How Common Are Escalator Accidents?

Escalators – and elevators, for that matter – are both staples throughout the United States, whether in airports, hotels, malls, or corporate buildings. While they are both extremely useful and seemingly harmless, they can also cause accidents and serious injuries. In fact, far more escalator accidents take place every year than you may realize. Whether they malfunction because they were not installed correctly, have not undergone inspection, or are old and improperly maintained, the risk of injury is greatly increased.

According to data compiled by Safety Research and Strategies, there are approximately 33,000 escalators operating in the United States today. There are certainly more elevators than that, however, accidents and injuries occur far more frequently on escalators, about 20 times more frequently, in fact. There are many different causes and types of escalator accidents, many of which involve small children. As a leading escalator attorney, we are committed to representing those throughout both Texas and California who have been involved in any type of escalator or elevator accident. If you or a loved one was injured as the result of a malfunctioning or improperly maintained escalator, you may be able to receive compensation.

Common Causes of Escalator Accidents

Escalators are a wonderful sight when you are in a hurry, trying to catch a plane, or going shopping in a two-story mall, but they can also be quite dangerous. There are many different causes of escalator accidents, many of which can be prevented. Here is a look at a handful of the most common causes of escalator accidents in the United States:

• Malfunctioning Equipment
• Slips and Falls
• Escalator Steps Dropping Out
• Clothing or Body Parts Getting Caught
• Broken or Missing Steps

There are numerous other reasons for escalator accidents, from horseplay to worn down machinery. If you or a loved one was injured on an escalator, call the attorneys at Rad Law Firm today.

The Facts

Unfortunately, the statistics regarding escalator accidents can be scarce to come by. However, experts ‘guess’ that between 12,500-15,000 escalator accidents take place each year in the United States. While the majority of these accidents do not result in injuries that require litigation, this is not always the case. Escalators are actually far more dangerous to the public than elevators, even though there are some 20 times more elevators operating in the U.S. It is also important to note that escalator accidents are disproportionately represented by two major age groups: children five years old and under, and adults 65 years and older. Even though escalators are manufactured under a set of voluntary standards per the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, these standards are not always adhered to. Falls are the single leading cause of escalator accidents, which is no surprise considering the ages most frequently affected.

If you believe you or a loved one was injured on an escalator due to the fault of another party, contact the attorneys at Rad Law Firm today. We are here for you and are prepared to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.