Regular maintenance and prompt repair work by an Elevator Company in Washington DC are important for preventing significant downtime of these building features. It’s also crucial for preventing accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, some building owners and managers find it all too easy to ignore signs of problems and delay calling for repair. Another issue occurs when an elevator intermittently does not work properly, but nobody reports the problem.
The First Line of Safety
Inspection and maintenance technicians from an Elevator Company in Washington DC are considered the first line of safety for this equipment after it’s been installed. The appointments do not take a long time, but they should be scheduled frequently. That way, the technicians can inspect and maintain different parts of the system at each appointment. This has proved to be highly effective at preventing malfunctions and complete equipment breakdowns.
Potential Injuries
When property owners and managers don’t have maintenance performed on elevators and ignore the need for adjustments, they run the risk of getting sued in case of an accident. Even a relatively minor elevator malfunction can lead to injury.
A person can trip and fall when the cab does not stop even with the floor, for example. A wheelchair can tip over as a person tries to exit on the uneven surface. These incidents can cause fractures and head injuries. An individual with cardiovascular disease who is trapped in an elevator that has quit moving may panic and experience a heart attack. Scared cab passengers also may become injured trying to climb out of a cab that is stuck with the door open two or three feet from the floor.
Costly Lawsuits
These injury lawsuits can be very costly. The compensation covers all medical expenses, lost wages, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and sometimes, emotional trauma. This compensation should be covered by commercial or business insurance, but the premiums may be raised if the underwriters realize that building maintenance is not adequate.
Fortunately, most elevators receive the necessary attention they should have to keep them running safely and smoothly. Serious accidents are rare. Technicians from companies like Elevator Technologies Inc. are available to inspect, maintain, adjust and repair the equipment.
