Escalator Accidents On The Rise

Escalators are a staple throughout Las Vegas, whether in airports, hotels, malls, or casinos. While they are extremely useful and seemingly harmless, they can also cause accidents and serious injuries. In fact, far more escalator accidents take place every year than you may realize. Escalator accidents injury about 17,000 individuals every year in the U.S., and cause approximately 30 deaths annually, according to data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Whether they malfunction because they were not installed correctly, have not undergone inspection, or are old and improperly maintained, the risk of injury is greatly increased.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Escalator Accidents?

If you were injured in an accident involving an escalator or elevator, you should contact an experienced attorney right away. By hiring a lawyer, you have someone with the skills and resources necessary to investigate the accident and determine what happened. Some of the most common reasons for escalator and elevator accidents occur because of:

• A design defect
• A manufacturing defect
• Lack of appropriate warnings/warning defect
• Improper installation
• Inadequate inspections and maintenance
• Inadequate training for maintenance personnel
• Faulty wiring
• Mechanical/Electrical failure
• Sudden stops
• Sudden reversals
• Sudden drops or falls
• Tripping hazards
• Lack of fall protection
• Inadequate handrails

An escalator accident law firm in Las Vegas will find out who is at fault for your accident, and who is liable for compensating you for your injuries or loss.

Escalator Accident Injuries

The injuries you suffered in an escalator accident depend on the type of accident. Here are the most common injuries:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Contusions and lacerations
• Strains and sprains
• Fractures bones
• Crushed digits or limbs
• Entanglement involving clothing, shoelaces, hands, and feet
• Degloving a digit or limb
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Electric shock/electrocution

If you or your child suffered any type of injury in an escalator accident, do not hesitate to call an experienced and skilled lawyer. When your injuries or loss are the results of another person or business’s negligence, then you have the right to pursue compensation. However, you may not be sure of why the accident occurred and whether it was because of someone’s carelessness, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. It is best to call a Las Vegas escalator accident attorney to investigate the situation, analyze fault and liability, and explain your legal options.

Who’s At Fault In An Escalator Accident?

As mentioned, escalator accidents can occur in a variety of ways. The cause of the injury will help determine the liable parties and there may be multiple parties to blame for your accident and injuries, including:

• Your own negligence. Taking risks, traveling the wrong way on the escalator, or texting while riding can all result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, if you are to blame for your own accident and injuries it may be more difficult to collect money for your accident.
• Other rider’s negligence. Other escalator riders may cause accidents and injuries due to their own negligence. They may fall into you, push you down the escalator, or become distracted, resulting in an injury. If another person’s negligence was the cause of your accident, you may be able to file a claim against that person for damages. These types of accidents fall under the scope of personal injury law.
• Owner or operator. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the escalator according to code and ensure that all known hazards are addressed promptly. They also have a responsibility to warn customers of any hazards, such as wet or slippery surfaces, broken handrails, or out of order escalators. Depending on the nature of the accident, the property owner may be to blame for your accident. These types of accidents fall under the scope of premises liability law.
• Escalator manufacturer. Sometimes the escalator has a process, design, or manufacturing defect. When this occurs, the manufacturer can be held responsible for injuries their defective product has caused. This falls under the scope of product liability law and accident victims who believe that their injury was caused by a product defect that needs an experienced and skilled lawyer on their side immediately.

Depending on your accident and the circumstances surrounding your accident, the courts may impose strict liability on the owners of the property. This is important because if the courts define the escalator as a mode of public transportation, you only need to prove that the owner of the escalator was legally responsible for the accident. In this type of case, you do not have to prove negligence.

How to Pursue an Escalator Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, your first step should be to report the incident to the operator or manager on duty at the time. File an accident report and then seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Be sure to let your doctor know about your accident and the details surrounding your injury. If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene and any evidence that may help your case, including broken handrails, out-of-order escalators, wet spills, or defects. After you are treated by a medical professional, your next call should be to an experienced and skilled Las Vegas escalator accident attorney.

How Can A Cogburn Law Personal Injury Attorney Help?

A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who is experienced in property liability law can properly provide expert legal representation and take much of the weight off your shoulders in coping with an elevator or escalator accident, including:

• Understanding the evidence you need to make your case and how to gather it and properly present it in making a personal injury claim. 
• Having knowledge of industry practices and regulations. Knowing how to address different rules and laws that may hinder your claim and that will lead to you receiving the justice and compensation that the law provides.
• Taking care of going against the individual or corporation that hurt you, so that you and your family can concentrate on your health and well being;
• Helping you to deter the person or company that harmed you or a loved one from doing the same to others in the future.
• Enabling you to secure the compensation you are entitled to under the law for hospital expenses, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost income.

Las Vegas NV Escalator Accidents Attorney

Since 2005 we have represented those injured by the negligence of another. When someone hurts you because they were careless, it was not an “accident” and you are entitled to recover for your injuries. Request your free consultation with a Cogburn Law attorney at (702) 748-7777.

If you would like to learn more about the personal injury claims process, or you would like a guide on how to win your personal injury case, just add your email below. We will send you our top tips for absolutely free.

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