Escalators are often used in everyday life to enable individuals to move effortlessly between different levels in a building. They may be found in malls, medical facilities, airports, hotels, residential buildings, etc. Most individuals never even consider potential dangers before taking an escalator. But if broken or poorly maintained, escalators can cause slip-and-fall incidents.
According to information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, accidents involving elevators and escalators result in roughly 30 fatalities and 17,000 severe injuries annually in the United States.
Here’s how escalators can cause slip-and-fall accidents.
Causes Behind Slip-And-Fall Accidents from Escalators
Many incidents can cause a slip-and-fall accident to occur when on an escalator. Here are the most common ones:
- Scarves, bags, loose clothing, shoelaces, and long skirts are the common things that can get stuck between the escalator’s steps, causing the individual to lose balance and fall.
- If the escalator’s steps are wet or slippery due to weather conditions or a leak, there are higher chances of falling and sustaining severe injuries.
- In some cases, the steps of the escalator can be uneven. They might not be properly aligned, be damaged, or have an uneven surface that can cause the individual to slip and fall. It can result in multiple injuries.
- Handrails are essential as they help protect you from falling or slipping. A lack of or damaged handrails can cause the individual to lose balance and stability and become a victim of a slip-and-fall accident.
- Children often misuse these escalators, running and sitting on them for fun. It is unsafe, and this behavior can cause them to engage in a severe slip-and-fall accident. Often these users get injured due to their actions.
- Even though escalators are designed to move smoothly, sometimes system errors can result in abrupt stops or changes in direction. These mechanical and maintenance issues can catch users off guard and lead to a slip-and-fall accident.
Accidents Slip and Fall Accidents: Who Is at Fault?
The owner of the property (mall, medical facility, airports, hotels, residential, and buildings) may be held accountable for violating safety standards if someone slips and falls on an escalator. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their escalators’ safety to provide a safe atmosphere for guests. Escalators must be frequently examined, and any safety issues must be resolved immediately.
Depending on what caused the escalator accident, the sufferer may be entitled to compensation from more than just the company or building owner. Other parties that might be in charge include:
Repairs and Upkeep Firms
The person in charge of keeping the escalator in good shape may be held accountable if it was in poor condition when the harm occurred.
Inspectors
A safety inspector or his company may be held liable if someone was hurt as a result of a problem that they failed to find or fix.
Suppliers of Components or Equipment
The manufacturer might be held accountable if a mechanical component flaw had a role in the escalator disaster.
Hire a Slip and Fall Attorney from Bourassa Law to Guide to Assist You With the Case
While everyone who’s a party to a slip-and-fall lawsuit requires a lawyer, the victim needs the legal professional the most as they carry the burden of proof.
If you have been injured in an escalator slip and fall accident in Nevada, hire an experienced attorney from The Bourassa Law for the best advice and legal representation.
Whether you’re looking for an out-of-court settlement or want to file a court case, our slip-and-fall lawyers in Nevada will help you at every step.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
1-800-870-8910