A problem with malfunctioning elevators in high-rise buildings used for public housing has even received the attention of the San Francisco mayor.  Problems with these elevators has said to have left disabled tenants and senior citizens stranded for a number of days on certain occasions.

While the mayor has pled to spend $5.4 million to conduct repairs, a lawsuit is nevertheless being filed by an attorney on the behalf of these tenants.  “They need to start stepping up to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income tenants,” the attorney was quoted as saying.

One 93-year-old woman remarked that her in-home health aide could not visit when the elevators are failing to operate.  Another tenant had to remain in the lobby for over ten hours without the ability to use the restroom or eat and drink.  She stated that she was “frightened and cold.”  Still another resident had to be taken to the emergency room after his hand was caught in the elevator doors.  Some residents have been stuck inside of the elevators as well.

There appears to have been problems in the past when the Housing Authority being unresponsive to complaints.  Complaints of rodents, mold and sewage leaks have also not been responded to in a timely fashion.

The residents of these high-rise buildings have been placed at risk by a neglect to keep the premises reasonably maintained.  Attorneys can hold property owners liable for premises liability matters where residents have been injured when owners have failed to make adequate repairs to keep residents safe.  This is especially true when the owners are aware that the residents have particular needs.

It’s fortunate that something far worse did not happen because of the conditions at these high-rise buildings.  Hopefully the above lawsuit will send the message to other property owners as well.

Source: San Francisco Gate, “Lee pledges $5.4 million to fix elevators in public housing,” Heather Knight, April 17, 2014