’re owed.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys help Rochester victims recover after catastrophic elevator and escalator accidents. Whether it happened at a mall, office, or apartment complex, we’ll investigate what went wrong and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who’s to Blame When an Elevator Malfunction Ruins Your Life?

Elevator and escalator systems involve multiple parties. When things go wrong, the key is identifying who failed to do their job.

• Building owners are responsible for regular maintenance, inspections, and upgrades. If they skipped service calls or used outdated parts, they can be held liable. Many of Rochester’s older buildings—including historic apartment complexes and office towers—rely on aging systems that demand constant upkeep.
• Maintenance contractors may be at fault if they performed poor repairs or skipped safety checks. Some companies prioritize speed over quality, leading to dangerous shortcuts.
• Manufacturers can be liable in cases involving defective parts, faulty doors, or control panel malfunctions. A defective door sensor, for example, could crush a person before the elevator ever moves.

Under New York Premises Liability Law, property owners have a legal duty to provide safe conditions for anyone on the premises. Elevators and escalators are no exception.

How Much is a Lost Limb, Fractured Spine, or Life-Changing Injury Worth?

These aren’t minor injuries. Victims of elevator accidents often suffer permanent disabilities, psychological trauma, and years of physical therapy.

A successful claim can recover compensation for:

• Emergency care and hospitalization after crush injuries, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injury
• Surgical costs, physical therapy, and mobility aids (such as wheelchairs or braces)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity—especially in cases involving career-ending injuries
• Emotional suffering, including PTSD or anxiety around enclosed spaces

Some clients never return to work after these incidents. Others face mounting medical debt on top of their recovery. Calculating future loss is crucial—and it’s something insurance companies rarely offer voluntarily.

These damages are calculated based on both current and future costs. We work with medical and financial experts to make sure you’re covered.

The Hard Truth: How to Prove Rochester Property Owners Knew Their Elevator Was a Death Trap

Proving liability in these cases means showing that someone knew—or should have known—there was a serious risk.

Video Footage, Eyewitness Accounts, and Inspection Failures

We help gather:

• Security camera footage showing the incident or previous malfunctions
• Eyewitness statements from others who reported issues or saw the accident
• Maintenance logs and inspection records, which often reveal skipped checks or ignored warnings

In New York, elevators must be inspected at least twice a year. If the property owner skipped mandatory inspections under New York Labor Law § 241, they may be held strictly liable.

In some cases, the inspection records themselves become key evidence. If reports flagged a mechanical issue that was never addressed—or if those reports were forged or falsified—the property owner’s negligence becomes impossible to ignore.

Safety Inspections in Rochester—A False Sense of Security?

Just because an elevator has a recent inspection sticker doesn’t mean it’s safe. Inspections can be rushed, incomplete, or based on outdated standards.

We’ve seen cases where:

• Elevators passed inspection despite failing door sensors or emergency brakes
• Inspectors missed obvious wear and tear on key components
• Property managers ignored follow-up maintenance recommendations

What’s worse, some landlords outsource inspections to third-party contractors with little oversight. If that company is negligent—or in some cases, has a conflict of interest—you may end up riding in an elevator that’s one bad bolt away from disaster.

If you’ve been injured despite “proof” the elevator was safe, we’ll investigate whether negligence played a role—and who dropped the ball.

Can You Sue a Mall, Office, or Apartment Complex for an Elevator Disaster?

Yes—and you should if their inaction led to your injuries. These are high-traffic areas where property owners are expected to keep equipment in top condition.

You may have a claim if:

• A mall escalator suddenly reversed or accelerated, causing a fall
• An apartment elevator trapped you or dropped between floors
• An office elevator failed due to lack of regular servicing

Many of these buildings serve hundreds, even thousands, of people daily. When someone cuts corners on safety in such places, the stakes are high.

We’ll build a case using maintenance records, service contracts, and safety reports to prove the property owner knew—or should have known—the risk.

Your Rochester Legal Team for Elevator and Escalator Injury Lawsuits

Elevator and escalator accidents are terrifying—and life-altering. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys in Rochester help victims fight back against landlords, businesses, and maintenance companies that failed to put safety first.

We won’t let them shrug off responsibility. We dig into inspection records, uncover red flags, and demand real answers. If your injury changed everything, we’re here to help you reclaim control. If you’re ready to hire one of the best law firms in America, let’s get started today.