The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has settled a lawsuit with thyssenkrupp Access Corp. (TKA) after their residential elevators were accused of having a serious product defect, resulting in the death of at least one child. The settlement resolves these charges without a formal finding that the elevators were defective, but it does require TKA to repair potential issues. If you have one of the affected elevators, you should contact TKA for a free inspection and installation of a space guard, which can help prevent injuries from a potentially defective residential elevator.

What is a Residential Elevator?

Put simply, a residential elevator is just a type of elevator that people can install in their homes to help them get up and down to different floors of their home. While initially seen as luxuries for the wealthy, residential elevators have become increasingly popular as mobility aids for the elderly and those with certain disabilities. This has made them become far more widespread, with tens of thousands of these elevators now being installed in people’s homes throughout the United States.

What Was Wrong With These Elevators?

Allegedly, certain models of residential elevator manufactured and installed by TKA had a problem where small children could get entrapped in the space between the exterior hoistway door of the elevator and the elevator door or gate. This space was just big enough for children to slip inside but become unable to get out, causing them to become injured when the elevator began moving. In at least one case in 2017, a child was killed by the residential elevator, while another child in 2010 suffered a permanent disability.

What Does This Settlement Do?

The settlement ends the CPSC’s charges against TKA, without requiring they admit that their product is defective. However, it also requires them to provide a free inspection to customers to determine if there is a problem with their residential elevator, and provide installation of a space guard if their elevator requires it. This settlement includes elevators sold under a number of names, including: Chaparral, Destiny, LEV, LEV II, LEV II Builder, Rise, Volant, Windsor, Independence, and Flexi-Lift.

What Should You Do?

If you have a TKA residential elevator in your home, you should contact the company for a free inspection and installation of a space guard, which can prevent these sorts of injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured by one of these elevators, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling product defect issues. They can help you to go over your legal options, and help you to obtain the justice you deserve.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.