Escalators are necessary in many Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and high-rise buildings, and they normally work safely. But sometimes accidents happen, and if you’ve been injured, you may have a challenging time ahead of you.
Not only will you need to deal with pain and a difficult recovery, but your injuries may prevent you from working or being there for those who depend on you. Our escalator accident lawyers in Las Vegas will work to hold the property or business owner accountable for your damages.
H&P Law has recovered more than $100 million for Nevada residents and visitors who were injured through no fault of their own. Courtroom proven. Client praised. Call now to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how our Las Vegas premises liability lawyers can help with your case.
Why Escalator Accidents Occur in Las Vegas
Escalators are common at airports, casinos, hospitals, and other commercial, public, and retail buildings. When they malfunction, they can cause accidents for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Missing or loose screws
- Missing or broken steps
- Missing teeth on the escalator’s track
- Too much space between the steps and escalator sides
Filing a claim often means taking on a powerful business and its legal team. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers will handle your claim and deal with insurers on your behalf. H&P Law will investigate the incident, assess your damages, and seek appropriate compensation.
Liability in Las Vegas Escalator Accidents
More than one party may be responsible for your escalator accident, and identifying each of them is key to seeking a fair recovery. Most Las Vegas escalator cases fall into one of two categories:
- A premises liability claim applies when a property owner, such as a Fashion Show Mall retailer or a hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, fails to maintain, inspect, or repair an escalator.
- A product liability claim applies when a design or manufacturing defect, like oversized gaps between steps, causes an injury.
At H&P Law, our escalator accident attorneys in Las Vegas will investigate maintenance records, inspection logs, and service contracts to pinpoint every at-fault party, so no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
Common Injuries in Las Vegas Escalator Accidents
Escalator accidents in high-traffic Las Vegas venues, including Harry Reid International Airport, Strip casinos, and busy hotel lobbies, can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Fractured bones from a fall on the steps or at the landing.
- Lacerations and crush injuries when a foot, hand, or clothing becomes trapped in the steps or side wall.
- Severed or amputated fingers and toes caught in the comb plate or step gaps.
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries from striking the metal steps or handrail.
Understanding the severity of your injury helps you value your claim accurately. A Las Vegas escalator accident attorney at H&P Law can connect your injuries to the responsible party and pursue full compensation for your medical care and other losses.
Compensation in an Escalator Accident Case
When an escalator accident derails your health and finances, the right claim can cover far more than your first hospital bill. A Las Vegas escalator accident lawyer will account for every loss your injury creates, both now and down the road. You may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses that include emergency care at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center or another hospital, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment for lasting escalator injuries.
- Lost wages for the time you missed at work while recovering, plus reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same job.
- Pain and suffering that reflects the physical discomfort and emotional toll of a crush injury, fracture, amputation, or another injury.
- Out-of-pocket costs such as medical equipment, in-home care, and travel to appointments.
The value of your claim depends on how your injury affects your daily life and long-term health. At H&P Law, we will calculate the full value of your losses so you do not settle for less than you deserve.
How to Respond to an Escalator Accident Settlement Offer
If you get injured in an accident on an escalator, the at-fault party or their insurance company may reach out to you with a settlement offer. Do not approve the settlement without first speaking to our legal team.
Many initial settlement offers are lowball proposals that fall well short of what your accident claim is really worth. Insurers know this, but they are hoping you don’t. If you accept, you generally waive your right to seek any further compensation for the accident.
When an insurer reaches out to you, refer them to us. Our team will deal with the insurers while you focus on healing. H&P Law will evaluate any incoming offers and make sure you are treated fairly. If the insurance company refuses to do the right thing, we will take your case to court.
How to Prove an Escalator Accident Claim in Las Vegas
Business owners are responsible for making sure their locations are safe for visitors. This applies to casinos along the Las Vegas Strip, small stores, and everything in between. Common types of evidence used in premises liability lawsuits include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Security videos
- Medical documents
- Witness statements
Expect the defendant in your lawsuit to gather evidence that they will try to use against you. Our Las Vegas escalator accident lawyers at H&P Law will push back and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.
When to File an Escalator Accident Lawsuit in Las Vegas
For a personal injury in Las Vegas, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit, per Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4)(e).
You should start pursuing your claim as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations to file your lawsuit could lapse, and you may lose your right to recover any compensation for your accident and injuries.
Our team at H&P Law will keep your claim on track and make sure you meet all important deadlines.
Talk to Our Escalator Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas
You should not have to worry about the safety of an escalator when you visit a Las Vegas hotel, casino, or another property. If you have been hurt, our team can help you seek the compensation you deserve from a negligent property owner.
Our escalator accident attorneys in Las Vegas work on a contingency basis. You won’t pay our legal fees upfront, and you only owe our fees once we get compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe our legal fees.
Our team at H&P Law has over six decades of combined legal experience, and we are ready to get to work on your case. Call now for your free consultation and tell us about your escalator accident.
