Tragedies can occur when one least expects it, as is the case for an unfortunate elevator serviceman a few weeks ago. On Friday, January 9th, 2015, a 30-year-old mechanic began work in an elevator shaft at 75 West End Avenue at or around 11:30 A.M. Two mechanics were scheduled to work on the elevators in the rental complex, West End Towers, which was developed in 1994 by developers The Brodsky Organization. At some point during maintenance, the elevator shaft above the mechanic had fallen three floors and pinned him underneath. He was reported dead on the scene. An investigation is currently underway as to the exact details of what had occurred.

The FDNY had arrived on the scene to investigate that evening. “There was some movement in the elevator between the first floor and the basement,” FDNY deputy assistant chief Roger Sakowich said, “[t]he elevator that crushed the man had been three floors above when it moved.”

The fatal accident seems to have been years in the making. Around an hour after the incident occurred, emergency vehicles began to collect outside of the building. An NBC reporter spoke to a few tenants who remarked on the poor maintenance of the elevators. Ryan Sher, a tenant of West End Towers, stated that the elevators in the buildings “have been a mess for years.” Further investigation of building records show that 12 elevator citations have been issued dating back to 2003.

The Brodsky Organization issued this statement: “The Brodsky Organization is deeply saddened by the tragic accident and we extend our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family, friend and co-workers at this time.” The company did not offer further statements regarding the situation.

Unfortunately these sorts of accidents are not as rare of an occurrence as one might think. The attorneys at Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP are dedicated to fight for the rights of our clients who might fall victim to hazardous worksite accidents. The story of this tragedy is one of many, but worth sharing for the lesson that anything can happen in the blink of an eye. If you find yourself or a family member as a victim, know that you are not alone.

The attorneys at Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP will fight to protect your rights. To learn more about our firm, please contact us online or call us on our toll-free line at 516-248-2234 to be connected with one of our attorneys.