Each year, more than 17,000 people in the United States suffer personal injuries during an escalator or elevator accident. If you regularly use an elevator at work, while you are shopping or as part of your day-to-day activities, you may be a bit surprised at how high this number is. This is especially the case if you take your safety for granted when you climb into or onto these useful and convenient contraptions.
Further Information about Personal Injuries and Fatalities on Escalators and Elevators
When you consider the number of fatalities that occur from elevator and escalator accidents each year, the numbers become even more shocking. Each year, over 30 people die because of accidents related to these devices. In fact, elevators are to blame for up to 90 percent of the fatalities, and as much as 60 percent of the serious personal injuries accounted for.
Approximately 50 percent of all the elevator deaths occur are individuals who are working nearby elevator shafts. Additionally, quite a few elevator-related deaths take place after a person falls inside of an elevator shaft. There are also several incidents where a serious injury occurred after a person became caught up in the moving parts of the elevator.
Tips to Prevent Elevator and Escalator Personal Injuries and Fatalities
The good news is that there are some steps that can be taken to prevent these personal injuries and fatalities. These include:
- Take the necessary precautions when using these devices
- Make sure elevators and escalators are maintained
- Only use trained and experienced workers to fix issues with escalators and elevators
If a person suffers an injury, or someone they love is killed, after an elevator or escalator accident, they may be able to file a lawsuit to seek compensation from the liable party. In some cases, the property owner will be responsible for the injury or accident. However, there are also cases where the manufacturer of the elevator or escalator can be held responsible if there was a faulty or malfunctioning part or component.
The best way to know whether or not you have the right to file a lawsuit and who to hold liable for the personal injuries you suffer have endured is to speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney will be able to review the facts of the case to determine what rights to compensation you have after this type of accident.
Learn more about filing a lawsuit for an elevator or escalator accident by contacting the team of lawyers at Hilton & Somer, LLC by calling (703) 560-0700 today.
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