Most people do not fear for their safety when simply slowly riding up an escalator in a shopping mall or otherwise, however, there are times where defective escalators can lead to accidents. In fact, this happens more often than you may think. If you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Continue reading and speak with our New York City personal injury lawyer to learn more about escalator accidents and how our firm can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do most escalator accidents occur?
Escalator accidents can happen for a wide array of reasons, though they are generally a result of negligence, either on the part of the property owner for failing to ensure the escalator is routinely maintained/serviced, or on the part of the escalator manufacturer/designer. Some of the most common causes of escalator accidents that our firm sees are as follows:
- Loose screws, causing malfunctions
- Failure to maintain or service escalators
- Negligent product manufacturers, causing a safe blueprint to become unsafe
- Electrical malfunctions
- Flaws in the escalator’s design
- Missing comb plates
- Missing foot brushes
- Broken handrails
What should I do if I’m hurt in an escalator accident?
If you are injured in an escalator accident, it is imperative that you do what you can to document the facts surrounding the incident. This includes asking witnesses for their contact information, calling the police to the scene of the accident, ensuring that you receive immediate medical treatment, and taking pictures of the accident’s aftermath. You should also ensure that you retain the services of an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer who can gather and present all additional evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof in a future personal injury claim. For example, in many cases, we can uncover surveillance footage of the accident occurring, thereby proving that you were injured as a result of a defective escalator.
Ensure that you file your personal injury claim within the state’s statute of limitations, which is four years. Waiting any longer than four years from the date of your accident to pursue financial compensation will most likely result in you being permanently barred from suing. Our firm is ready to assist you today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
