When people use escalators, they usually do not consider the idea of being involved in an accident. However, these are large and complicated machines, making them potentially dangerous. This may be in the event that the escalator is not made correctly or is improperly maintained. When this happens, it can lead to malfunctions that cause severe accidents. This can result in injuries such as broken bones, crushed limbs, brain injuries, and more. If you have been injured in an escalator accident, it is important to contact an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney for help.
What Causes Escalator Accidents?
Escalators can become hazardous if they are not produced with care or has regular maintenance. This means if a manufacturer is negligent during production, mistakes can happen that lead to a malfunction. In addition to this, once the machine is installed, it must go through routine inspections. This allows those who tend to it to be aware of any possible hazards that may arise over time. If they fail to do so, malfunctions can occur that cause serious accidents.
Common Types of Accidents
When escalators are not up to standard, those who use them can be put at risk of severe injury. Some examples of accidents that can occur include the following:
- Between-step entrapments
- Gaps and spaces
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Missing steps
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
- Design flaws
- Finger entrapments
How Do I Recover Compensation?
Those who are injured in accidents due to negligence often want to pursue legal action for their suffering. This requires them to prove negligence in order to receive compensation. This provides coverage for any damages due to the accident, including:
- Concussions
- Cuts and bruises
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
What is the Statute of Limitations?
After being involved in an accident, it is important to not wait too long to pursue legal action. This is because there is a statute of limitations, placing a deadline on when injured parties have to file a personal injury claim. If the deadline is not met, the injured party can lose their opportunity to recover compensation. In the state of Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.