In the United States, incidents involving elevators and escalators kill approximately 30 people and seriously injure about 17,000 people each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of these, elevators cause almost 90% of the deaths and 60% of the serious injuries.
Elevator and Escalators are meant to provide convenience to customers and other business invitees. Unfortunately, the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining these features can be high, and business and building owners many times sacrifice safety by keeping an unsafe elevator or escalator in service when it should be replaced altogether.
But even when replacement isn’t necessary, accidents can occur from:
Incorrect Installation
Inadequate Maintenance
Failure to Inspect
Common elevator accidents include:
Elevator Falls and Collapses
Elevator Floor Mis-Leveling
Sudden/ Abrupt Stops
Malfunctioning Elevator Doors Open Without Elevator Present
Malfunctioning Elevator Doors Close on Body Parts
Malfunctioning Elevator Causes Passenger Entrapment
Common escalator accidents include:
Body Part or Clothing Entrapment
Sudden Acceleration or Deceleration
Trip and Falls
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The Oakes Firm is dedicated to helping injured people and grieving families obtain answers, justice, and full compensation. If you or a loved one have been injured because of an Elevator or Escalator, don’t hesitate to contact us now. We are available 24/7 for a free case consultation to evaluate your potential claims. Learn how an award-winning Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at The Oakes Firm can get you the help you need and the money you deserve.