Elevator and Escalator Accidents – Helpful Tips to be Cautious in 2023
An elevator accident or escalator accident can cause numerous injuries.
Elevators and escalators have no doubt helped take stress off our legs and feet, providing convenience to get around multi-level structures at malls, sports venues, and more. When riding this equipment, you probably expect safety, but it’s not always the case.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that elevators and escalators injure about 17,000 people each year.
There are multiple factors that play into these injuries, including:
- The elevator or escalator could have a major flaw in its design that creates a hazard to the person riding.
- There could be missing signs required by law, or signs needed to warn of any defects.
- The machine may not have been set up properly, leading to a greater risk of malfunction. Maintenance for the elevator or escalator may not be kept up with. Furthermore, the people fixing the machine may not be properly trained, resulting in malfunctions due to human error.
- Faulty wiring can lead to mechanical issues that affect the machine’s ability to function properly.
- On an escalator, the handrail may stop, creating a defect for riders.
- An elevator door could unexpectedly close, leading to a trapped passenger
Common types of elevator accidents and escalator accidents include:
- Falling down an escalator
- Elevator collapsing
- Getting caught in or between elevator doors or parts
- Getting clothing items caught in or between escalator parts
Elevator accidents and escalator accidents can lead to serious injuries, including:
- Neck pain and injuries
- Back pain and injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Cuts
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
National Elevator Industry Inc (NEII) offers tips for safety:
In an elevator –
- Hold the handrail and stand next to the elevator wall
- Pay attention to any floor indications and announcements
- If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button
- Do not panic if the elevator stalls
- Be patient!
In an escalator –
- Keep loose clothing clear of the escalator sides
- Wear closed-toed and hard-soled shoes
- Stand in the middle, not the side
- Face forward while riding
- Keep a grip on the handrail
- Do not let children sit on the steps of the escalator
You should expect safety when using an elevator or escalator, and not have to suffer for the incompetence of poorly designed or maintained equipment. The Los Angeles elevator injury and escalator accident attorneys at C&B Law Group are here to help you after your accident. We work diligently to get you the maximum compensation possible. We can help you recover in areas such as:
- Current or future medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
If you or a loved one recently had an elevator or escalator accident, contact our LA attorneys now for a free consultation. We have years of experience building strong cases, and have a track record of recovering significant compensation for our clients to prove it.
