On Behalf of Simon & Gilman, LLP | Aug 22, 2020 | Personal Injury |
Many people use elevators and escalators on a daily basis. While these trips are generally safe, an average of 27 deaths and many injuries occur each year on elevators and escalators in New York and across the United States.
Closing elevator doors
Inspectors or maintenance staff will program elevator doors to shut slowly in order to not hurt anyone, but some of the most common injuries are from elevator doors closing on people. If the door shuts quickly and with a lot of force, someone could be injured. Regular close inspections of the elevator doors could prevent these injuries from happening.
Tripping
Elevators have a gap between the car sill and the landing sill, but these gaps are not always level. This can result in someone tripping and falling as they exit or enter the elevator. Over time, wear and tear on the elevator can cause these gaps to become larger and more hazardous.
Getting stuck inside
When people become trapped in elevators, they may attempt to get out and fall to their deaths. This is the most common cause of elevator injury that results in fatalities. To avoid this, building managers should be well-trained to handle stuck elevators and ensure that people follow appropriate evacuation procedures.
Escalator issues
It is very common for people to trip down escalators, fall over the rails, or get their toes or fingers caught. To prevent further injuries, the buttons on the escalators should be up to code so that the escalator will stop immediately during emergencies.
If you have been injured by an escalator or elevator, a personal injury attorney in New York may help you file a claim and potentially obtain compensation. An attorney may explain your legal options and identify the parties that are liable for your injuries.
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