For many people in Florida and across the country, moving into a new home is an exciting milestone in their lives. Unfortunately, such a move proved fatal for a woman in another state. Reports indicate that she died in a tragic accident involving an elevator after moving into a new apartment. A premises liability claim could follow the incident.
According to neighbors, the 38-year-old victim was loading a box onto an elevator when they say she likely triggered a sensor that indicated that the doors were closed. Unfortunately, she reportedly became trapped between the first floor of the building and the elevator car. She died due to traumatic asphyxiation.
Several residents of the apartment complex report hearing screams but say they were too late when they came to help. Unfortunately, this was not the first incident with the elevator — it reportedly became stuck in two separate incidents in 2018. Despite this history, it recently passed inspection. State inspectors were on the scene soon after her death.
The woman’s death raises questions about the overall safety of the elevator and whether property managers or owners were aware of any issues that could jeopardize the safety of residents. Additionally, the woman’s surviving family members are likely wondering about the recently passed inspection — did the inspector miss a potentially dangerous aspect of the elevator? Though it will likely do little to lessen their grief, the deceased woman’s surviving family members may choose to file a premises liability lawsuit if dangerous property conditions should have been identified and rectified prior to her death.
