The world is progressing every day, especially in terms of technology. People no longer have to climb stairs and exhaust themselves because they can always use the escalators. Escalators help people move from one floor to the other safely and quickly, but the safety factor may be compromised when the property owner does not fulfill their maintenance obligations.
You might be entitled to damages if you were hurt in an escalator accident. If you were an invitee or a licensee on the property, you were hurt, and the property owner had the duty to provide you with safe premises. Since they failed to do so (repairing the escalator), you deserve compensation. Speak to an attorney today to find answers to your questions about personal injury.
Which parties can be held liable for an escalator accident?
No two escalator accidents are the same, and each of them is unique. Such accidents can happen due to varying reasons, which is why there are many potentially liable parties.
- Escalator manufacturer: They may be liable if the machinery has a design defect.
- Building owners: They are responsible for maintaining safe premises, and failing to do so results in liability for anyone’s injuries.
- Maintenance company: Escalators should be adequately maintained to function properly. If the maintenance company is negligent, it may be accountable for the injuries that occur.
- Management company: If the property owner had hired a management company for the building, liability might fall on them for not repairing the defects promptly.
- Security company: The security company may also be liable if they were aware of the hazardous condition and failed to shut it down to prevent public use.
Which damages can you recover in an escalator accident?
Escalator accidents can cause severe injuries that may impact your life forever, or at least for a long time. The changes in the functioning of your body may prevent you from living the life you lived before the accident took place. Apart from medical bills, there are various other damages, such as lost wages.
Additionally, since your functionality will be limited, you will require in-home help to do your household chores. Moreover, there are non-economic damages, which are awarded for the psychological damages caused. For example, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, pain, and suffering, etc.
Escalator accidents are complex, and since so many parties are involved, it is difficult to determine who the liable party is. If you or a family member has been in an escalator accident, contact an attorney today.
