Garage doors are an essential part of modern homes, offering convenience, security, and aesthetic appeal. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Malfunctioning garage doors are responsible for thousands of injuries each year across the U.S., and in many cases, they lead to personal injury lawsuits. For homeowners in Boston, understanding the risks—and how to avoid them—is vital.
Here’s a closer look at common garage door injuries, the legal consequences of accidents, potential compensations, and why hiring professionals like Garage Door Experts of New England is the safest, smartest decision.
Common Garage Door Injuries That Lead to Lawsuits
Garage doors are heavy, motorized systems with numerous moving parts—springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. If poorly maintained, incorrectly installed, or malfunctioning, they can pose serious dangers.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Crushing Injuries: A falling garage door can crush a person’s hand, foot, or worse, their entire body. These injuries are often due to faulty springs or automatic reverse system failures.
- Lacerations and Pinches: Fingers or hands can get caught between the panels or in the tracks, leading to deep cuts or even amputations.
- Tripping and Falling: Malfunctioning sensors can cause a door to close on someone unexpectedly or fail to open properly, leading to trips or falls.
- Electrical Shock or Fire: Faulty wiring in a garage door opener can result in electrical injuries or even small fires.
- Head Injuries: A sudden release of a spring or door snapping back into place can cause blunt force trauma to the head or face.
Many of these accidents happen to children, elderly family members, or even visiting guests—turning a simple mechanical failure into a major liability for the homeowner.
Legal Consequences and Available Compensation
When garage door accidents occur, victims often seek legal compensation for their injuries. These lawsuits typically fall under premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
Compensations in such cases may include:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate and ongoing treatment for physical injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: If the malfunctioning door damages a car or personal belongings.
- Punitive Damages: In extreme cases where negligence is proven to be willful or grossly irresponsible.
If a homeowner is found liable for the injury due to improper maintenance or faulty installation, insurance may not always cover the full cost—especially if negligence is involved.
Better Safe Than Sorry: Why Maintenance and Installation Matter
Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of garage doors. They’re not just panels on hinges—they’re heavy mechanical systems requiring precise alignment, calibrated tension, and up-to-date safety features like auto-reverse and motion sensors.
DIY repairs and low-cost installations often skip these critical steps. A spring installed with the wrong tension or a sensor aligned incorrectly can turn your garage door into a ticking time bomb.
That’s why the best thing Boston homeowners can do is prioritize safety over savings. Prevention is far more affordable—and responsible—than dealing with a lawsuit.
Why Garage Door Experts of New England Is the Smart Choice
When it comes to garage door safety and reliability, Garage Door Experts of New England stands out as a trusted name for Boston homeowners. With years of experience serving homes across the region, they specialize in safe, code-compliant installations and repairs that meet the unique demands of New England’s weather and housing styles.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Certified Technicians: Their team is trained to install and repair garage doors according to the latest safety standards.
- Thorough Safety Inspections: Every project includes a full system check—from spring tension to auto-reverse calibration.
- Quality Parts and Equipment: They use only high-quality components that meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
- Prompt and Professional Service: Whether it’s an emergency repair or a planned upgrade, they provide quick, courteous service that minimizes risk.
- Local Knowledge: New England’s climate puts unique stress on garage door systems. Garage Door Experts of New England know how to prepare your door for heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and salt corrosion.
By hiring trusted professionals, homeowners eliminate most of the risks associated with garage door failures—and protect their families, visitors, and property.
Final Thoughts
Garage door injuries are serious. From crushing accidents to sensor failures, the risks are real—and so are the legal and financial consequences. No one wants to face a lawsuit, especially when it could have been prevented with proper care and professional installation.
For Boston homeowners, the most effective way to prevent garage door accidents is to partner with a reputable local company like Garage Door Experts of New England. Their experience, professionalism, and commitment to safety make them the ideal choice for ensuring that your garage door doesn’t just function—it protects.
In the world of home maintenance, garage doors may not get much attention—until something goes wrong. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Take action now and make safety a priority.
Resources – https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/personal-injury/premises-liability/garage-door-accident-lawsuit/
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