Elevator and Escalator Injuries

For many of us, elevators and/or escalators are a part of our daily lives. For some, riding an elevator is just a part of our commute to work, and yet we never realize how many accidents cause elevator and escalator injuries. It is the responsibility of each and every property owner to make sure that their guest, employees, and customers are safe while visiting their property. This includes maintaining the property to help prevent elevator and escalator accidents.

If you or someone you love has sustained an elevator or escalator injury, the personal injury attorneys at Burns & Jain can help you receive compensation for time loss from work, medical bills, and more.

Regulations to Protect Against Elevator and Escalator Injuries

In the state of Massachusetts, there are thousands of elevators and escalators which run in both public and private locations all throughout the day and night. The law requires that they are inspected to make sure that they meet all of the requirements for safety, as well as state regulations on design. Even with these precautions in place, there are hundreds of people who sustain elevator and escalator injuries each year in the state. But how can you know if the property owner is liable for your injuries?

Frequently, the answer to this question will involve an expert. An expert would be needed to prove a design defect. In addition, the answer may mean talking to witnesses at the scene. Furthermore, witnesses who regularly use an elevator or escalator can report on the breakdown history. Records are kept of repairs. An experienced personal injury lawyer will subpoena those records and review them for elements to prove negligence.

Is a Property Owner Liable in Your Elevator and Escalator Injuries?

Our lawyers can help you to determine whether or not you should file a personal injury case. If your elevator and escalator injury was caused due to poor maintenance, defective design, or inadequate inspection, you could be compensated for your injuries. Some of the common causes of accidents on an escalator are:

• Soft shoes becoming trapped
• Poor maintenance
• Improper installation of the escalator
• Sudden stops
• Loose parts, or parts that are missing

In elevators, some of the most common causes of injury are:

• Poor maintenance
• Design flaws
• Sudden dropping of the car
• Defective safety strips on the door
• Door working improperly
• Car landing between floors

Elevator or Escalator Repairmen Causing Injuries

Often the elevator or escalator repair personal are negligent, causing injuries to others. For example, in one case they failed to set a warning and a client tripped over parts. In another case, they moved the elevator and told the client it was ok to get off when the elevator was a foot above the ground. In both instances it was clear negligence by the repair workers.

If you have found yourself to be the victim of an accident which caused elevator and escalator injuries, your first step should be to receive medical attention. Next, it is important to make sure that the property owner is immediately notified of the accident. A good personal injury lawyer or premise liability attorney can help you to determine whether or not you should file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

The attorneys at Burns & Jain have handled many of these cases, and have the experience needed to represent you and your family.   We have a remarkable track record of success in helping our clients get full and fair monetary compensation from the premises owners and their insurance companies for their injuries. We may be able to help you too. Call us today to discuss your situation. As always, the initial consultation is free.