Actually I got trapped in an elevator in SF for four hours. It was in an express elevator shaft so there was no way out (not that I would consider moving between a car and a floor as the car could always begin moving again).
There were three other people on the car: a swish, a lady, and the state elevator inspector! After assuring us we would be “saved” in short order, it never happened because: no one paid any attention to the alarm and attention to the control board at the security station and the emergency phone was inoperable. Fortunately someone heard our yelling and help was sent.
After my complaint letter to the elevator company was received, I had an offer to settle. I was not seeking money as I was “on the clock”. Their representative said pick a charity and we will send a check after you do a release. They sent off a K to my choice. I asked how much could I have pushed for and the guy said five figures would not have been out of reach as the elevator companies want no bad pub.
“Actually I got trapped in an elevator in SF for four hours. “
That is a horribly long time. I’d have had to use the ladies’.
It would not have been nice.