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Update: Residential Elevators Recalled Following Child Death
Custom Elevator, of Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania, has issued a nationwide recall [3.] for about 15,200 residential elevators after a 7-year-old child died in July 2021 at a vacation home in North Carolina after becoming entrapped in a residential elevator.
“Young children can become entrapped in the space between the exterior landing (hoistway) door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there is a hazardous gap between the doors and suffer serious injuries or death when the elevator is called to another floor,” CPSC said.
The recall affects Custom Elevator residential elevators with either hydraulic drives (HYD) or winding drum drives (WD). They were sold to elevator contractors nationwide from 2003 through August 2022 for between $10,000 and $25,000.
This recall began on September 29, 2022.
What’s the Problem?
This CPSC Recall affects traction residential elevators with models LLT-952, LLT-953, LLT-954 and LLT-955, which were shipped and installed between January 2014 and April 2017. CPSC is aware of at least 6 reports of a failure in the motor gearbox assembly.
The recalled elevators were sold at Residential Elevators’ dealers and home builders nationwide from January 2014 through April 2017 for between $18,000 and $50,000. If you purchased an elevator that is affected by this recall, you should stop using it immediately and contact Residential Elevators to schedule a free repair.
This recall began on September 10, 2020.
Otis Elevators Recalled for “Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Young Children”
Otis Elevator Company is recalling about 5,000 Otis and CemcoLift Private Residence Elevators [2] after the company received at least 4 reports of “… an Otis or CemcoLift private residence elevator that resulted in a crushed spine and abdomen, fractured hip, broken arm and feet, and bruising to the face and chest,” according to the CPSC.
The recall affects Otis private residence elevators purchased before 2012 and CemcoLift private residence elevators purchased from 1999 to 2012. This recall began on December 17, 2020.
Related: Slip & Fall Accident Lawsuit
See the other defective product lawsuits we currently cover.
CPSC Announces Industry-Wide Recall of Residential Elevators Over Entrapment Risk
The CPSC and Bella Elevator, LLC, Inclinator Company of America, and Savaria Corporation, are announcing 3 separate recalls [1] of about 69,000 residential elevators over concerns that children can become entrapped in the space between the exterior landing (hoistway) door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there is a hazardous gap, suffering serious injuries or death when the elevator is called to another floor.
“Consumers should keep unsupervised young children away from the recalled residential elevators and contact the manufacturers for instructions on how to measure for space guards to correct any hazardous gap,” CPSC said. “Space guards will be provided free of charge and assistance with space guard installation will be provided on request.”
This recall began on January 11, 2022.
FAQs
What must be proven to win a residential elevator recall lawsuit?
To win a residential elevator recall lawsuit, plaintiffs must prove that the elevator had a defect, that this defect caused their injury or damage, and that the manufacturer was negligent in ensuring the product’s safety or failed to provide adequate warnings.
Is there a deadline for filing a residential elevator recall lawsuit?
Yes, there are statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which vary by state. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney to ensure you file within the required timeframe.
What evidence is needed to support a residential elevator recall lawsuit?
Evidence can include medical records showing the injuries, proof of purchase or installation of the elevator, expert testimony regarding the defect, photographs or videos of the incident, and any communication with the manufacturer regarding the issue.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I have been harmed by a recalled residential elevator?
Yes, if a class action lawsuit is underway, you may be eligible to join it if your circumstances are similar to those of other plaintiffs. Consult with an attorney for details.
Do I Have a Residential Elevator Recall Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Residential Elevator Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled elevator, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.