Escalators are a convenient means of getting between floors of buildings in department stores, malls, hotels, airports, train stations, office buildings, and hospitals. However, whenever they are not properly maintained and repaired, guests can suffer catastrophic injuries or death in an escalator accident. Even more tragically, children are often the victims and can suffer injuries that can affect the rest of their lives.
What Are the Main Causes of Escalator Accidents?
Property and business owners have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair any escalators in their buildings. This is especially important given the potentially dangerous piece of equipment that an escalator is. Slip and fall accidents are only one way that people can suffer injuries in an escalator accident. People can fall off the side of escalators and clothing or body parts can get caught in escalator parts—a common cause of the devastating injuries children suffer. Common reasons these accidents happen include:
- Missing or broken steps
- Loose, unstable, or broken escalator handrails
- Screws or other parts that are loose or missing
- Defective or missing escalator teeth
- Insufficient or lack of inspections, repairs, and general maintenance
- Improper installation of the escalator or parts
- Sudden stops or reversals in direction
- Defective parts
- Negligent design
Who Could Be Liable for Compensating You in an Escalator Accident?
The first negligent party that you want to turn to for compensation for your injuries is the business or property owner. However, other parties could have taken actions that contributed or caused your injuries on the escalator. You will need to pursue claims against them as well if you want to receive the full value of your claim. Possible additional liable parties include:
- Maintenance and inspection companies responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the escalator
- Management company hired by the property or business owner to be responsible for repairs and maintenance of the building—including the escalator
- Equipment and parts manufacturer if a defective part was the cause of the accident
- Engineer or construction contractor responsible for the design of the escalator if it was not designed properly
Did you or a family member suffer an injury in an escalator accident? You need the assistance of an experienced premises liability attorney to prove the liable parties’ negligence. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation to learn why our skilled and compassionate premises liability legal team is the right choice for you.
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