There are about 18 escalator accidents for every elevator accident that occurs in the U.S., even though there are more than 25 times as many elevators than escalators. Falls are the most common types of escalator accident, but entrapment also causes severe injuries, such as amputation and can cause strangulation. Escalator injuries are on the rise, but they can be prevented. Poor design and poorly maintained escalators are often the cause of these terrible and fatal injuries.
Escalator Malfunction
The majority of escalator deaths and more than 75% of escalator injuries requiring treatment in the hospital are the result of falls. Escalator malfunctions that can cause falls include:
- Abrupt stop
- Sudden acceleration
- Reversing direction
All of the above malfunctions can cause multiple people to fall and pile up, causing very serious injuries and death.
Escalator Entrapment
Entrapment can result in amputations, strangulation, and other injuries. Children are the most likely to lose finger, toes, hands or feet in entrapment accidents. Adults can suffer serious or fatal injuries when hair or clothing gets caught and pulled into the escalator. The most common types of escalator entrapment are:
- Entrapment between escalator steps and sidewall
- Entrapment between two steps
- Entrapment between steps and comb plate
Getting Help
If you or your child has been injured in an escalator accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries and losses. Each case is unique, and you need an experienced escalator accident attorney to thoroughly investigate and determine who can be held responsible in your case.
Escalators can cause injuries for many reasons including:
- Escalators that are old and in disrepair
- Inadequate maintenance
- Defective escalator
- Lack of warnings
- Gap between steps and sidewall too large
- Gaps between adjacent steps
- Broken comb plate teeth
- Defective design
- Missing or faulty deflector brush
- Missing or faulty comb plate impact switch
Your attorney will look for information that further supports your case such as a history of accidents on the escalator where your accident occurred or on properties with the same owner. A history of accidents involving the model of escalator you were injured by can indicate faulty design.
Examples of those who may liable for your escalator injuries include:
- Property owner
- Business owner
- Property manager
- Third party contracted to repair or maintain escalator
- Escalator installer
- Escalator or parts maker
- Escalator or parts seller
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an escalator accident, please browse our directory to find an experienced escalator accident attorney in your area right away.
