What Is An Escalator?An escalator is a power driven moving stairway made up of interconnected steps and risers, usually made of grooved metal. At the end the steps appear to disappear from the floor. A comb plate covers the end where teeth fit into grooves to reduce the opening.
What Duty Of Care Is Owed To Users Of An Escalator?Courts are not unanimous on the level of care that a manufacturer, installer, maintenance contractor, repairer, owner, or operator owes users of an escalator. Some courts say that a duty of reasonable care for the safety of the users is owed. Others apply the higher standand of care of a common carrier because escalators are used to transport the general public.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Escalator Accident Claims?The most common type of escalator injury occurs when part of the body, clothing, or package a user is carrying gets caught in the escalator. The most common types of suits for escalator injury include:
NegligenceRiders who get body parts caught in an escalator often sue for negligence. The alleged negligence can take many forms, including negligent design and inadequate repair or maintenance. Many times a user can show their body part got caught and they suffered injury, but are not in a position to describe what went wrong, as the workings of an escalator are usually unknown to a passenger. Moreover the person or company responsible for the escalator may be able to show that the escalator never before or after the accident caused such injuries.
Strict LiabilityOther riders rely on claims of strict liability in tort to recover. Under this doctrine, liability is established because an escalator is seen as unreasonably dangerous. For example, one court held a store strictly liable for injuries to a 22-month old boy whose little finger became caught between the moving treads and the side panel. The court reasoned that escalators are unreasonably dangerous to young children because their danger outweighs their utility.
Failure To WarnOne type of claim that can encompass the aspects of both negligence and strict liability is a failure to warn claim, under which liability can be found where the person or company responsible for the escalator knew or had reason to know that there was a dangerous situation but neglected to warn the public in a timely and appropriate manner. Many escalators have warnings, yet in a number of cases the courts have found the defendants liable when escalator riders were caught in the mechanism because the defendant should have warned of the danger of being caught.
Should I Consult An Attorney About Escalator Liability?If you have been injured by an escalator, you should consult a personal injury attorney immediately. There may be defenses available which could bar your recovery, but an attorney can explain the law and your rights to preserve your case so that you can get compensated for your injuries. |
 |
