Escalators and elevators are a necessary part of modern life, transporting millions of people every day. But when they malfunction, the results can be catastrophic. If you live in South Florida, you’ve probably ridden an escalator or elevator many times, whether in a parking garage, shopping mall, condominium, or office building.

Have you recently sustained an injury in an escalator or elevator accident? You may wonder what to do next. Below, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cohen and Juda, P.A. describe typical escalator and elevator accidents and the steps to take if you’ve experienced a personal injury while using one. Call us at (954) 424-1440 to schedule your free consultation.

How Safe Are Escalators and Elevators?

Most people take elevators every day without incident. In fact, according to the National Elevator Industry, Inc., we travel 2.825 billion miles in escalators and elevators each year in the United States. We take 180 billion passenger trips on escalators and 103 billion passenger trips on elevators yearly. Most of us use escalators and elevators without incident. Still, accidents do happen, and when they do, catastrophic injuries occur. Incidents involving escalators and elevators kill about 30 and seriously injure about 17,000 people each year in the United States, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Common Causes of Escalator and Elevator Accidents

Most escalator and elevator accidents result from user error. For example, people falling or becoming caught between the doors while riding an elevator, or in the case of escalators, getting caught between the moving stairs and the handrail. However, elevator or escalator malfunction or poor maintenance causes some accidents.

Escalator and Elevator Accidents in South Florida

In South Florida, elevators and escalators are everywhere—in office buildings, hotels, shopping malls, apartment complexes, and more. Most of the time, they work as intended. However, when they malfunction, disaster often strikes riders. Injuries from elevator and escalator accidents can include:

• Fractured bones
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Wrongful death

Often, these injuries require hospitalization and can lead to months or even years of recovery. If harmed in an escalator or elevator accident, first seek medical attention. Although you may think your injuries are minor, you don’t want to risk further damage. A doctor can examine you to determine the full extent of your injuries and prescribe appropriate treatment for your recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover in A South Florida Escalator or Elevator Accident?

The amount of compensation to which you may be entitled depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. Suppose you’ve suffered severe injuries that rendered you incapable of working, managing daily activities, and enjoying your life as you did before the accident. In that case, you could receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve lost a loved one in an elevator or escalator accident, you could potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit to pursue compensation for your loss.

Why You Need a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney

Regarding elevator and escalator accidents, several potential factors could have led to the accident. Was the equipment properly maintained? Was it properly installed? These are just a few questions that must be answered to determine who is at fault for the accident. That’s where a qualified personal injury attorney comes in. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate the accident and gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.

Injured in an Escalator or Elevator Accident in South Florida? At Cohen and Juda, P.A., We Will Represent You Personally

Accidents involving elevators and escalators can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries that require hospitalization—or even worse. Personal injury claims resulting from escalator and elevator accidents can be complex. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who knows how to navigate the legal system and will fight tirelessly for justice. Call us today at (954) 424-1440 or complete our online form for a free case evaluation if you or someone close to you has been involved in such an accident. We’ll review the details of your case and help you understand your legal options. At Cohen and Juda, P.A., we will represent you personally every step of the way—from filing your initial claim to negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to trial, if necessary. Don’t go up against the insurance companies alone. Let us help you level the playing field.

Copyright © 2022. Cohen and Juda, P.A. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Juda P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/