Elevator Fall Injury Lawyer Michigan: When a Ride Turns Risky

You step into an elevator expecting a smooth ride—not a free-fall. But when elevator systems fail, the results can be terrifying and traumatic. What should have been a 30-second ride between floors can become a scene of chaos, fear, and serious injury.

In Michigan, elevators are everywhere—offices, apartment buildings, hospitals, shopping centers. We trust that they’re safe. That they’re inspected. That someone is making sure they work. But when that trust is broken—when an elevator suddenly drops, slams to a stop, mislevels, or traps you between doors—it’s more than a malfunction. It’s a betrayal.

Elevator fall injuries aren’t just painful—they’re devastating. Victims may suffer from:

• Broken bones
• Head and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Emotional trauma that lasts for years

And yet, many victims are left in the dark—unsure who to blame, what steps to take, or whether they even have a case. That’s where Marko Law steps in.

We hold negligent building owners, maintenance companies, and elevator manufacturers fully accountable when their failure leads to life-altering harm. Because in Michigan, if you’ve been hurt in an elevator accident, you have rights—and we’re here to enforce them.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Elevator Injury Case?

Property Owners and Landlords

In Michigan, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for anyone who uses their building—including elevators. That includes:

• Routine inspections
• Timely repairs
• Hiring qualified contractors
• Warning users of known defects

When a landlord or property owner cuts corners—or ignores known issues—they can be held accountable under premises liability law. It doesn’t matter if the elevator was owned by someone else. If it’s on their property, it’s their responsibility to make sure it’s safe.

Maintenance Companies

Most elevators are serviced by third-party companies. These technicians are responsible for:

• Regular maintenance and tune-ups
• Fixing known issues
• Keeping equipment up to code

But when they skip steps, ignore warning signs, or do sloppy work, the result can be catastrophic. A missed bolt, faulty sensor, or worn-out cable can be the difference between safety and disaster.

Elevator Manufacturers

If the elevator had a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the company that made it may be at fault. This could include:

• Faulty brakes or gears
• Defective door sensors
• Control panel malfunctions
• Electrical or software glitches

Commercial Tenants or Building Managers

In some buildings—especially malls, hotels, or office complexes—the businesses that occupy the space or the property management company may also have a duty to report problems, restrict access, or take action.

If they ignored complaints or allowed the elevator to remain in service despite safety issues, they may be partially or fully liable for what happened to you.

Michigan Premises Liability & Elevator Accidents

The Legal Duty: “Reasonably Safe Condition”

Under Michigan law, property owners must ensure that conditions on their premises do not present unreasonable risks of harm to lawful visitors. That means:

• Inspecting elevators regularly
• Fixing known issues or defects
• Hiring competent maintenance personnel
• Warning visitors of hazards they haven’t yet corrected

Failing to do any of these things can be considered a breach of duty—and that’s the legal foundation of a premises liability claim.

A Higher Standard for Commercial & Multi-Unit Buildings

Elevators in apartment buildings, offices, and commercial spaces aren’t casual conveniences. They’re essential infrastructure. And courts often hold property owners in these settings to a higher standard of care—because:

• Elevators see heavy daily use
• More people are exposed to potential harm
• Owners and landlords typically have the resources and access to inspect and repair

If a commercial property fails to maintain a safe elevator system, it can’t hide behind ignorance or budget excuses.

Building Code Violations Strengthen Your Case

Michigan building codes govern:

• Elevator installation
• Safety features (emergency stops, level alignment, alarm systems)
• Inspection frequency
• Maintenance recordkeeping

If your injury was caused by a condition that violated the Michigan Building Code or national elevator standards, it’s a strong indicator of negligence. These violations can:

• Strengthen your case
• Prove foreseeability of harm
• Be used as evidence of breach of duty

Product Liability in Elevator Injury Cases

When a Defect Is to Blame

Elevators are made up of complex systems: cables, brakes, pulleys, electronic sensors, door motors, and software controls. If any of these parts fail due to poor engineering, substandard materials, or assembly errors, the result can be catastrophic.

