Accidents can happen anywhere, even on an escalator. These machines can be very dangerous in the event that they are not taken care of properly. When this happens, accidents can happen that lead to serious injuries. This can include broken bones, crushed limbs, and severe brain damage. If you have been injured in an escalator accident, it is important to contact a skilled New York personal injury attorney for assistance.
What Causes Escalator Accidents?
With large, complicated machinery such as escalators, it is important that they meet the proper standard of care. This means that they are made and maintained up to par so that they do not malfunction and injure those who use them. There are two different parties that may be responsible for escalator accidents. One may be the manufacturers if they are negligent during production and mistakes are made. Another can be those who are required to do routine inspections and maintenance on the machine once it is installed. In the event that either of these parties fails to do their job, people who use escalators can become seriously injured as a result.
Common Types of Accidents
Escalators that are not properly taken care of can put many people in danger. Some common accidents can include but are not limited to the following:
- Between-step entrapments
- Gaps and spaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Missing steps
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
- Design flaws
- Finger entrapments
How Do I Recover Compensation?
Escalator accidents often result in serious physical, emotional, and financial burdens. It is because of this that injured victims often pursue compensation as coverage for these damages. This coverage may exist for the following:
- Concussions
- Cuts and bruises
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
What is the Statute of Limitations?
It is important to not wait too long after an accident to pursue legal action for negligence. This is because there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline by which injured parties are required to meet in order to file a personal injury claim. If they fail to do so, they may lose their right to recover compensation. In the state of New York, the statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
