We use them every day, and they’re almost impossible to avoid in any public space with more than one level. Elevators and escalators are not just convenient — they provide multi-story access to people with disabilities who are unable to use stairs. But, when they malfunction, they can lead to severe injuries and even death in some cases. In fact, thousands of elevator and escalator accidents occur every year. No matter the reason for the malfunction, property owners are responsible for regularly maintaining machinery to ensure the safety of their guests.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an elevator accident or escalator accident, you may be entitled to compensation for physical injuries and emotional suffering. To help you get through this troubling time, contact the premises liability attorneys at Pursiano Barry Bruce Demetriades Simon LLP to schedule a free case consultation.
While not all injuries are caused by mechanical failures, property owners are required to post reasonable rules and guidelines for using elevators and escalators, such as maximum occupancy or weight. Common reasons why accidents occur include:
Determining the cause of the accident will also determine who can be held liable. If the accident was due to a manufacturing error, the manufacturer could be held liable. If the property did not comply with due diligence for maintenance and safety, they could be found liable. Even a maintenance company could be held liable if it’s found that they cut corners or did not make proper repairs.
To establish liability, you will need to prove who was negligent and how their negligence resulted in the accident. Once negligence can be determined and supported with facts, Nevada law requires the party found liable for the elevator or escalator accident to pay for the damages that occurred.
Elevator injuries and escalator injuries can have severe impacts on quality of life, from work to recreation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, there are several treatments and injury-related costs that may be eligible for compensation, including the following.
The most important thing to do after being in an accident is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t seem bad at the moment, you could be suffering from shock and not fully realize the extent of your injuries. There’s also the possibility that you’ve suffered a head injury that will need immediate medical attention. Getting medical help right away shows insurance companies that your injuries were serious and can be corroborated by a medical professional.
Also, be sure to photograph your injuries so that you have visual proof as well. Once you’re safe, it’s time to reach out to a professional personal injury attorney who can help you determine liability and confidently move forward with your claim.
It can be challenging to know where to turn after a serious elevator or escalator accident, especially if it happened on the property of a casino or hotel chain. These companies have large legal teams that will try to undermine your injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the aid of a Nevada personal injury lawyer who can access security footage of the accident, look into maintenance contracts and records, and determine liability.
Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you fight for your rights and obtain appropriate compensation for your suffering.
