Escalator Injuries: 4 Factors That May Impact A Settlement Case
The pain of walking up and down stairs has been reduced thanks to technology like escalators. Commonly found in malls, airports, and other large public locations, escalators have been used for numerous years. When you approach an escalator, you typically expect the machine to work as intended. When a problem occurs, you can become seriously injured. As a result of this injury, you may seek a settlement case to help reimburse you for medical costs and emotional trauma. As you consult with a personal injury lawyer on your case, there are multiple factors that can come into play. By breaking down different scenarios, you can determine who is liable in the injury case and how different pieces of evidence can factor into your compensation and possible final settlement.
Escalator Malfunction
The key to using an escalator is having the ability to go at an even pace and relax as the automated stairs move up or down. When these stairs suddenly stop or malfunction, it can create a dangerous situation. For example, if the stairs stop, you can lose your balance and fall down them. Escalator stairs are typically made in a hard metal material that can cause a lot of injuries and trauma. In this case, the injury that you sustained was caused directly by the escalator. A lawyer may hold both the property owners and escalator manufacturers liable in this case. Additional details may be examined, including repair logs, the last time the escalator was inspected, and any other reported injuries. All of these elements can help add evidence to your case and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Escalator Sign Issues
A majority of escalators feature safety signs in multiple areas. These signs are used to make people aware of the moving steps and offer safety instructions for properly stepping on or off the moving areas. When these signs are worn, missing, or mislabeled, you may be misinformed and suffer from a personal injury. Through visual evidence like videos or pictures, an attorney can showcase dangers presented on the escalator when these safety signs are not properly present. The lack of a proper sign can showcase negligence and a lawyer may hold the property owner liable in this type of situation.
Foreign Objects
Escalators are typically made for human feet only. Shopping carts, baby strollers, and bags should not be placed on the moving stairs. If this is the case, then those items can create problems for the escalator. For example, if a stroller jams on the escalator, it could suddenly stop and cause you to fall or get injured. If this is the case, then your lawyer may hold the stroller user liable in the settlement case. Your injury could have been prevented if the person properly followed the escalator regulations. As the case moves forward, your lawyer can use surveillance footage and witness statements to corroborate the details and prove the misuse of the escalator.
Misbehavior
Along with objects that are not allowed, improper behavior on an escalator can lead to an injury. For example, someone might try going on an escalator in the opposite direction that it's supposed to. If you're trying to use the escalator, you may have to move out of the way, slip, fall, and sustain a bad injury. Misbehavior like this and improper use of the escalator can end up making a person liable for your injuries. Your attorney can prove that if the escalator was being used properly by the liable party, then the injury could have been prevented in the first place. Many pieces of evidence can be used to help prove your case and showcase the improper behavior.
Getting injured on an escalator can be a scary and traumatizing event. If you've suffered through an injury, then you should consult with an attorney like Charlie Tucker P.A. to help break down these factors and build your case.
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