Common component failures include:

• Frayed or snapped cables causing free-falls
• Faulty brakes failing to stop at the right floor
• Malfunctioning sensors allowing doors to close on riders
• Software glitches causing sudden starts or stops

In these cases, it may not matter how well the building was maintained—the product itself was dangerous.

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

In Michigan, product liability can be pursued under two legal theories:

Strict Liability

You don’t have to prove the manufacturer was careless—only that:

• The product was defective when it left the manufacturer
• You used it as intended
• The defect caused your injury

Strict liability is powerful because it focuses on the condition of the product, not the company’s intent.

Negligence

This claim focuses on whether the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in:

• Designing the elevator
• Testing safety systems
• Assembling or inspecting units
• Warning about known hazards

In both types of cases, expert analysis is critical. At Marko Law, we bring in engineers, elevator tech specialists, and product safety professionals to uncover what went wrong—and who’s to blame.

Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Claim

Elevator Service Records and Inspection Logs

Michigan law requires regular elevator inspections—and those inspections must be documented. We look for:

• Missed inspection deadlines
• Failed safety checks
• Deferred repairs or repeat issues

Surveillance Footage

If your fall or injury happened in a commercial building, apartment complex, or hospital, chances are security cameras caught it. Video evidence can:

• Confirm the exact time and location
• Show the elevator malfunction in real time
• Disprove false narratives from the property owner or their insurer

Witness Statements

Other tenants, employees, visitors, or bystanders may have:

• Seen the malfunction
• Witnessed your injury
• Noticed past issues with the same elevator

Maintenance Contracts and Vendor History

We dig into:

• Who was responsible for maintenance?
• How often were they hired?
• Were they licensed and qualified?
• Were they ever cited for unsafe practices?

Incident Reports or 911 Calls

If you reported the incident to building management or called for help:

• Get a copy of the incident report
• Request 911 call recordings or EMS reports
• Save any emails, texts, or voicemails

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in an Elevator Accident

Report the Incident Immediately

Tell building management, front desk staff, or on-site security right away. Ask for:

• A written incident report
• The name and contact of the person who took the report
• A copy of the report, if possible

Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries

Even if your injuries seem “minor,” go to a doctor or hospital. Elevators can cause:

• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Concussions or spinal trauma

Document everything:

• Take photos of bruises, cuts, or swelling
• Keep all ER summaries, prescriptions, and follow-up notes
• Ask for a diagnosis and estimated recovery timeline

Get Names of Witnesses and Employees

If anyone saw what happened—**a tenant, janitor, building staff, other riders—**get their info:

• Full name
• Contact phone or email
• A short note of what they saw (if they’re willing)

Preserve Everything

Take photos of:

• The elevator panel, doors, floor level, warning signs
• The defect or damage (if visible)
• Your clothing and shoes
• The surrounding hallway or building features

Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking to Anyone Else

Do not speak to insurance adjusters, building managers, or elevator companies without legal guidance. Their goal is to:

• Minimize your claim
• Shift blame
• Get you to accept a lowball settlement

Elevators Should Be Safe. When They’re Not—Someone Must Answer.

You trusted that elevator to carry you safely. You didn’t expect to be dropped, slammed, or seriously hurt. When that trust is shattered, you deserve more than an apology—you deserve accountability.

At Marko Law, we’ve seen firsthand what elevator negligence can do to a person’s life. We also know the excuses: “It was just a glitch.” “We didn’t know.” “That’s not our fault.” We don’t accept those answers.

Whether it’s a building owner, maintenance company, or manufacturer, we will hold the responsible parties accountable. No loopholes. No hiding behind paperwork. No walking away.

You deserve to feel safe where you live, work, and visit. If you’ve been hurt in an elevator fall in Michigan, don’t stay silent—make your voice heard.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

Phone: +1-313-777-7777
Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: www.markolaw.com

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