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Bronx Escalator Accident Lawyers

Escalators make our lives easier and help streamline the smooth flow of foot traffic. As with most machines in our daily lives, they blend into the background and we expect them to work as they’re intended. However, if they’re not well-maintained or used properly, dangerous accidents can happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an escalator accident, contact the Bronx escalator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm. We treat every client with care, and we have 40 years of experience that we take into litigation on your behalf. We are ready to help.

How Do Most Escalator Accidents Happen?

The continuous movement of escalators can make them incredibly dangerous. The machinery is constantly running, which can lead to severe accidents where body parts or personal items can get pulled into the machinery.

Some escalator accidents happen because of maintenance negligence, including:

  • Lack of scheduled maintenance
  • Improper or incomplete testing of the escalator
  • Worn or deficient parts that haven’t been replaced
  • Broken stair pieces
  • Machinery that is not kept up to date

Escalator accidents can also occur because other passengers behave dangerously when riding them, such as:

  • People running up or down the escalator
  • People pushing past others on the escalator
  • People attempting to ride the handrail
  • People blocking the entrance or exit of an escalator
  • People placing their belongings or sitting on the steps of an escalator

Still other accidents happen when:

  • Clothing, hair, or personal items get caught in the moving steps or handrail
  • Shoes, sandals, or shoelaces get stuck in the teeth of the steps
  • Fingers, hands, or toes get caught in the moving parts of the escalator

Young children are especially at risk for escalator injuries. If you are riding an escalator with a young child, keep a close eye on them at all times to avoid accidents.

How Do I Prevent Escalator Injuries?

Here are a few ways to keep yourself safe when riding an escalator:

  • Tie your shoes before stepping onto an escalator
  • Secure any loose clothing, scarves, or straps before stepping onto an escalator
  • Hold children’s hands, and make sure they don’t place their fingers near the moving parts of the escalator
  • Follow all guidelines for boarding or getting off an escalator
  • Do not go up the escalator in the opposite direction that it is moving
  • Do not push or engage in rough play on an escalator
  • Avoid walking up or down escalator stairs; instead, let it take you to your destination
  • Do not block the entrance or exit to an escalator

Although you might do everything right and follow all the rules of safety, accidents can still happen. The Bronx escalator accident lawyers are here to litigate for you if you sustain injuries due to an escalator accident.

What Sorts of Injuries Happen on Escalators?

Escalator accident injuries can be extensive. Because of the constant motion of the escalator, it can be difficult to get someone unstuck, leading to severe injuries and permanent damage.

Crushed Body Parts

Body parts that get caught in the moving mechanics of an escalator are at risk of being crushed. It is incredibly easy for:

  • Fingers and hands to get caught in the handrails
  • Toes, shoes, and feet to get caught in the teeth or between the steps of the escalator
  • Hair to get caught in the moving portions of the escalator
  • Straps, flowy clothing, and scarves to get caught by the moving parts

If a body part gets trapped in an escalator, crushing injuries including broken bones and fractures may occur. Open wounds like lacerations and gouges are also common.

Injuries From Falls or Tripping

Falling or tripping on an escalator is a common form of injury. The steps of an escalator are not only constantly moving, but can also be a little higher than the usual stair step. Trying to walk on a escalator stairs can lead to tripping and falling, which in turn can lead to breaks and fractures.

An escalator suddenly stopping and then starting up again may increase the likelihood of trips and falls. There is also the danger of someone else on the escalator losing their balance and stumbling, leading to another person’s injury.

If someone falls or trips, their fingers, toes, clothing, or hair have a higher probability of being caught in the teeth of the escalator, leading to further injury.

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries from falls are also a risk of riding escalators. Any jarring or sudden movement has the capability of causing a TBI or neck injury, which can lead to irreversible damage.

Missing Limbs

Severe escalator accidents can include the forced removal of a caught limb or body part. While the traumatic extent of the injury causes grave damage and forever affects the victim’s life, this experience can also put the injured person into a deadly condition called shock.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can happen after any of the above injuries, leading to a lack of feeling in the limb or body part, or even impaired mobility. This can make it more difficult for the injured party to find or retain work.

Wrongful Death

Injuries from escalator accidents may be severe enough to result in death. If that is the tragic case, the Bronx escalator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm may help you press a wrongful death suit. We understand that this is a tragic time for your family, and we will help hold the responsible parties accountable to the best of our ability.

How Do I Know Who’s Responsible for an Escalator Accident?

If the escalator injury was a result of a broken or malfunctioning escalator, the liability lies with the owner of the property where the escalator is located OR with the maintenance team whose job it is to maintain and repair the escalator.

Knowing who is at fault can be difficult, so contact the dedicated Bronx escalator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm with your questions. We investigate escalator accidents and work with professionals in the business to determine who is liable for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Injuries that require medical care or surgery
  • Continuing care or physical therapy
  • Lost wages or time at work
  • Psychological damages from the accident or injuries

Contact the Lipsig Firm for Your Escalator Injury Questions Today

We know how traumatic escalator accidents can be. We understand the difficult time you’re experiencing, and we try to make this process easier for you. If you were in an escalator accident and you have questions, contact the Bronx escalator accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm.

Call us today at 212-285-3300, or reach out to us online. We offer a free consultation, and we don’t accept any money until your case is settled. With decades of experience, we’re able to answer your questions and get your case started.

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"This law firm has great lawyers!" I had an accident and they got me what I deserved for my injury. They treat you like you are part of their family. If anyone needs a lawyer I will recommend this firm."