Escalators often spawn some of the most unexpected injuries, at the most unexpected of times. Very often, people find themselves in malls or department stores, simply enjoying their weekend with their family. Unfortunately, when you are on a defective or improperly maintained or supervised escalator, there is a very good chance someone will be injured. When people are injured in escalator accidents, they very often seek financial compensation to help cover the cost of their medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. If you have been injured in an escalator accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of escalator accidents?
- Missing comb plates
- Missing foot brushes
- Gaps and spaces
- Missing steps
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Overcrowded escalators
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
- Escalator design flaws
- Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
- Escalators reversing direction, resulting in a pileup
- Finger entrapments
- Between-step entrapments
What are the most commonly sustained injuries in escalator accidents?
Escalator accidents, due to their sudden nature, are very often some of the most dangerous. What’s worse, people on escalators face a high degree of exposure, and when an accident happens, there is very little to protect them from harm’s way. The most common injuries sustained in escalator accidents are as follows:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Cuts and bruises
- Torn ligaments
How do I recover compensation following an escalator accident?
To recover financial compensation, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. This is why you must hire an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the personal injury claim process.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
When proving another party’s negligence, you will work with your attorney to assemble all the evidence you need to present the most convincing claim possible. Some of this evidence may include security camera footage, as this is generally the most straightforward way to prove your claim. You may also wish to provide witness statements, police reports, medical documents regarding your injuries, and more.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington D.C.?
The statute of limitations in Washington D.C. is three years. This means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to do so, you may not recover the financial compensation you need and deserve.
Contact our experienced firm
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
