Slip and Fall Accidents and Escalators
Escalator injuries are more common than you may think. According to findings from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are roughly 6,800 escalator-related injuries every year. In addition, there are approximately three escalator-related fatalities each year.
Anyone injured in a slip or fall accident on an escalator can count on the Tawwater Law Firm for legal help. An Oklahoma premises liability attorney from our legal office can provide the insight and assistance you need. Let’s consider the severity of these accidents and how we can help.
Causes of Escalator Injuries and Falls
There are numerous causes of escalator injuries. These may include:
- Broken steps
- Missing steps
- Moisture or debris on the steps
- Broken handrails
- Loose parts in the escalator
- Too much space between steps
- Issues with the comb plate
- Too much space to the sides of the escalator
- Sudden stopping or changing of direction
- Faulty installation of the escalator
- Lack of regular escalator maintenance
Injuries Sustained from Escalator Accidents
The injuries sustained in an escalator accident can vary. Sometimes the harm is limited to bumps and cuts. However, more serious falls on an escalator are bound to result in severe harm. Sprains, broken bones, head trauma, organ damage, spinal cord injury, and even concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are possible depending on the nature and severity of the fall.
Recovering from an Escalator-Related Injury
Recovering from an escalator injury can take time. Catastrophic injuries could require hospitalization, surgery, and physical rehabilitation. There’s also a chance that you’ll miss work in order to recuperate from your injuries. If the escalator fall causes permanent disability, you may face numerous challenges ahead, including an interruption of your career and a modification of daily activities you took for granted.
Who Is Liable for Your Escalator Injury?
Liability for an escalator injury will depend on what caused the accident to happen. This may include:
- The owner of the business/property where the escalator is located
- The repair and maintenance companies who failed to make adequate fixes
- The escalator inspectors who did not note potential hazards to safety
- The maker of parts used in the escalator, whether it’s the steps or internal components
Our Lawyer Will Going Over the Evidence in Your Case
In order to determine liability, our Oklahoma lawyers will go over the evidence in your case carefully. We will note the cause or causes of the escalator accident. Multiple parties may be responsible for what occurred, and they should be held accountable for the harm they caused.
Helping Injury Victims with the Legal Process
Our premises liability attorneys can aid injury victims and their loved ones with the legal process ahead. We can help negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party or parties responsible for the escalator accident. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case all the way to trial and seek damages to cover the losses and hardships you have faced.
Learn More About Premises Liability Lawsuits
If you would like to learn more about premises liability lawsuits and what you can do after a serious slip and fall, be sure to contact our team of injury accident attorneys. You can reach our law firm in Oklahoma City by calling (405) 673-8021.
