An Elevator Crash Paralyzed A Sheriff’s Deputy

You may remember the story from a few years ago about a Philadelphia Sheriff’s deputy who was involved in an elevator crash. It happened in an employee elevator at the Criminal Justice Center. The elevator zoomed through the 15th floor ceiling of the 17-story building and smashed into an equipment room. Paul Owens, the deputy, was inside at the time and was rushed to the hospital.

Owens suffered from a severe head injury, as well as injuries to his ribs, vertebrae, and chest. He has since recovered but is paralyzed. Owens and his wife filed a lawsuit in 2017. Now, they have been awarded over $20 million. It turns out that the elevator was improperly repaired years earlier.

Getting the money was not easy. There were more than five defendants, with each sharing some of the blame for the accident.

At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we know that there are many ways in which a person can get hurt on other peoples’ property. We want to help if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. When you need a premises liability lawyer in Philadelphia, call us today.

What Can Happen?

When you go out, you should be able to expect safety. This includes when you go to private businesses, government property, and private residences. You should be safe anywhere you have the right and expectation to be.

Unfortunately, the negligence of property owners and those charged with the upkeep of the property (employees, contractors, supervisors, etc.) often do not take the steps necessary to keep their patrons safe. This can occur when they fail to regularly inspect and maintain all aspects of the property. This includes:

  • Store displays
  • Stairways
  • Railings
  • Benches
  • Floors
  • and more

This also includes playground equipment. When we bring our kids to the park, we expect that everything they use has been inspected and well-maintained.

We do want to point out that slip and fall accidents are the main ways that people get injured on someone’s property. There are just so many ways in which floors become hazards, from spills and loose carpeting to obstacles that have not been picked up. These accidents can also occur when there is uneven pavement in parking lots, a place that is often neglected by property owners.

Security Issues

Business owners and government property managers should always be aware of security threats and criminal activity in their area. They should ensure that they have adequate security measures in place at all times. This may include armed guards or law enforcement, but it can also include proper lighting, surveillance equipment, and locks that work.

What Are Your Options

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of a property owner or the people charged with keeping their premises safe, contact legal assistance immediately. At the Doyle Law Group, our qualified and experienced team will work with you to secure the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses. This can include:

  • Coverage of medical expenses (current and ongoing)
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Punitive damages

These cases can become complicated, so let us take the reins so you can heal and be with your family. If you need a Philadelphia premises liability attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.