Home Forums General Discussion Code Questions Otis Earth Quake Headache

Hello All
I'm new to this board so please forgive any error in protocol.
I live in a hi rise in San Diego Ca. During the earthquake
of April 2010 our elevator cables were damaged to the tune of
$40k. The quake sensors did not trigger and the car continued to travel for 18 floors after the quake started. Otis refuses to even talk to us, our attorney says it will cost 30-40k to litigate. Can some one please direct me to the earth quake sensor code and the name of an agency or person that handles consumer complaints. Are there any attorneys that specialize in this type of litigation?? I would VERY MUCH appreciate any advise this board has to offer.

Let me start by saying thank God no one was hurt. Second, do you have a full service maintenance contract with Otis? If so and devices (earthquake sensors) failed Otis should be responsible for the damage. Usually, a good elevator consultant can get Otis to move on this, they're less expensive than lawyers and get substantial results. Even if you get a lawyer (and few of them have elevator experience) he will immediately have to hire an elevator consultant or elevator expert to work on your behalf....
That said, look at iaec.org for a list of consultants in your area.
Good Luck

A good consultant will require and obtain a thorough technical explanation of this "damage" from the maintenance contractor and, on that basis, determine what, if any, remedy is appropriate. The notion that quake sensors - often redundant - all failed and further that the cars' continued travel damaged steel cables sounds seriously suspect.