How Common are Elevator and Escalator Injuries and Deaths?

Elevator and escalator injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. Minor scrapes and bruises can lead to more serious injuries such as fractures, lacerations, and even death. Most of these injuries occur due to improper use of the machinery, such as when someone is riding the escalator unsafely or when an elevator is overloaded with too many people. Other common causes of injuries include components that are malfunctioning or have not been appropriately maintained, design flaws, and inadequate safety features.

Injuries can be aggravated when consumers attempt to repair defective machinery rather than hire a professional. Because elevators and escalators move swiftly and need complete attention from passengers, distracted persons are more likely to be injured. Elevator and escalator manufacturers must fulfill specific safety criteria to safeguard users. Many states have regulations controlling the inspection and maintenance to assure elevator passengers’ safety.

Reasons Why Elevator and Escalator Injuries Occur

There are a variety of causes for incidents involving elevators and escalators, including: 

• A flaw in the design
• A manufacturing flaw
• Incorrect warnings/warning fault
• Improper installation, insufficient inspections, and poor upkeep
• Inadequate instruction for maintenance employees
• Mechanical or electrical failure, such as poor wiring that causes electrocution or entrapment
• Unexpected halts
• Unexpected changes in direction
• Sudden falls or drops
• Trip hazards as a result of uneven leveling
• Absence of fall protection
• Faulty handrails
• Too much space between escalator steps and sides might cause shoelaces or trouser legs to catch.
• Faulty or missing stairs that cause trips, slips, and falls
• Damaged or missing teeth on the escalator track, causing trips and falls.

Types of Elevator and Escalator Injuries 

Elevators and escalators are meant to make moving around easy, but unfortunately, accidents do happen, and these can lead to significant injury. Elevator and escalator injuries can range from minor to severe, including falls, entrapment, and more. Most common types of elevator and escalator injuries include:

• Falls: Falls from an elevator or escalator can be caused by uneven or torn floors, sudden stops, and other issues. Falls can result in broken bones, lacerations, and head injuries.
• Entrapment: Entrapments occur when someone gets stuck between the elevator car and the wall or between the escalator steps and the side rails. It can result in crushed or amputated limbs and other injuries.
• Electric Shock: Electrical shocks can occur when someone touches damaged electrical equipment or wiring. These can result in burns, heart problems, and other serious medical issues.
• Cuts and Bruises: Cuts and bruises can occur when someone trips or falls due to a malfunctioning elevator or escalator.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid Elevator and Escalator Injuries 

Preventing escalator and elevator injuries is important and requires proper safety measures. 

• Firstly, elevator and escalator operators should ensure that the elevators and escalators are properly maintained, inspected, and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Secondly, operators should ensure that the elevators and escalators are regularly inspected and tested to ensure they are safe and functioning correctly.

• Thirdly, operators should establish and implement a comprehensive safety program to ensure the safe operation of the equipment.

• Fourthly, operators should provide adequate training to all elevator and escalator personnel.

• Finally, operators should use caution when operating the elevator and escalator and always follow safety guidelines.

Legal Consequences of Elevator and Escalator Accidents 

Elevator and escalator accident can have serious legal repercussions, depending on the severity of the incident and the jurisdiction. In some cases, the responsible parties may face criminal penalties or civil lawsuits for the elevator or escalator-related incidents. Companies that manufacture, install, or maintain elevators and escalators may be held liable for damages caused by their products or services. Property owners who fail to maintain their units properly may be liable for any resulting injuries and fatalities. In cases of severe injury or death, the responsible parties may face criminal charges, such as manslaughter or even murder.

Victims of elevator and escalator accidents may be eligible to compensation in civil lawsuits for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering caused by the occurrence. Depending on the circumstances, the court may also order the responsible parties to pay punitive damages to punish and deter similar conduct in the future. Some jurisdictions may also award attorney’s fees and provide compensation for emotional distress.

In circumstances of significant damages or deaths occurred , the perpetrators may also face criminal penalties. Escalator and elevator accidents can be disastrous and have severe legal ramifications. Victims of such situations should consult an expert attorney to safeguard their rights.

How can Ariel Law Group Help?

The legal team you want on your side when you need an elevator accident attorney is Ariel Law Group. California has seen a lot of cases regarding premises liability handled by our team of skilled lawyers. In numerous different scenarios, we have assisted clients in obtaining compensation to cover costs associated with their medical care, physical rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Justice must be served to those who were hurt by someone else’s carelessness. We will battle to obtain you the money you need and deserve using our combined 30+ years of experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who is responsible for elevator mishaps?

This pertains to routine elevator repair and maintenance and safety inspections by trained experts. A building’s owner or lessee may be held legally accountable for any injuries sustained in an elevator accident on their premises if they neglected to maintain their elevators.

2. Which factor accounts for the majority of elevator deaths?

• Sudden drops or falls are the primary cause of most elevator accidents. 
• Mis-leveling. 
• The elevator doors’ safety strips are broken.

3. Can you file a lawsuit if the elevator is stuck?

If you legitimately sustained a bodily damage or emotional anguish, which typically indicates a major elevator malfunction, you may be able to file a lawsuit for being stranded.

4. Do I need to consider hiring and elevator accident attorney?

You deserve to receive the maximum amount of compensation to aid in your recovery from your accident if you sustained major injuries that have reduced your quality of life or capacity to work.

Get in touch with Ariel Law Group when you want an elevator accident attorney. To assist you in better understanding your options and to have any questions you may have answered, we provide complimentary consultations.