Virginia Escalator Accident Lawyer
Escalators are a common sight in subway stations, retail stores, sporting arenas, and office buildings. Most are safe to use and operate. However, they can be dangerous and even deadly, especially if they are poorly maintained or impacted by a design flaw.
If you were injured in an escalator accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to learn more about how you should proceed legally. Escalator accidents can have life-changing effects on survivors and carry significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
If your accident was the result of negligence, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries and suffering with the help of an experienced attorney. Speak with a Virginia escalator accident lawyer to learn about your options moving forward.
Causes of Escalator Accidents
State and local regulations require escalator owners to take certain measures to ensure the safety of riders. If they fail to take these regulations seriously, they can be held liable if an escalator on their property malfunctions or causes injury.
Malfunctions can affect anyone riding an escalator, even if they are behaving responsibly while in motion. The following factors can contribute to a serious injury on an escalator:
- Loose teeth that snag clothes or shoelaces
- Sudden jerks or stops
- Slippery treads
- Gaps that trap feet and clothing
Escalator maintenance workers are at the highest risk for injuries due to the nature of their work. Since they are usually responsible for repairing escalators and performing routine maintenance, they are more likely to be present when an escalator malfunctions.
Injuries Caused by Escalator Accidents
Injuries caused by escalator accidents can be painful, debilitating, and even deadly. Escalator accidents can lead to back injuries, hip fractures, head and neck trauma, and injuries to the legs and feet. More serious potential injuries include internal organ damage, spinal cord trauma, and amputation. Such injuries are not only expensive to treat, but they often require ongoing physical and mental rehabilitation long after the accident.
Escalator accidents can cause psychological damage that limits or strongly impacts the life of an accident survivor. Survivors can suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and various phobias following an accident. Many are left unable to ever ride an escalator again. Over time, mental health treatment may be needed to recover from an accident completely.
Who is Liable for an Accident?
After an accident, it may be difficult for an injured person to determine who is liable. A local attorney may be able to help an injured person hold the following parties liable for their escalator accident:
- Owner of the property where the accident occurred
- Maker of the escalator
- Operator of the escalator
- Distributor of the escalator
- Escalator maintenance or repair company
Often, a claimant will receive more compensation if multiple parties are found liable for their accident. A skilled escalator accident lawyer in the area can help injured victims understand who may be held responsible for their injuries.
Consult a Virginia Escalator Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an escalator accident, you may be feeling helpless or unsure of your rights. You may regain a sense of empowerment and control by holding the correct parties responsible for your accident. You should never settle for an imbalance of justice, especially when you are left financially and physically wounded from an accident that was not your fault.
Schedule a consultation with a Virginia escalator accident lawyer today to discuss your case and exercise your legal rights.
