People use escalators in many places, like businesses, hospitals, airports, malls, or department stores, in Santa Monica. While escalators are convenient, they can also be dangerous, causing serious injuries. Sadly, young children are the most common victims, getting their small fingers, clothes, or shoes caught in the escalator. Elderly people are also more at risk of falling, especially if the escalator suddenly stops or changes direction.

The Six Parties Who Could Be Liable for a Victim’s Injuries

Escalator accidents are often caused by defects in some of the parts—such as missing teeth in the tracks, missing or loose screws, broken steps, or too much space between the steps and the sides of the escalator. Victims of accidents can suffer life-altering injuries—brain damage, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, or amputation of a limb. A number of different parties could be liable for compensation, including:

  1. Property owner. The owner of the property has a duty to have the escalator inspected for defects and repaired as necessary. If he fails to do so, he could face liability.
  2. Property manager. A property manager may be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business and seeing that the escalators are properly maintained. If he fails to do so, he could be sued.
  3. Escalator servicing company. Business owners usually contract out the inspection, maintenance, and repair of its escalators. If the servicing company fails to inspect, maintain, or repair the escalator that caused an injury, it could be liable for the victim’s damages.
  4. Manufacturer. The manufacturer could be responsible if the accident was caused, even in part, by a defect in the design or manufacture of the escalator.
  5. Designer of the escalator. If the manufacturer contracted with another party to design the escalator, that party could be liable if the design of the escalator contributed to the accident.
  6. Installer. If the problems with the escalator were due to its installation, the installer could be a party to an injured victim’s lawsuit.

Escalator accident cases are complicated, and it may be difficult to determine who is liable for a victim’s injuries. Fortunately, an injured person may be entitled to compensation from many potential parties.
If you or a family member has been injured in an escalator accident, it is important to contact an experience personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help determine who is liable for your injuries. Start an online chat to learn about your legal options.

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982
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