NYC Personal Injury Lawyer » Brooklyn Premises Liability Lawyer » Escalator Accidents

Escalator Accidents

Using an escalator may not appear to be dangerous. In reality, an escalator is a large and complex machine and when a system fails, can cause very serious injuries.

If you have been injured in an escalator accident, call (718) 802-1600. The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers offers a free case evaluation.

Why Choose Us

At the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers, our goal is to provide aggressive and effective legal representation in personal injury cases of all types, including escalator accident injury cases.

• Our Brooklyn legal team has over 20 years of experience handling cases involving escalator-related injuries.
• With substantial trial experience, founding partner Jay Knispel will not settle your case for less than you deserve.
• We handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on your health and wellbeing after your accident.
• We take all cases on a contingency fee basis – you owe no fees unless we win.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Escalators that have not been properly installed or maintained pose a risk of causing serious injuries to the general public. If you have been injured in an escalator accident, our experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorneys can help you:

• Investigate the accident and preserve all evidence.
• Investigate the property owner’s installation and maintenance of the escalator and obtain related records.
• File an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek maximum possible compensation.
• Fight for your right to full compensation for your injuries.

Types of Escalator Defects

Escalators are universally popular, and often the main method for moving from one floor to the next. In malls, stadiums, and public transportation, escalators are far more ubiquitous than stairs or elevators.

New York City has an estimated 70,000 elevators and escalators. A range of mechanical defects can cause serious injuries to escalator users, including:

• Design flaws
• Disproportionate gaps between steps
• Unexpectedly reversing direction
• Rapidly changing speeds
• Escalator fails to stop moving after an object or body part becomes stuck
• Sudden stops leading to falls

Escalator Accident Injuries in Brooklyn

An article published by the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine reveals that an estimated 10,000 escalator accidents are reported in the United States each year.

According to the study, the majority of these injuries require medical care. Common escalator accident injuries include:

• Loss of fingers and toes
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones caused by slipping and falling
• Head injuries
• Brain injuries

Who is Liable?

Property owners are responsible for ensuring the escalators on their property are functioning correctly, well-maintained, and safe.

Escalators must be adjusted, worn parts replaced, and correctly maintained so that clothing, body parts, or other objects do not get caught in between stairs and on the sides or landings.

Property owners or managers must ensure that all mechanical parts of escalators are functioning as intended.

New York City building codes specify that property owners must pass inspection upon installation of the escalator and have it periodically inspected to ensure it passes safety standards.

If the property owner has been negligent in their duty to provide a safe escalator to move people up and down floors, they may be held liable for any injuries resulting from negligence.

Contact a Brooklyn, NY Premises Liability Lawyer

Call the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers today and speak with a lawyer experienced in handling escalator-related injury cases for a free consultation.