Garage doors may appear like mere conveniences, but they are based on a sophisticated system of springs, cables, and pulleys to move back and forth with efficiency and safety. Among these parts, garage door springs are fundamental in counterbalancing the weight of the door and facilitating easy opening and closure. Yet, when springs break down, they can become hazardous projectiles or lead to the downfall of the door, which can result in serious injuries or death.
In this article, you will discover how spring accidents in garage doors happen, the types of injuries they can lead to, who is likely to be legally liable, and how you can defend your rights if you or a loved one gets hurt as a result of the failure of these springs. Whether you are a homeowner, tenant, contractor, or employee, you need to know the risks these springs present and what legal recourse could be applicable.
Why Garage Door Springs Are So Dangerous
Garage door springs are under immense tension—often supporting hundreds of pounds of force to lift and lower a heavy door. There are two main types:
Torsion Springs are mounted above the closed door and twist to generate tension.
Extension Springs are located on either side of the door and stretch when the door is closed.
Both types can snap unexpectedly due to wear and tear, improper installation, rust, or manufacturing defects. When a spring breaks, it can release stored energy violently, potentially hurling broken metal components at high speeds, dropping the door suddenly, or triggering mechanical failures in other parts of the system.
Common Causes of Spring-Related Accidents
Garage door spring accidents often stem from preventable issues. The most common causes include:
- Lack of Maintenance: Springs typically have a life cycle of 10,000 to 20,000 cycles (open and close). Without regular inspections, they can wear out and fail without warning.
- Improper Installation: If the springs are not correctly installed or sized for the door’s weight, they may break prematurely or fail under stress.
- DIY Repairs: Attempting to adjust or replace garage door springs without professional training can lead to accidents. The extreme tension can cause tools to slip or springs to recoil dangerously.
- Defective Springs: Some springs are manufactured with flaws or inferior materials. These defects can weaken the integrity of the spring, increasing the risk of snapping.
- Corrosion or Rust: Exposure to moisture can weaken springs over time. Rusty or corroded springs are more likely to snap suddenly.
- Lack of Safety Cables (for Extension Springs): Extension springs should always be installed with a safety cable that prevents flying debris if the spring breaks. Without these cables, broken springs can become high-speed projectiles.
Injuries Caused by Garage Door Spring Accidents
Injuries from spring failures can be severe due to the sudden and forceful nature of the break. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations from flying debris
- Broken bones or fractures
- Eye injuries or vision loss
- Concussions or head trauma
- Crushed fingers or hands
- Amputations in severe cases
- Back or neck injuries from a collapsing door
- Fatal injuries if the door falls on a person
Children, pets, and anyone standing near the door when the spring breaks are particularly vulnerable.
Who May Be Liable for a Garage Door Spring Accident?
Determining legal liability requires an investigation into how and why the spring failed. Several parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances:
- Property Owners: Homeowners, landlords, or business owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. If a spring broke due to neglect, lack of inspection, or failure to repair, they may be held liable under premises liability laws.
- Installation Companies or Contractors: If a garage door was installed incorrectly or with improper spring tension, the installer could be liable for negligence.
- Maintenance Providers: If a spring fails shortly after a scheduled inspection or service, the maintenance company may be held responsible for failing to spot a foreseeable hazard.
- Manufacturers or Distributors: In cases where the spring itself is defective, a product liability lawsuit may be brought against the manufacturer or distributor.
- Employers: If a worker is injured on the job due to a spring accident, they may qualify for workers’ compensation. If a third-party contractor was involved, a separate lawsuit may also be possible.
Legal Theories and Claims in Spring Accident Cases
Victims of spring-related injuries may be able to pursue several types of legal claims, including:
Negligence: Most garage door injury lawsuits are based on negligence. To succeed, the injured party must prove that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm as a result.
Premises Liability: If the injury occurred on someone else’s property, the victim may claim that the property owner failed to keep the premises safe or to warn of known dangers.
Product Liability: If the spring was inherently dangerous due to its design, manufacturing, or lack of adequate warning labels, the injured party may sue under strict product liability laws.
Breach of Warranty: If a garage door spring fails during its warranty period and causes injury, a breach of warranty claim may be appropriate.
Wrongful Death: If someone is killed in a garage door spring accident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
What to Do After a Spring-Related Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured by a garage door spring, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health and strengthen any future legal claim:
- Seek medical care immediately. Documenting your injuries is essential for any claim.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos of the broken spring, the garage door, and the surrounding area. Save any components or receipts.
- Don’t attempt repairs. Leave the site untouched until it’s been inspected by a professional or legal expert.
- Collect witness information. If someone saw the accident, gather their statements and contact details.
- Report the incident. Notify your landlord, employer, or installer in writing, and ask for an incident report.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can investigate the cause of the failure, identify liable parties, and help you seek compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the nature of your injuries and the circumstances of the spring failure, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death benefits (in fatal cases)
The value of your case will depend on the extent of your injuries, whether permanent damage occurred, and who is found liable.
How an Attorney Can Help
Garage door spring accident claims often involve complex mechanical evaluations, multiple parties, and conflicting insurance interests. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the spring failure
- Retain mechanical and safety experts
- Identify all liable parties
- Handle insurance negotiations
- File legal claims and represent you in court
- Maximize the compensation you receive
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge fees unless they recover compensation for you.
Preventing Spring Accidents
Preventing future accidents starts with regular maintenance and professional oversight:
- Have garage doors inspected annually by certified technicians
- Replace springs proactively after 7–10 years or at the end of their cycle life
- Never attempt DIY spring repairs or installations
- Ensure safety cables are installed on all extension springs
- Watch for signs of wear such as squeaking, jerky movement, or imbalance
Educating family members, tenants, or employees on proper garage door use can also reduce the risk of injury.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
