Freight Elevator Accidents

Most commercial buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and office buildings are equipped with freight elevators. Freight elevators are used in these buildings to move business’s heavy equipment, storage equipment, signage and maintenance personnel working in the building. As it is with any kind of elevator, it is important that the freight elevator meets the state and federal requirements and regulations. Freight elevators are required to undergo inspections in Chicago and must meet the standards that codify their safety.

In the case that an elevator has not been inspected for safety and operation, individuals using a freight elevator may be injured because of disrepair. However, as opposed to passenger elevators, freight elevators are not required to meet certain code requirements because they are not for public use.

Freight elevators are considered service elevators and may be able to bypass various federal, state and local requirements even as to operation and fire safety. However, buildings housing freight elevators must meet the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code requirements. Freight elevators should post a written sign that indicates that passengers are prohibited from using the elevator. In addition, freight elevators must also declare the weight limitations. Most freight elevators have a limitation of weight between 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.

A specialized freight elevator could be an automobile lift. These lifts are used to carry automobiles and other motor vehicles in garages. These city garages are found in many municipalities, including Chicago. Like passenger elevators, these automobile freight elevators or lifts may be able to bypass the ASME code requirements. Freight elevators are integral to businesses around Chicago and Illinois. They are essential equipment to buildings moving objects throughout. However, injuries do occur to individuals and workers using freight elevators.

If you or someone you love has been injured because of defect or danger in a freight elevator, please call us for an immediate free consultation. With more than 40 years of experience in trying and settling elevator injury cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our many clients and achieves unsurpassed results. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.

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