Who Is Liable for My Illinois Escalator Injury?

 Posted on September 09, 2024 in Personal Injury

Since the late 19th century, escalators have made it easier for people to move between floors in office buildings, subway stations, airports, and shopping malls. Millions of people use escalators daily without mishaps, but escalator accidents do happen. When they do, serious injuries often occur.

Were you injured on an Illinois escalator? The skilled lawyers from Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can investigate your accident, determine why it happened, and help you hold the at-fault parties accountable for your injuries. Call now for a free consultation.

Why Do Escalator Accidents Happen?

By design, the "steps" on escalators move continually. Whether you are going up or down, the landing step disappears with the expectation that you have already managed to move onto a solid surface. Handrails on each side of an escalator move at the same speed as the steps to give users more stability. Children, mature adults, and those with limited mobility may have trouble holding onto the rails and stepping off the escalator.

To ensure your safety, the State of Illinois has strict escalator requirements. Unfortunately, the parties responsible for upholding these requirements do not always comply, increasing the risk of accidents due to things like:

• Faulty or missing parts

• Faulty operation, including irregular speed, jerking, and unexpected stops and starts

• Lack of regular inspections and maintenance

• Wear and tear 

• Entrapments in the sides or end plates

These and other similar issues can result from negligence on the part of the person, organization, business, or government entity responsible for escalator maintenance and safety. If you are injured because of negligence, you may qualify to file a premises liability claim against the responsible party or parties.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Caused by Escalator Accidents?

Many kinds of injuries can result from escalator accidents, some of them being severe. Common injuries include:

• Crushing

• Amputations

• Broken bones

• Soft tissue damage

• Electrical shock

• Cuts and bruises

• Head injuries, which can include traumatic brain injury

Injured victims likely face medical treatment, time away from work, and a life-long fear of escalators. Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you collect damages for your eligible losses.

Who Is Liable for Paying My Damages?

During our investigation into your escalator accident, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices will look for evidence proving who was responsible for the condition that caused it. These parties might be a government agency, property owner, business, organization, or maintenance company. We need to prove that one or more of these parties knew about the hazardous condition, had enough time to address it, and failed to do anything to protect your safety. When we find that evidence, we will know who is liable for paying your settlement. Your damages may include:

• Medical expenses

• Property damage

• Lost wages

• Ongoing care

• Pain and suffering

• PTSD

• Other losses that may have diminished your quality of life

Your legal team will assess your losses and work to help you get the highest possible settlement amount.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation With One of Our Dedicated Naperville, IL Premises Liability Lawyer

Getting a settlement for an escalator accident means building your claim with enough supporting evidence to hold the at-fault party liable for your damages. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we know where to look and what kinds of evidence you need. Call us at 630-932-9100 to speak with one of our determined Bloomingdale, IL personal injury attorneys today. With three area offices, we are conveniently located for you.