Elevator / Escalator Accidents
Whether it is the moving staircases of escalators or the cars of elevators that move people up and down between floors of buildings, either form of equipment is ideally for the convenience of their users. However, when these machines are improperly maintained or inspected, it can result in devastating accidents that may cause serious injuries. Some of the most common types of escalator or elevator accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Elevator door failure or malfunction
- Entrapment because of loose comb plates, cleats, or steps on escalators
- Failure to maintain
- Falls
- Inadequate safety guards
- Lack of inspections
- Safety failure
- Slippery escalator steps
- Sudden acceleration, deceleration, or stops
The severity of the injuries that victims suffer in these accidents depends on the type of the incident. In some cases, people sustain amputation injuries such as the loss of fingers or limbs, but other more dramatic incidents can cause neck, spinal cord, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Certain drops, falls, or entrapment can even lead to death.
Several parties may be liable for financial damages in these types of cases. Property owners can be considered negligent if they failed to have elevators or escalators inspected, or if they failed to comply with inspection requirements. Maintenance companies and the manufacturers of escalator or elevator parts can also be liable in some cases involving equipment failures or malfunctions.
Whichever party is legally liable for a person’s injuries in an elevator or escalator accident will often have an insurance company looking to pay as little as possible to resolve the premises liability claims that arise from these incidents. If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in an escalator or elevator accident, you should avoid speaking to any agents or representatives of insurance companies. While they may seem friendly and act as though they want to help, insurance adjusters are always looking to get recorded statements that indicate your injuries are not that serious, you are not experiencing much pain or suffering, or your own negligence contributed to or directly caused your injuries.
If you are going to have any phone conversation after an elevator or escalator accident, make it with one of the experienced West Chester premises liability attorneys from Ciccarelli Law Offices. We work as a team to determine all of the negligent parties that may be liable in your case, and our firm provides legal representation on a contingency fee basis so you do not have to worry about paying us anything unless we get you financial compensation.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.