UPDATE: In January 2022, Waupaca refused to recall home elevators due to a deadly entrapment hazard that can crush children to death.
In 2018, Waupaca recalled about 8,000 home elevators after a person in California died when the elevator suddenly fell down the shaft.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Waupaca elevator induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or died in an elevator accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Safety Warning for Waupaca Elevators After 4-Year-Old Child Seriously Injured
In January 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent warning to stop using Waupaca elevators due to “deadly entrapment and serious fall hazards.”
Waupaca refused to join a recall announced the previous day by 3 other elevator manufacturers to address a deadly gap that can result in children being crushed or killed in horrific accidents.
Children can get stuck in the gap between the elevator’s inner accordion-style door and the outer door (which typically looks like another door in the house). If the elevator moves, the child can be fatally crushed by the elevator cab.
CPSC said it was aware of one incident in 2011 in which a 4-year-old child nearly died:
The child became trapped between the hoistway door and the Waupaca model 014 elevator car door. The child was found dangling in the elevator shaft, upside down, with his foot lodged between the elevator car and the elevator shaft on the third floor. The child suffered physical scarring and permanent vision loss as a result of the incident.
These Waupaca elevators were manufactured and distributed beginning in 1979 through to the present and sold for between $18,000 and $30,000. Models include the 008, 010, 014, 015, 016, 018, 021, 022, 110, 114, 115, 116, 118, and 210 models.
Waupaca Hit With Lawsuits for Serious Injuries in Elevator Accidents
In May 2021, Waupaca Elevator Company was hit with multiple lawsuits after people were injured in horrific elevator accidents, including one with a high-speed braking device installed.
Waupaca Elevator Recall
In October 2018, Waupaca recalled about 8,000 residential elevators because they can suddenly fall to the bottom of the shaft, resulting in serious injuries or death to anyone inside.
What is the Problem?
Waupaca has extensive backlog of overspeed safety device installations, which may take several years to complete. The elevators are not safe to use until the safety device has been installed.
What Elevators Were Recalled?
The recall involves Custom Lift 450# and 500# Capacity elevators. The recalled elevators were sold nationwide from 1979 through 2008 by Waupaca dealers. The elevators cost from $5,000 to $14,000.
How Many People Have Been Injured?
As of October 2021, there have been 15 reports of the elevator cab falling to the bottom of the shaft. At least 13 people have suffered injuries, including sprained knees and ankles, and broken bones. One person died in August 2018, according to the CPSC.
Safety Officials Re-Announce Waupaca Elevator Recall
In July 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers to stop using Waupaca elevators until the overspeed safety device could be installed.
CPSC Reports 1 Death in Waupaca Elevator Accident in California
The CPSC reported that 1 person died when the elevator fell to the bottom of the shaft in August 2018 at a home in Millbrae, California. “Other injuries caused by elevators falling include broken bones and strained or sprained knees and ankles,” according to the CPSC.
Waupaca Elevator Accident Risks
- Death
- Broken bones
- Strained knees
- Ankle and knee sprains
- Falls
- Being trapped in the elevator
- Mechanical failure
- And more
Do I have a Waupaca Elevator Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Waupaca elevator induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or died in an elevator accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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