According to Consumer Watch, elevators in the U.S. make approximately 18 billion passenger trips each year, with escalators making a whipping 105 billion trips. This comes as no surprise considering how many of us use these devices from day to day. Also consider, however, how much potential there is for something to go wrong with so many trips. Elevator and escalator accidents, while not frequent occurrences, can lead to severe injury or death.
Causes of Elevator & Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents are usually linked to negligent maintenance or defective parts.
Causes of elevator accidents include:
- Elevator control defects
- Malfunctioning wiring
- Unbalanced leveling, causing a trip hazard
- Defective doors or open shafts, causing a fall hazard
- Malfunctioning or defective pulley system, causing an unexpected drop and crash
- Failure to complete regular maintenance and repairs
- Inspections, maintenance, and repairs completed by an unqualified person
Causes of escalator accidents include:
- Failure to complete or properly execute inspections, maintenance, or repairs
- Too much space between escalator steps and sides, causing shoelaces or clothing to become entrapped
- Missing or broken teeth on the escalator track, leading to trip and fall accidents
- Malfunctioning or defective equipment
- Missing or defective steps
- Poorly designed handrails
Seasoned Personal Injury Representation in Los Angeles
Premises liability law exists to protect the rights of people who become injured on another person’s property. Property owners have a duty to ensure that those who visit their property are kept safe, which means they have a responsibility to keep the premises free of any known hazards. Property owners can be held responsible for failing to properly maintain an elevator or escalator if an accident leading to injury or death occurs.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, we encourage you to seek legal counsel from the Biren Law Group. Our Los Angeles premises liability lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and are prepared to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. While you focus on healing, allow our seasoned team to handle the legal aspect on your behalf.
Consultations are provided free of charge when you call (310) 896-4345.