1. Ultimately, have an answer for the question, did you do everything you could to have prevented this accident?
2. What would the Jury think about the building owner who would not modernize the 57 year old elevator? Is this something your insurance company would cover in any accident situation? There are still parts available for the vintage of elevator you are talking about which speaks well of the elevator industry, but still, is it worth the risk of not just modernizing the elevator and replacing the wiring and fixtures that are 57 years old?
3. There are people who have the prints you are looking for and they are not that hard to find. Just because you can do something does not mean you should.
4. Seriously think about the amount of money you would spend on a deductible and spend that on a consultant that can either recommend what to do or get you the prints you may need. The initial visit with any consultant in your area would cost you much less than what you have been quoted for prints and they would likely point out to you alternative choices to keeping a 57 year old elevator running.
5. Look up the definition of "Statute of Repose". If you are the building owner, it will always be your responsibility. If you are the agent for the owner, will the errors and omissions coverage cover your not informing the owner? Particularly since you live in the great and soverign state of Texas.
Safe Journey,
Robert L Krieger Jr.
