Residential Elevators Inc. of Crawfordville, Florida, has recalled about 5,250 elevators, which could suddenly rise to the top of the shaft and stop, posing an injury hazard to anyone who is in the elevator. According to an alert in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the problem is caused by a failure in the motor gearbox assembly. So far, there have been at least six reports of failures including at least four cases where the elevator went up to the top of the shaft. No injuries have been reported.
Details of the Recall
The company previously recalled the same elevators in 2018, but now says that all of these elevators must be repaired. Consumers who own these recalled elevators, including those who had them inspected after the 2018 recall, are urged to stop using them and contact Residential Elevators to schedule a free repair. The recalled elevators were sold by Residential dealers and homebuilders nationwide from January 2014 to April 2017 for between $18,000 and $50,000.
This recall involves traction residential elevators with models LLT-952, LLT-953, LLT-954 and LLT-955. The brand name “Residential Elevators” is printed on the light in the operating panel inside the elevator cab. If you have questions or concerns regarding this recall, please call the company toll-free at 1-877-943-4734 or email them at [email protected].
Dangers Posed by Elevators
According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, incidents involving elevators and escalators kill about 30 people and seriously injure about 17,000 each year in the United States. Elevators cause almost 90% of the deaths and 60% of serious injuries.
Injuries to people working on or near elevators, including those installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, and working in or near elevator shafts, account for 14 (almost half) of the annual deaths. Half of the deaths of workers working in or near elevator shafts were due to falls into the shaft. Incidents where workers were caught in/between moving parts of elevators and escalators, are in or on elevators or platforms that collapse, or are struck by elevators or counterweights are also numerous.
Defective elevators can heighten the risk of major injuries or fatal accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident or if you have lost a loved one due to a defective or malfunctioning elevator, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the elevator or a defective part. An experienced product defect lawyer who can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/residential-elevators-recalls-elevators-due-to-impact-hazard-recall-alert
