Escalator Accidents

Escalators or ‘moving staircase’ as they are sometimes referred to, assist in conveying people from one destination to another. Whether you’re moving between floors in an office building or mall or trying to get that airport or transit terminal, escalators are found all over the world and there primary function is to assist in moving pedestrian traffic.

However, as with elevator accidents, Escalator accidents also regularly occur, despite explicit mandated regulations governing installation, inspection and maintenance requirements. Escalator injuries usually involves: falls, entrapments of either clothes or shoes or getting caught in that space between the escalator and the wall. Whatever the determining factor most escalator accidents occur due to mechanical failure, while others are due to the simple disregard for the safety precautions that should be employed when riding an escalator.

Currently there are approximately over 30,000 escalators in use nationally; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has concluded that 50% of escalator accidents are side entrapments that involve children under the age of 5 years. More recently, it was also reported that an increase in escalator injuries were caused with children wearing certain footwear like flip-flops and the brand known as Crocs™. This particular type footwear with its ‘soft material’ in combination with small feet of children get ‘chomped up’ in the escalator teeth. Manufacturers of this particular footwear faced a number of lawsuits, for escalator-related injuries, thus leading the companies to include special safety notation/tags on its shoes. Some experts also noted that shoelaces, long jeans, and long hair have also been known to get caught and one must always exercise caution when using an escalator.

Over the years safety features have been developed especially in newer model escalators. These have included anti-slide devices, deflector brushes, emergency stop buttons, extended handrails and flat steps to name but a few.

Additional safety measures according to the CPSC that escalator riders should always be mindful of when riding an escalator includes:
  • Being aware off loose shoe laces, scarves, drawstrings and mittens as these can easily be caught in escalators
  • Always hold the hands of children and do not permit them to sit or play on the steps while riding an escalator
  • Do not bring children on escalator in strollers or walkers or carts
  • Always face forward when riding the escalator and always hold onto the handrails
  • Avoid the edges of the steps where entrapments usually occur
  • Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator
Escalator accidents usually result in horrendous injuries including skin loss, muscle damage, even loss of limbs. These accidents can also potentially be fatal and someone must be held liable, whether it is the manufacturer, the servicing company or the property owner of the building where the escalator is.

The New York Premises Liability Attorneys’ at the Law Office of Aleksandr Vakarev Esq., have been successfully litigating cases for victims of escalator accidents.

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for:
  • Medical & Hospitalization Bills
  • Cost of Medication
  • Specialized Testing due to Injury
  • Doctors’ follow-up visits
  • Property Damages
  • Loss of Earnings
  • Future Loss of Earnings
  • Emotional Pain & Suffering
With the help of a dedicated New York Premises Liability Attorney at the Law Office ofAleksandr Vakarev Esq., we will determine whether your personal injury case has merit.

WE WILL DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF YOUR ENTITLED COMPENSATION
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis so you only pay a fee if we recover money for you. Contact our experienced Attorneys today at the Law Office ofAleksandr Vakarev Esq., for a free consultation at 718-839-6885.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!!!


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