People who experience a trip and fall on an escalator may get severely injured. While there are fewer escalators compared to elevators in the US, escalator accidents are 15 times more likely to occur. Close to 10,000 escalator-related injuries are reported annually to the emergency department. These may not only lead to physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial burdens. While this happens, the victims may be eligible for compensation depending on the cause of the accident.
Common Causes of Escalator Accidents
Escalators are complex machines with multiple moving parts, and associated accidents can happen in the following ways:
Mechanical Failures: This includes sudden stops, abrupt changes in speed, or reversals in direction. Such unexpected movements can cause passengers to lose their balance, trip over, and fall.
Missing or Defective Parts: Loose or missing screws, bolts, or panels can create uneven surfaces or gaps, causing passengers to trip and fall.
Design Issues: Design flaws are another common cause of escalator accidents. Many manufacturers follow their own safety regulations or simply overlook design defects and endanger the passengers’ lives.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with loose soles or high heels can increase the risk of tripping or getting a foot caught in the escalator.
Large Items: Carrying large or bulky items can affect an individual’s balance and the ability to hold onto the handrails, resulting in falls.
Overcrowding: Escalators are often crowded, and careless behaviors like not holding the handrails, carrying large items, or wearing inappropriate footwear can contribute to accidents. There is an increased risk of bumping into others, leading to a chain reaction of falls.
Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the safe operation of escalators. Failure to conduct proper upkeep can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
Who Is Liable In An Escalator Accident?
Determining liability in escalator trip and fall accidents can be complicated. It may involve multiple parties and different sides to a situation. Ultimately, the cause of the accident and the attorney’s expertise helps establish who is at fault.
Property Owner or Manager: The owner or operator of the premises where the escalator is located must ensure that the escalator is adequately maintained and safe for use. Failure to do so may result in them being held liable for escalator accidents.
Equipment or Parts Manufacturer & Installer: The manufacturer or installer of the escalator may also be held liable if it is determined that the escalator was defectively designed or installed.
Safety Inspectors: If a safety inspector or their employee fails to identify equipment defects or repairs, and someone is injured due to that defect, they may be held liable.
Repair & Maintenance Company: If it is determined that the negligence of the maintenance company responsible for the upkeep of the escalator contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.
Injured In A Las Vegas Trip and Fall Escalator Accident?
Escalator injuries are at an all-time high in Las Vegas. These accidents can be catastrophic. If you are in a similar situation, you may be entitled to compensation. Please get in touch with the H&P Law escalator accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation. Call 702-598-4529 now.
