Escalator Accidents
Escalators are a convenient way to move between floors without waiting for an elevator or climbing up the stairs. But escalators can be a more frequent cause of injury than people think. It is estimated that 10,000 escalator accidents per year in the United States result in visits to the emergency room. Escalator accidents can result in significant injury and trauma and are frequently the result of someone’s negligence.
Types of Escalator Accidents
Escalator accidents that can cause serious injury can happen in a number of different ways including:
- Debris on the escalator
- Loose steps
- Broken railings
- Entrance or exit plates on the escalator that are not close enough to the steps
- Escalator stopping and starting suddenly which can lead riders to lose their balance and fall
- Defective design that makes it easy to get trapped when two steps fold together
Any of these conditions can lead to severe injuries including entrapment injuries, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and serious lacerations.
Product Liability
Sometimes the escalator is defectively manufactured or defectively designed. In these cases, the manufacturer of the escalator may be held liable for any injuries in a product liability claim. This is frequently the case with the escalator stairs are too close together, or there is too wide of a gap between the end of the escalator and the ground.
Premises Liability
Property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, and this includes a duty to ensure that escalators on their property are in safe, working condition. The safe operation of an escalator depends on regular and proper maintenance. When a property owner cuts costs on the upkeep of the escalator, there can be serious consequences. An improperly maintained escalator can make it more likely that accidents will occur.
If an escalator maintenance company failed to properly maintain the escalator or make appropriate repairs, it might also be held liable if an injury is caused by a broken elevator.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer near you. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.