Escalators are something most of us use fairly regularly, or even daily, so we seldom imagine anything bad ever happening on one. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, as escalator accidents do happen. That said, if you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, you’re most likely wondering what steps you should take to satisfy the burden of proof in a personal injury claim. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned New York City personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about these accidents and how we can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How can an escalator accident occur?
Escalator accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes of escalator accidents that we see are as follows:
- Mechanical malfunctions or equipment failure
- Defective or faulty escalator components
- Lack of regular maintenance and inspection
- Inadequate or improper repairs
- Slippery or uneven steps and handrails
- Inadequate lighting and visibility issues
- Improper or inadequate warning signs
- Clothing, shoes, or personal belongings getting caught in the escalator
- Entrapment due to gaps between steps and sidewalls
- Improper use or misuse of escalators
- Failure to follow safety guidelines and rules
- Overcrowding or exceeding weight limits
- Children or unattended individuals playing or tampering with escalators
- Intoxication or impaired judgment
- Negligent supervision by escalator operators or staff
- Failure to respond promptly to escalator emergencies
- Inadequate training of escalator operators and maintenance personnel
- Electric shock or electrocution due to faulty wiring or electrical issues
- Sudden stops or unexpected changes in speed
- Insufficient or malfunctioning emergency stop buttons or emergency response systems
What steps should I take if I’m injured in such an accident?
After an escalator accident, you should do what you can to seek medical treatment and document exactly how the accident happened. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have a valid product liability or a premises liability claim. To best document your accident, you should try and take the following steps:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical services to be sent to the scene of the accident.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information, as they may corroborate your claim at a later date.
- Take pictures or videos of the accident/cause of the accident and its aftermath.
- Keep copies of all medical documentation associated with your injuries.
- Hire a competent personal injury lawyer who can work to recover surveillance footage of the incident, if it exists, and overall fight for the compensation you need to heal.
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 866-886-0892 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.
