Many buildings require elevators and escalators to help people get from one floor to floor. People often use elevators and escalators every day. Most of them do not think of these machines as dangerous, however, they can malfunction and cause accidents. This can happen if they are not properly taken care of by those who are obligated to do so. If an elevator or escalator is defective, they can cause severe injuries. If an individual is injured because a machine was defective, it may be a result of negligence. If you were injured in an elevator or escalator accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney.
When elevators and escalators are not properly maintained and kept in good condition, it is possible for them to experience malfunctions. This can happen because of design defects or mechanical errors. In order to prevent these accidents, they should undergo regular inspections so that any problems can be recognized and addressed. This ensures that they are safe to use. If those who are responsible for providing this standard of care fail to do so, people can become seriously injured in the event of a malfunction. This can also happen with chair lifts and moving sidewalks. Those who are injured in elevator and escalator accidents can suffer from injuries that impact the rest of their life. This may include crushed limbs, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
Premises Liability
Property owners have an obligation to maintain a safe premises for those who come on their property. If they fail to do so, the owner could be responsible if someone becomes injured on their property. There are some cases in which a property owner can be held liable for an injury that occurred because of their negligence. Premises liability laws protect injured people when these accidents occur. In order to have a successful case against a property owner, the injured is required to prove the owner knew, or should have known, about the hazardous condition and did nothing to fix it.
Product Liability
There are other cases in which a property owner is not at fault for a person’s injury. In such cases, the manufacturer of the machines could be responsible. Elevators and escalators having countless moving parts that have to be made and put together correctly in order for the machines to work. When mistakes happen or if a manufacturer cuts corners while producing the machines, they can become defective and cause harm to people. In the event of this, product liability laws protect those who become injured. If a manufacturer is negligent, they may be held responsible for any injuries that may happen as a result.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured in an escalator or elevator accident, contact Delaware Injury Law Firm, Weinroth & Miller, P.C. today.
Delaware Injury Law Firm is comprised of an experienced team of attorneys focusing on legal matters of personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, product liability, and wrongful death in Delaware. If you require an effective attorney to guide you through these difficult legal matters, contact Delaware Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.