Many Texas residents use escalators regularly at malls, shopping centers, and business complexes. Unfortunately, escalator injuries are far too common. According to the Centers for Disease Control, elevators and escalators seriously injure around 17,000 people and cause the deaths of 30 people annually.
Failure to keep escalators running safely and smoothly can cause serious injuries and death. When property owners fail to keep their escalators safe, victims of escalator injuries can hold them accountable through a personal injury lawsuit. If your loved one was seriously injured in a Dallas escalator accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our dallas slip and fall lawyer team today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Types of Escalator Accidents
Escalator accidents can occur at any time, but some of the most common causes of escalator accidents include the following:
- Missing or defective steps
- Shoe or shoelace entrapment
- Space between the escalator sides or steps
- Poorly designed handrails
- Tripping hazards on the escalator
- Malfunctioning escalator
- Defective escalator
- Improper maintenance and repair or poor inspections
- Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of escalator accident, and they can lead to severe injuries. Elderly individuals are more prone to slipping and falling, and falls are more frequent between the escalator and the adjacent wall. Victims of slip and fall accidents may be able to hold the design engineer, architect, property owner, or other responsible parties liable for their injuries with the assistance of a lawyer that specializes in slip and fall injuries.
Side of Step Entrapment
The second most common type of escalator accident happens when there is too much space between the skirt and the step. An item, such as a shoe, finger, or article of clothing, can get caught in the mechanism and cause catastrophic injuries. Sometimes children become curious and stick their fingers in the gap, leading to amputation. Articles of clothing can become stuck, causing the victim to choke to death in rare circumstances. Shoelaces can become stuck, causing foot and leg injuries. When property owners fail to keep the elevator skirt and step reasonably safe, victims can pursue compensation from them.
Missing or Broken Step
Well, missing or broken step accidents are not the most common. They have the potential to cause the most severe injuries or death. When an escalator step breaks or falls out of the return stand, a victim caught in the middle of it can suffer blunt force trauma. New escalators have tried to reduce these risks, but not all escalators in Texas have been upgraded. Additionally, missing steps can cause metal fragments to protrude from the steps, putting customers at risk.
Handrail Accidents
When escalator handrails are not safe, injuries can occur. A victim’s body parts or clothing can become trapped between the moving handrail and its guide. Dangerous entrapment can also occur at the location of the handrail brush. Small children are more prone to injuries caused by a handrail entrapment because they sometimes follow the handrail around the curved newel, getting their hands stuck.
Escalator Accidents Can Cause Serious Injury
Escalator accidents can cause catastrophic injuries that result in serious bodily harm and permanent disabilities. Children have a higher risk of becoming injured in escalator accidents. Some of the most common escalator injuries include the following:
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Knee injuries
What to Do After an Escalator Injury
After being seriously injured in an escalator accident, you may be wondering about your legal options. You may feel overwhelmed about recovering compensation for your injuries. After the accident, you should report the incident to the manager or operator on duty at the time. If you can do so safely, try to take pictures of the accident scene and write down the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Take photos of the cause of the accident, such as broken handrails, liquid spills, defects, or debris. File an accident report.
Receiving medical attention is crucial after an accident. Even if you aren’t sure about the severity of your injuries, we recommend seeking medical attention. When you ask the treating physician about the details of the accident and all of your injuries. Keep all your medical records, and don’t miss any doctor’s appointments. Doing so will help you prove the severity of your injuries and increase the likelihood of successfully obtaining compensation.
Determining Liability
After you receive medical treatment, we recommend discussing your case with an experienced attorney. The skilled litigators at Rochelle McCullough have the resources and experience needed to investigate your case and gather evidence proving liability thoroughly. Under Texas law, victims of personal injury accidents have a right to pursue compensation from the person or company whose negligence caused their injuries.
Available Compensation
Due to the nature of escalator injuries, many victims suffer catastrophic and debilitating injuries. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries can result in millions of medical expenses. Victims may lose their ability to continue working, causing financial strain. The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough will carefully determine your past and future medical expenses so we can advocate for the most compensation possible through an insurance settlement, personal injury lawsuit settlement, or verdict.
Under Texas law, personal injury plaintiffs can pursue compensation for their current and future medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more. Our skilled and trial-ready attorneys know how to pursue the most compensation possible for our clients. After investigating your case and determining who is liable, we will immediately begin negotiating for the best outcome possible in your case.
Contact a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney
The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough have a track record of successfully advocating for personal injury clients. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of preventable accidents. You only have a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Rochelle McCullough today to schedule your complimentary consultation.