As a child, going to the mall and riding on the escalator was exciting. Even as adults, there’s a certain sense of fun when riding up and down on the “moving stairs.”
If you are like most people, you don’t think about the possibility of suffering an accident while on an escalator. While that’s fair, since the statistics related to escalator accident are low, regardless of how rare they are, they still happen. When accidents do occur, injuries are likely.
If you have suffered an injury because of an escalator accident, there’s a good chance you are looking for financial compensation to help you cover your costs. These costs include things like medical bills, lost wages, in-home care, and more.
Some of the questions you may have related to escalator accidents and recovering compensation are found here.
What are the Most Common Causes of Escalator Accidents Today?
While you may take escalators for granted, they are complex machines that are composed of countless working parts. However, if they aren’t maintained properly, accidents may occur. Some of the most common reasons that elevator accidents occur include:
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Escalators that reverse directions
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Finger entrapments
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Limbs or clothing being snagged by the machine
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Missing foot brushes
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Design flaws in the escalator
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Spaces and gaps
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Faulty handrails
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Missing comb plates
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Shut-off buttons that don’t work properly
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Screws that are missing or loose
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Improper escalator lighting
What Types of Injuries Have Successfully Recovered Compensation Before?
Escalator accidents usually produce the same types or a generally type of injury. Some of the most common include:
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Broken bones
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Joint injuries
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Soft tissue injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Torn ligaments
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Concussions
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Bruises and cuts
How Can You Successfully Recover Financial Compensation After an Escalator Accident and Injury?
If you are trying to receive financial compensation, you must first prove that you were injured because of someone else’s negligence. However, many times, this is something that is easier said than done. As a result, it’s best to hire an experienced lawyer who has the ability and knowledge to present the best case possible.
How is Negligence Proven in Escalator Accident Cases?
There is good news for these situations. There are several steps you can take to prove the personal injury claim you have filed. For example, there may be security camera footage showing the accident and how it happened. You also have the option to present pictures of any safety hazards that resulted in the injuries, along with medical documents that detail the extent of the injuries, police reports, witness statements, and more.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Escalator Accidents in the State of Florida?
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations is four years. What this means is that you have four years from the accident’s date to file your personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t do so in this period of time, you will likely be unable to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help
If you have been injured because of an escalator accident, contact us to learn about recovery. Our team at Fetterman and Associates can help you get the compensation you deserve.