If you’ve been injured or killed in an elevator or escalator accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. These accidents are often the result of faulty equipment, design, or assembly. Building owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their property in a safe manner. They should make sure to inspect elevators and escalators on a regular basis and promptly repair any malfunctions.
Your first step toward obtaining compensation is to identify the responsible party. In some cases, the negligent party could be the building owner or the elevator company. However, in others, the manufacturer of the elevator may be at fault. You should always retain an attorney when filing an elevator or escalator accident lawsuit.
Your attorney will investigate the cause of the accident. If the malfunction was caused by a faulty part, the manufacturer or building owner may be held liable. A building owner can also be held liable if he failed to make necessary inspections or did not report qualifying incidents to the regulatory authority.
An escalator or elevator accident can cost you time, money, and limbs. Depending on where you live and what type of property you live in, you could be entitled to premises liability compensation. This could include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
While you might not know what caused an escalator or elevator accident, an experienced injury lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation and prove that the responsible party is at fault. The injured party could be the property owner, elevator manufacturer, or maintenance company. There are many types of elevator and escalator accidents, and you might have multiple claims if you were hurt.
A fall on an elevator or escalator can cause serious injuries or even death. Even a small misalignment can create a tripping hazard. Most building codes require that an escalator and a landing be at least 1.25 inches apart.
A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and make sure you receive maximum compensation. These attorneys have helped victims in elevator and escalator accidents for nearly three decades. They have offices in Howard Beach, Queens, and Yonkers, and represent clients all over New York City.
If you are injured due to an escalator or elevator accident, it is important to document the accident scene as much as possible. Photographs or videos of the equipment can help you determine whether or not there was a defect. You can also preserve any damaged clothing or personal property. You should also contact the building management company to notify them of the accident.
Accidents on elevators or escalators are often caused by surface defects, including faulty handrails and carpets. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 10,000 Americans suffer injuries due to elevator and escalator malfunctions each year. The number of deaths from elevator and escalator accidents has been steadily rising since 1990. However, manufacturers only send out certified letters to owners, so most of the public is not made aware of potentially dangerous elevators until after they have been injured.
