Mobility scooters are motorized scooters that are used for short-term travel. They are often used for persons with medical conditions or mobility issues, and are often provided for patrons in some shopping and retail establishments. Mobility scooters may be associated with a number of injury and accident risks, including:
- Collisions with a wall, pole, tree, or other stationary object;
- Collisions with pedestrians or patrons inside a store;
- Accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles, especially cases where a car is backing out onto a public street;
- Accidents and injuries involving electric shock;
- Injuries related to a fires or explosions (this can happen sometimes with battery issues); and/or
- Tip-over accidents, or accidents where the person falls out of the scooter
Mobility scooter injuries can be serious, and can involve head, neck, or spine injuries, broken bones, lacerations, burns, and other injuries.
Who can be Held Liable for a Mobility Scooter Injury?
Mobility injury scooters may have many factors. Depending on the situation, different parties can be held liable for a mobility scooter injury. In cases where a motor vehicle collision is involved, the driver of the automobile can sometimes be held liable. This is especially the case where the person had violated road safety rules (for instance, if they were speeding).
In other instances, a mobility scooter injury may actually be caused by a defect with the scooter. An example of this is where there is a defect with the scooter’s electric components, resulting in a fire that burns the users. Here, the manufacturer of the scooter may be held liable for the injuries under a defective product legal theory.
What are the Legal Remedies for a Mobility Scooter Lawsuit?
Mobility scooter injuries can be serious and may require legal action to resolve any disputes. These types of cases may often result in a compensatory damages award as the legal remedy for the injured party. The damages can cover expenses like hospital and medical bills, any property repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs. In cases where extreme negligence or recklessness is involved, punitive damages can sometimes apply.
In some cases, the person’s damages award may be limited or reduced if the driver of the mobility scooter was partially at fault for the accident. Dangerous mobility scooter products may be subject to a recall.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Assistance with a Mobility Scooter Lawsuit?
Mobility scooter accident lawsuits can involve a number of different injury laws. You may need to hire a personal injury lawyer in your area if you need assistance with a lawsuit. Your attorney can provide you with advice and guidance for your case.
Jose Rivera
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2018