If you have been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These accidents can occur due to defective mechanisms or insufficient maintenance. A New York elevator or escalator accident lawyer can help you determine the responsible party and pursue compensation on your behalf. A successful claim involves determining the exact cause of the accident and proving that the person or company is liable for the injury or death.
First, you must prove that the elevator or escalator malfunctioned. The liable party should have known that the escalator or elevator needed maintenance and failed to install safety equipment. If these factors are present, the liable party must compensate the accident victim. This compensation may come from a workers’ compensation claim or a product liability lawsuit. A knowledgeable New York City elevator accident lawyer can help you determine which method of compensation will be most beneficial for you.
The elevator or escalator door should be inspected twice a year for safety. Also, the elevator should close at a slow pace. Otherwise, people could rush to enter the elevator and risk being hit by the door. The door’s sensors don’t have enough time to respond. In addition, escalators in motion pose a significant risk for individuals. They can cause serious injuries, including fatalities.
Besides the physical pain that the accident causes, you can also get financial compensation for your losses and medical bills. If the accident was the fault of another party, you can also file a claim with the building owner, management company, or lessee. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer because insurance companies are concerned with their bottom line, and will try to minimize the compensation you receive.
Accidents caused by escalators and elevators can be extremely serious and potentially life-threatening. Every year, over 10,000 people suffer injuries and 30 people die from elevator defects in the U.S., according to the CDC. The rate of injuries and fatalities related to escalators has been on the rise since 1990.
You may have a premises liability claim if you were injured in an elevator or escalator accident. This type of lawsuit holds the property owner responsible for any lapses in safety and maintenance. If the property owner or maintenance company was aware of the dangerous condition, he or she may be held liable for the injuries.
While many people don’t think about escalator or elevator accidents, the reality is that these accidents can be very serious. Injuries sustained on escalators or elevators can result in serious physical or mental injuries. The common carrier rule requires operators to take extra safety precautions to avoid accidents.