Atlanta Elevator Accident Lawyer

Elevators and escalators have become an integral part of our daily lives, making it easier for us to navigate through commercial, retail, and residential buildings. They provide convenience and efficiency by effortlessly transporting us from one floor to another. Whether we are carrying heavy loads or simply wanting to save time, these mechanical marvels enhance our overall experience in various settings.

While elevators and escalators are convenient modes of transportation, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks when they malfunction. Accidents can occur, resulting in severe injuries or even loss of life.

It’s crucial to prioritize safety measures and ensure regular maintenance to minimize such incidents and safeguard the well-being of everyone using these facilities. When a building owner fails in their responsibility, and an elevator or escalator accident occurs, that owner can be held liable for any expenses related to the injury.

In order to establish negligence and prevail in your personal injury claim, you need the support and guidance of an experienced Atlanta accident lawyer.

By holding them accountable, we can improve safety standards and prevent future accidents from occurring.

 

Frequency of Elevator and Escalator Accidents

There are over 2 million trips taken in an elevator every day and countless trips up and down escalators.

The statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) paint a concerning picture: elevator defects result in injuries to over 10,000 individuals annually, with approximately 27 lives tragically lost. And when it comes to escalators, the numbers only increase.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for greater attention and action to ensure elevator and escalator safety for everyone. Believe it or not, escalator accidents far outweigh elevator accidents.

Statistics show that for every elevator incident, there are a staggering 18 escalator accidents. Shockingly, the number of injuries and deaths caused by escalators has been steadily increasing since 1990. This concerning trend calls for heightened awareness and safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

In light of these statistics, it is concerning to know that when a defect is identified in an elevator or escalator, manufacturers are solely obligated to send a certified letter to equipment owners. It is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals using these modes of transportation, and stronger measures should be put in place to address such defects. It’s quite concerning to think that the general public often remains uninformed about the hazards posed by elevators and escalators until unfortunate incidents resulting in injuries or even fatalities take place. This highlights a significant need for increased awareness and proactive measures to prevent such accidents from happening in the first place.

 

Types of Elevator Defects & Malfunctions

The reliability and safety of elevators are critical concerns, as they can be vulnerable to various defects and malfunctions. These issues pose a significant risk to users, making it essential to address them promptly and effectively.

  • Mechanical breakdowns or defects causing an elevator to drop
  • Faulty doors creating the risk of a fall or crushing injuries
  • Faulty wiring and control malfunctions can pose a serious risk of electrocution
  • Unbalanced leveling in elevators that causes misalignment with the floor.

Building owners have an obligation to ensure that regular elevator inspections are carried out by qualified personnel. It is equally important for those owners to follow the recommendations made by those inspectors regarding repairs or replacement. Failure to do so can be considered an actionable cause in a personal injury claim.

Types of Escalator Defects & Malfunctions

More than 6.4 million people call Metro Atlanta home, and most of them are on the road, coma

As with elevators, escalators can be a cause for concern when they are defective or not properly maintained. The components and mechanics involved in their operation can become a significant risk if they don’t function correctly. Sadly, escalator accidents have occurred due to defects that could have been prevented through proper maintenance and thorough inspections. Those issues include the following:

  • Loose or missing screws
  • Broken or missing steps
  • Missing teeth on the escalator track
  • General mechanical malfunction

Escalator defects pose a significant risk to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. For instance, children may encounter finger entrapment if there are excessively large openings around the handrail conveyor. Additionally, escalators can be treacherous for the elderly, who often face slip-and-fall accidents. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure their safety.

muting, going on school runs, and doing errands that never end. Pack that many cars onto the same asphalt, and collisions stop being merely bad luck and more of a mathematical possibility. These are the wrecks we see most often:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • T-bone (also called side-impact or broadside) collisions
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Head-on collisions

These are the types of accidents that are most likely to occur at an intersection or when traveling side-by-side with other vehicles on fast-moving interstates. Injuries and fatalities are common in these accidents.

What Evidence Does My Atlanta Elevator Accident Lawyer Need for My Case?

It might seem obvious to everyone involved that the injuries you sustained in an elevator accident were due to mechanical issues in the elevator. However, you still need compelling evidence in support of your claim. This is what your evidence file should include:

  • Any security video footage taken inside and outside the elevator in question
  • Relevant inspection reports dating back several years prior to your accident
  • Proof of repairs
  • Regular maintenance log
  • Liability insurance policy for the building

This is not the type of evidence that is easy to come by. Our legal team has years of experience collecting this information. We know who to reach out to. More importantly, we know how to put pressure on the building owners to deliver that evidence in a timely manner.

Call on the Bey & Associates Team After an Elevator or Escalator Accident

If you or someone you care about has suffered a serious injury as a result of an elevator or escalator malfunction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm, Bey & Associates. Our team of highly skilled premises liability lawyers, based in Atlanta, is here to assist you in securing the maximum compensation for your damages.

Call to set up a free case review today. We’ll be able to answer any questions you may have and discuss what steps you need to take to pursue an injury claim. Don’t wait to get what you’re entitled to.

Find the Help You Need Near You

With locations from coast to coast, it’s easy to get support in your area. Choose your location, reach out, and we’ll take it from there.