How to Recover Compensation Following an Escalator Accident in New York

Over the course of the year, millions of people will go up and down New York City鈥檚 escalators. Nobody ever really gives them a second thought, however, they can be extremely dangerous safety hazards if they are not properly manufactured or maintained. When people are involved in escalator accidents, they are very often taken by surprise and are therefore sometimes seriously injured as a result. This is why most people who have been injured 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 frequent causes of escalator accidents?

Escalator accidents can be caused by several different factors, including, though certainly not limited to:

  • Escalator design flaws
  • Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
  • Escalators reversing direction, resulting in a pileup
  • Finger entrapments
  • Missing foot brushes
  • Gaps and spaces
  • Missing steps
  • Overcrowded escalators
  • Between-step entrapments
  • Missing comb plates
  • Inadequate escalator lighting
  • Loose or missing screws
  • Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
  • Faulty handrails
  • Electrical or mechanical malfunctions

What injuries are most often sustained as a result of escalator accidents?

Some of the most commonly sustained injuries in escalator accidents are as follows:

  • Joint injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Torn ligaments
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Concussions

How do I know if I am eligible to recover financial compensation following a New York escalator accident?

To recover financial compensation, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party鈥檚 negligence. However, this is not always easy, so you should strongly consider hiring an experienced attorney who is ready to fight for your right to compensation. You and your attorney may use the following evidence to help prove your claim:

  • Medical documents
  • Security camera footage
  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Pictures of the safety hazard that caused your injuries

What is the statute of limitations in New York?

The statute of limitations in New York is three years, which means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to do so may result in you losing out on the compensation of which you deserve. Do not wait.

Contact our experienced New York firm

At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the personal injury claims process. Our firm understands how traumatic it can be when you are injured due to another party鈥檚 negligence. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to help you recover a maximum compensation award. Do not let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation. Contact our firm today.