Israeli Worker Trapped in Elevator Recognized as Victim of Workplace Accident

In March 2024, an Israeli woman experienced a distressing incident when she became trapped alone in an elevator at her workplace for over an hour. After swiping her card early in the morning, the elevator suddenly stopped, leaving her isolated and unable to call for immediate help due to poor phone reception. Represented by attorney Lidor Zwartz from Markman Tomshin & Co., the employee described entering a severe panic attack, fearing suffocation and feeling helpless. She managed to contact the building's security officer once she regained signal, who coordinated with the elevator company and emergency services. Firefighters eventually rescued her from the elevator.

Following the event, the woman suffered ongoing psychological effects including anxiety, claustrophobia, and impaired daily functioning, leading her to avoid elevators and seek psychiatric treatment. She filed a claim with the National Insurance Institute, which accepted the causal link between the elevator incident and her anxiety disorder, officially recognizing it as a workplace accident. This classification entitles her to medical care and legal benefits under Israeli labor law.

The National Insurance Institute confirmed the recognition of "anxiety" as a direct injury from the accident. Attorney Zwartz emphasized that such acute stress incidents can trigger serious mental health conditions. The employee is now scheduled for a medical committee evaluation to determine her disability percentage, which could qualify her for lifelong monthly compensation.