People use escalators all over the state of New York, every single day. Fortunately, escalators are generally considered a safe, efficient means to get from one floor to the next. However, this is not always the case, and sometimes, accidents happen as a result. When escalator accidents occur, people are very often injured, which is why they will very often seek financial compensation to offset the burdens of their medical bills, cost of in-home care, lost wages and more. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
What most often causes escalator accidents?
Some of the most common causes of escalator accidents are as follows:
- Missing comb plates
- Inadequate escalator lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
- Escalator design flaws
- Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
- Escalators reversing direction
- Missing steps
- Overcrowded escalators
- Between-step entrapments
- Finger entrapments
- Missing foot brushes
- Gaps and spaces
What are the injuries most commonly sustained in escalator accidents?
Some of the injuries most commonly sustained in escalator accidents are as follows:
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
How do I recover compensation following an escalator accident?
To recover compensation following an escalator accident, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. This is the rule for all personal injury claims, and though it seems straightforward, it is sometimes very difficult, which is why you must hire an experienced attorney who will aggressively fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
To prove another party’s negligence, you and your attorney may obtain security camera footage of your accident, witness statements, medical documents, police reports, pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident, and more. Do not let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation. Ensure you have someone you trust fighting in your corner.
What is the statute of limitations in New York State?
The statute of limitations in New York is three years. This means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. It is crucial you hire an experienced attorney who will start the claims process immediately.
Contact our experienced New York firm today
Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of neglect in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.