Man injured when elevator car falls

Barry Doyle

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The owner of a Battle Creek hardware store was injured when the freight elevator he was riding in plunged 40 feet and crashed into the bottom of the elevator shaft. The collapse was caused by a chain snapping.

The victim suffered fractured heels, a fractured leg, and several fractured vertebrae in his back.

Elevators are somewhat unusual because the operator of an elevator is considered a common carrier, much like the operator of a railroad, and as a consequence, owes the passengers of the elevator the highest standard of care to ensure their safety.

Another important party to look to when someone is injured in the collapse of an elevator is the maintenance company, as most buildings with elevators will have a contract with one of the elevator companies to do the maintenance on it. It would be their responsibility to ensure that the elevator's components were in safe condition.