Escalators are all over the state of Florida. They are in our department stores, shopping malls, airports, and more. This is why nobody ever stops to think twice about them. However, if you are injured in an escalator accident, the injuries you sustain are most likely all too real. This is why most people involved in escalator accidents seek financial compensation to help cover the cost of their lost wages, medical bills, in-home care, 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 commonly causes escalator accidents?
Escalators are composed of hundreds of working parts, which is why when they are not properly kept or manufactured, there is a very good chance an accident will occur. Some of the most common causes of escalator accidents are as follows:
- Escalators reversing direction, resulting in a pileup
- Finger entrapments
- Between-step entrapments
- Missing comb plates
- Missing foot brushes
- Gaps and spaces
- Missing steps
- Overcrowded escalators
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
- Escalator design flaws
- Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
- Inadequate escalator lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Faulty handrails
What are the most frequently sustained injuries in escalator accidents?
Escalators are known to spawn both gruesome and unexpected injuries, including, though not limited to:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Joint injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Cuts and bruises
How do I recover financial compensation following an escalator accident?
To recover financial compensation following an escalator accident, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. Hiring an experienced attorney can help ensure you gather all the evidence needed to prove your personal injury claim. Some examples of evidence you and your attorney may recover include:
- Security camera footage
- Medical documents
- Pictures of the safety hazard
- Police reports
- Witness statements
What is the statute of limitations in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida is four years, which means you have four years from the date of your accident to file your personal injury claim. Do not wait, or you will most likely be denied to compensation you need.
Contact our experienced Florida firm
Our firm understands the potential repercussions of a serious accident. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you should not have to fight the uphill battle for financial compensation on your own. When you hire one of our attorneys, you are hiring a devoted, caring, and aggressive attorney who will tenaciously fight for your rights. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident and wishes to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact the Florida Personal Injury Law Team today.
