How Often Do Elevators Fall?
By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle May 22 2025 12:03 am
Curious minds often ask, “How often do elevators fall?”—and the answer may surprise you. In McPherson, Kansas, elevators are a part of daily life, offering convenience but also carrying hidden risks. When safety systems fail, the consequences can be devastating. Elevator-related injuries may result in long-term physical and financial challenges. At Pyle Law, we’ve seen firsthand the toll these incidents take, and we’re committed to helping those impacted navigate their legal options.
Elevators rarely fall, but when they do, it’s typically the result of severe mechanical failure or negligence. Most are equipped with multiple redundant safety systems designed to prevent free fall. Still, malfunctions, inadequate maintenance, or manufacturing defects can compromise those safeguards. These uncommon events pose serious dangers, particularly in buildings with outdated equipment or neglected inspection routines.
Most people step into an elevator without a second thought, trusting it will work as expected. But that trust isn’t always earned. When something goes wrong, the results can be serious. Passengers might get stuck between floors, jolted during movement, or left waiting in distress. Even minor mechanical problems, if ignored, can turn into dangerous situations for both riders and the people who maintain the equipment.
Accidents involving elevators may stem from several preventable issues:
In some instances, warning signs are present—such as unusual noises, jerky movement, or delays in door operation—but are ignored by those responsible. When inspections are missed or done improperly, the risk of accidents rises.
When something goes wrong with an elevator—whether from negligence or a technical failure—the injuries can be severe. People may suffer broken bones, spinal injuries, or, in the worst cases, lose their lives.
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According to data cited by the CLJ, incidents involving elevators and escalators result in about 30 deaths and approximately 17,000 serious injuries annually in the United States.
Elevators are built with multiple safety features, but all it takes is one failure to put lives in danger—especially in busy places like hospitals, offices, and apartment buildings. These systems rely on consistent upkeep and thorough inspections. When those are skipped or rushed, serious problems can go unnoticed. Staying on top of maintenance and following safety rules isn’t optional—it’s what keeps people safe.
According to a 2006 report by the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights, around 90% of elevator-related fatalities involve workers performing maintenance or construction, while the remaining deaths affect passengers or bystanders. These incidents also account for approximately 60% of serious injuries linked to vertical transportation systems. Each year, about 14 worker fatalities are reported—nearly half of the total—typically involving individuals installing, repairing, or operating near elevator shafts in unsafe conditions.
While maintenance workers experience the majority of fatalities, passengers remain vulnerable to serious harm. From crushed limbs and traumatic brain injuries to long-term disability, the physical and emotional toll of elevator-related accidents can be profound.
When someone is hurt in an elevator accident, the responsibility often lies with one or more of the following parties:
If an elevator’s emergency communication system fails, or inspection records are missing or inaccurate, there may be additional liability. Everyone involved in keeping an elevator running safely—from installation to regular maintenance—has a duty to follow established safety standards.
In McPherson and across Kansas, those responsible for elevator safety are legally required to maintain secure conditions for the public. When they neglect that responsibility, they can—and should—be held accountable for the injuries or damage that result.
Suffering an injury in an elevator accident can turn your world upside down. While many wonder how often elevators fall, even rare incidents can cause life-altering harm. These accidents often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges requiring immediate legal action.
If you’ve been injured, our personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through recovery and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and future care. Call 620-241-9000 or schedule a free consultation today. Pyle Law is ready to stand by your side.
Pyle Law was founded in 1999 with a commitment to fewer clients and better service. We believe that each and every client is important and everyone is entitled to justice and equal protection under our laws. We make every case a priority and are committed to keeping each client informed about the status of their case. We do not guarantee results, but we do guarantee effort.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney E. Thomas Pyle who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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