Elevators and escalators can be found in many places, such as in offices, malls, and other buildings with multiple floors. These places are often accessible to the public, in the form of employees, businessmen, customers, and bystanders. Since they are accessed by a lot of people, property owners and equipment manufacturers should ensure that their elevators and escalators are in top condition to prevent accidents.
Elevator and escalator injuries may be subject to premises liability cases. The issue is serious enough that there are lawyers who specialize on them.
Elevator Accidents
Those who use elevators often do not have an idea how complex elevators are. These machines require incredible engineering disciplines, adequate materials, and proper maintenance to ensure that they are in their most optimal condition. The most common elevator accidents occur because of the following:
Escalator Accidents
Like elevators, escalators should be regularly maintained and inspected to prevent defects, malfunctions, and accidents. The most common causes of escalator accidents include:
Possible Damages
Injury: The most common damage that can be sustained in these kinds of accidents is injury, particularly in small parts of the body that can be trapped between elevators and escalators, such as fingers, toes, and hair. But other more devastating injuries can also occur, such as traumatic head injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures in the arm, leg, and hip area, and even death.
Medical Costs: Most injuries sustained from these accidents require serious medical attention. Of course, medical professionals and hospitals are not without fees. A typical employee or family may not be able to afford the proper medical needs.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If you are injured, you will most likely lose your ability to earn money, temporarily or permanently. This can result into financial problems and lifestyle changes. This is particularly damaging if the victim is the primary earner in the family.
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