Earlier this summer, the Bronx District Attorney brought charges against Peter Milatz, 67, an elevator mechanic in the accidental death of Joseph Rosa, 25, an elevator mechanic apprentice while the two men were conducting routine maintenance on an elevator.
The elevator car and Milatz were on the sixth floor while Rosa was on the ground floor inside the elevator shaft, in an area known as the “pit”. At Milatz’ direction, Rosa secured a counterweight for the elevator car and cut the steel rope connected to the car, which the two men were tasked with replacing. According to reports, Milatz failed to ensure the elevator car was secure before instructing Rosa to cut the steel rope. The result was that the elevator car fell from the sixth floor crushing, and ultimately killing, Rosa.
Investigators claim that Milatz failed to comply with even the most basic of safety procedures in order to conduct what is considered to be routine maintenance on an elevator. Milatz failed to place chains in the elevator shaft below the car or engage the elevator’s brake before instructing Rosa to cut the steel rope. Further, it is alleged that Milatz removed a major safety feature, called the governor, on the elevator two weeks before the accident. Milatz did not replace the governor before the accident, a safety feature which would have prevented such an accident.
Elevators are an accepted part of modern life that, when maintained and operated properly, are exceedingly safe. However, when the maintenance or operation of an elevator is not performed in accordance with well-established safety procedures and protocols, the situation can quickly become dangerous.
Accidents due to the negligence of another person, whether involving an elevator or not, are quite common in the United States. When these accidents occur, whether due to deficient maintenance practices or a departure from proper safety procedure, serious injury or death can result. Often, the victims of these accidents are the employees or customers of those legally responsible to ensure a safe environment.
Those touched by an elevator accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving elevators. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an accident on an elevator or escalator, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.