Millions of people use escalators every day without thinking of how dangerous they can be. If you recently suffered an injury while riding on an escalator, you may be concerned about how you’ll pay for the medical bills. Who is responsible for your accident? Will you have to pay for this out of your own pocket? This accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be held responsible.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. For more than 55 years, the Scranton escalator accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have been helping thousands of clients across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey with their personal injury claims. We work hard and fight just as hard to make sure you get the proper compensation for your injuries.
Escalator Accidents on the Rise
Escalator-related injuries have been steadily increasing in the United States over the past few years. According to a report by the American Association for Justice, each year sees about 10 percent more injuries and deaths from escalator accidents than the year before. In 2013, there was a total of 12,260 escalator accidents and deaths reports in the U.S., a gigantic rise from 1990 when there was only 4,900 reported injuries and deaths.
The most common cause for these accidents involve falls. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, out of the 27 escalator-related deaths reported between 1985 to 1999, 21 were because the person fell. But there are several other reasons for an escalator accident, such as:
- Loose or missing pieces
- A sudden stop
- Inadequate or improper maintenance
- Side entrapment, such as getting your shoe caught on the stairs
Unfortunately, the age groups who suffer the most injuries are the very young and the very old. Children under the age of 14 and those over 65 averaged a collective 60 percent of the injuries reported between 1990 and 1994.
Who’s at Fault for Your Escalator Accident?
There can be several factors for an escalator accident, ranging from human error to mechanical failure. But if you are on an escalator that is acting strange, such as making an unexpected jerking motion or a sudden stop which causes you to fall, the fault lies with the property owner. Under premises liability law, it is the owner’s responsibility to keep the elevator properly maintained for everyone who uses the machine. Another person who may be responsible is the manufacturer of the escalator, especially if there was missing parts or it was improperly installed.
But let’s say you are rushing down the escalator without paying attention when the accident occurred — an accident that could have been avoided if you were paying attention. Are you at fault? According to Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws, it depends how much of the accident is your fault. The law states that if the plaintiff is found partially responsible for the accident, he/she may not recover the full amount owed. This is why it’s best to speak with an experienced escalator accident lawyer about your case.
A Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Escalator Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help
Personal injury law can be quite difficult to navigate. You need an attorney who has years of experience in Pennsylvania’s complex personal injury law in order to receive the compensation you deserve. For more than 55 years, the Scranton personal injury law firm Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been helping thousands with their personal injury claims. If you were injured while riding an escalator, we are ready to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
