Escalator and Elevator Accidents

Most people ride escalators and elevators without a second thought about the risks involved. These accidents are rare, but they can be devastating. Elevator and escalator accidents can cause permanent injury, disability, or death. Property owners are liable for injuries caused by a lack of proper maintenance. Injury victims can recover compensation in a premises liability lawsuit.

Personal injury laws can vary depending on where you live. For more information about elevator accident claims, talk to a local premises liability attorney.

Elevator Injury and Premises Liability Cases

Inadequate maintenance and a failure to follow safety measures cause most elevator accidents. Elevators and escalators have many back-up security features that limit the risk of danger for riders. When elevators malfunction, it’s often because property owners fail to get the necessary maintenance.

Escalator injury victims can file a premises liability claim against the property owner. Property managers are liable for negligent elevator maintenance. They have a duty of care to visitors to make sure their property is safe and free of dangerous conditions. The property owner’s duty includes proper maintenance of escalators, elevators, and other equipment.

Common Causes of Escalator and Elevator Accidents

Elevator and escalator accidents can cause minor to severe injuries. Some elevator accidents are fatal. Types of injuries include traumatic brain injury, back injury, and slip and fall injuries. Common types of elevator and escalator accidents include:

• Sudden stops on an escalator causing a fall accident
• Trapped in an elevator
• Fall down an elevator shaft
• Struck by a falling elevator
• Crushed by elevator doors
• Electrocution from faulty wiring
• Clothing caught in escalator teeth
• Fall because of slippery handrails

Regular maintenance and inspection should avoid most serious injuries. States and cities may require regular elevator inspections. Office building managers also have a duty to inspect elevators after safety complaints.

Responsibility for Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Generally, responsibility for elevator and escalator accidents falls on the property owner. But other responsible parties can share in liability for elevator accidents, including:

• Building owner
• Property manager
• Elevator manufacturer
• Elevator maintenance company

When your elevator accident lawyer files a premises liability lawsuit, they may name multiple defendants. At the beginning of a lawsuit, you don’t know who is to blame. Over the course of discovery, you’ll find out who was responsible and their share of liability. This is common in personal injury claims.

Elevator and escalator accidents can also involve product liability claims. In a product liability lawsuit, you can file a claim against the elevator manufacturer for product defects. Defective elevator parts can include design defects and manufacturing defects. A claim can also be based on a failure to warn users of the risks.

Types of Damages You Can Claim for Elevator Accident Injuries

In a premises liability lawsuit, you try to recover fair compensation for your injuries. Compensation includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages in a premises liability claim include:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Loss of earning potential
• Continuing medical treatment

You can also get non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. To find out what kind of damages you can get after an escalator accident, talk to your personal injury attorney for legal advice.

Steps To Take After an Elevator Accident

After an elevator or escalator accident, get medical attention. Many accident victims don’t go to the doctor because they think they just suffered bumps and bruises. But head, neck, and back injuries can be tricky. Symptoms can take hours or days to develop. Getting medical attention can reduce your risk of permanent injury.

Gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Take pictures or videos of the elevator or escalator after the accident. This could provide important evidence to support your premises liability claim. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. They can provide witness testimony about what happened during the accident.

Your next step should be to find out about your legal rights. Contact an experienced premises liability lawyer for a case evaluation. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Most also work on a contingency agreement, so you won’t pay anything unless they win your case. Talk to a lawyer to understand your legal options, the legal process, and how much you can get in compensation.

A Lawyer’s Role in Escalator and Elevator Accident Cases

An escalator accident attorney can represent you in a premises liability lawsuit. They can explain the claims process and let you know what to expect. Your lawyer can prepare you for any court hearings and depositions. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your settlement.

The property owner and their insurance company will have attorneys on their side. Having your own lawyer can make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact a premises liability lawyer for help with your elevator accident case.