People use elevators and escalators almost every day. They offer quick rides from floor to floor in almost any building with more than one level. As New York consists of such massive skyscrapers, there are countless elevators and escalators throughout the city. While most people do not think of them as dangerous, accidents can occur if an elevator or escalator malfunctions. This can happen if they are not properly taken care of. If an elevator or escalator is defective, they can cause serious injuries to the people who use them. If a person becomes injured due to a defective elevator or escalator, it may be a result of the negligence of those who are responsible to care for the machines. If you were injured in an elevator or escalator accident, it is important to seek legal representation to help your case.
When elevators and escalators are not produced or cared for the way they should be, they can malfunction. This may happen because of design defects or mechanical failures. To avoid these problems, the machines are required to undergo regular inspections so that they are safe to use. If they are not looked after by those who are responsible to provide this care, people can become seriously injured because of defects or failures. This may also happen with chair lifts and moving sidewalks. Those who are injured in these accidents can suffer from a variety of injuries that impair the rest of their life. This may include crushed limbs, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
Premises Liability
There are some cases in which a property owner can be held responsible for an injury that occurred on their property. Property owners have an obligation to provide a safe environment for those who come onto their property. If they fail to do so, the owner may be held responsible if someone is injured as a result of their neglect. When this happens, premises liability laws are in place to protect injured people. In order to have a successful case against a property owner, the injured is required prove the owner knew about, 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 an individual鈥檚 injury, but someone else is. Elevators and escalators having several moving parts that must be made correctly in order for the machines to function. When mistakes are made or if a manufacturer acts negligently in following the correct production process, the machines can malfunction and cause injuries. If this occurs, product liability laws protect victims who are injured as a result. If a manufacturer is found to be negligent, in creation or design, they may be held responsible for any injuries that may happen.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured in an escalator or elevator accident, contact the Law Offices of Mark L. Bodner, P.C. today.At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the medical malpractice claims process. Our firm understands how traumatic it can be when you become a victim of medical malpractice. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to help you recover a maximum compensation award. Contact our firm today.