Elevator Injuries, Escalator Injuries

Personal Injury Lawsuits

According to the U.S. Bureau of the Labor Statistics and Consumer Product Safety Commission, 17,000 people suffer injuries on elevators and escalators. Approximately, 30 people die every year from poorly maintained elevators and escalators.

Being trapped in an elevator causes loss of oxygen and asphyxiation. People may fall as a result of an open elevator shaft. Mechanical problems may cause the elevator to dangle, lurch, or crash down the elevator shaft at uncontrollable speeds. Faulty electrical systems result in electrocution.

Escalators are no safer. The majority of injuries are children and the elderly. Falls and entrapments are the two causes. Hands and legs are the most injured body parts. The most frequent cause of injury was a slip, trip, or fall resulting in a bruise or contusion. Older adults, especially those with mobility, balance, or vision problems, should use caution while riding an escalator especially when stepping on or off. They should not try to walk up or down a moving escalator, carry large objects, or wear loose shoes or clothing. Older adults who have difficulty walking or maintaining balance should use elevators rather than escalators.

Children have been known to be entrapped by their cute plastic shoes like Crocs or imitation Crocs. Safety experts say that if escalators were properly designed and met all the standards, these plastic shoes would not be an issue. Tennis shoes have also been sucked into an escalator causing a small child to lose some toes.

Adults who fall on escalators do so by misjudging steps, becoming distracted, losing their balance, or tripping. When anyone falls, they may have a head injury. Entrapment may result in amputations and severe injuries.

Unlike a car or bicycle, people take for granted this vertical transportation and don't usually think about the dangers.

Elevators and escalators are considered common carriers. Common carriers are responsible for the safety of the human cargo it carries. Third parties who inspect and maintain common carriers are also held responsible. Common carriers are state regulated which is responsible for evidence as to when the escalator or elevator was inspected and serviced.

If you or a loved one has been injured while riding an elevator or escalator in Ohio or Pennsylvania, you could be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. Find out what your legal rights are.