At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of escalator accidents throughout California. If at some point you are injured in an accident involving an escalator that you know was caused by another party’s negligence, we will work to hold them accountable for the harm that they have caused you. You should never have to worry about how you will afford to get back on your feet financially after an accident that is not your fault. Please contact us today for more information on your claim, as well as a no-obligation case review to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident Involving an Escalator?
At some point in your life, you will likely come into contact with an escalator at work, while shopping, or visiting a public arena or building. If you have been injured in an accident involving an escalator, you may wonder if you should have a legal advocate on your side to assist you with a personal injury claim.
If your injuries are minor and you have minimal property damage, you will likely not need to turn to the assistance of an attorney after an escalator accident. However, if you have suffered from serious and even long-lasting injuries, it is likely that you will need the assistance of an attorney on your side. At Maison Law, we will provide you with the resources and knowledge needed to help you successfully navigate the complex California legal system.
What Causes California Escalator Accidents?
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), approximately 10,000 injuries and emergency department visits result from escalator accidents in the U.S. You typically board an escalator without even thinking about it, with just your destination in mind. However, there are many dangers associated with escalators.
Some of the most common causes of escalator accidents include the following:
- Escalator malfunctions causing somebody to fall
- Lack of or inadequate maintenance on an escalator
- Electrocutions
- Excessive acceleration or deceleration
- Lack of warning notices when there is an issue with the escalator
- Shoes or clothing becoming caught in an escalator’s moving parts
- Falling over the handrails on the escalator
In any accident involving an escalator, a traumatic fall could occur within seconds. Many serious injuries result from these accidents, from broken bones and spinal cord injuries to brain injuries and amputated limbs. Moving forward with the help of a trusted attorney is the best way to protect your rights after an escalator accident.
Who is Responsible for an Escalator Accident?
In many cases, the property owner where an escalator accident occurred will be responsible for the accident. Property owners are supposed to do whatever is necessary to keep visitors on their property safe from harm. This means properly maintaining an escalator and making sure that it is in working order every day so accidents do not happen. Unfortunately, property owners may do everything that is legally required of them and an escalator accident may still occur. In these cases, another party could be held accountable for the accident.
Some other parties who could be named in a lawsuit involving an escalator accident include:
- Manufacturer of an escalator
- Installer of the escalator
- A maintenance company
There are many cases where an escalator is installed improperly or a manufacturer produces an escalator with a defect. In these cases, an accident could take place that was out of the property owner’s hands. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine who is liable in your case so that all parties are named in your lawsuit.
What Damages Are Recoverable After a California Escalator Accident?
With the help of your attorney, you can fight to recover a wide array of damages following an escalator accident that led to life-altering injuries. The economic and non-economic damages that may be available to you following an accident include the following:
- Medical expenses and those you expect to incur
- Therapy-related costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if a life was lost in an escalator accident
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident taking place. Speaking with a lawyer can ensure that you do not miss out on any deadlines in your case.
Contact a California Escalator Injury Lawyer Today
Filing a premises liability claim against a property owner or another responsible party is not always easy to do. It can take a lot of work to determine who is liable and build your claim from the ground up, gathering useful evidence along the way. Our California premises liability lawyers at Maison Law are here to help you protect your rights following an escalator accident. We do not get paid until we help you win your claim. Please contact us today for a free consultation so that you can get started.
