People use elevators and escalators almost every day. They offer short rides from floor to floor in almost any building with more than one level. While most people riding these machines don’t think of them as dangerous, accidents can, unfortunately, occur if an elevator or escalator malfunctions. This can happen if they are not regularly taken care of. If an elevator or escalator is defective, they can possibly cause serious harm to the people who use them. If an individual becomes injured due to a defective elevator or escalator, it may be a result of the negligence of the party responsible to care for these machines. If you have been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, it is important to seek legal representation to guide you through your case.
When elevators and escalators are not made or cared for properly, they can malfunction. This may happen because of design defects or mechanical failures. In order to avoid these problems, it is required that these machines are inspected on a regular basis so that they are safe for people to use. If an individual responsible for the care of these machines does not look after them, people can become seriously injured as a result of defects or failures. This may also happen with chair lifts and moving sidewalks. Those who are injured can suffer from a variety of injuries such as crushed limbs, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
Premises Liability
Sometimes, a property owner can be held responsible for an injury if it occurred while the person was on their property. A property owner has an obligation to provide safe premises for those who come onto their property. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable if someone is injured because of their neglect. In the event of this, premises liability laws protect injured individuals. When an individual is injured on another’s property, they must prove the property owner knew about, or should have known about, the conditions that caused the injury and did nothing to fix it.
Product Liability
In some cases, a property owner is not at fault for an individual’s injury. Elevators and escalators having many moving parts that are required to be made correctly in order for them to function. When mistakes are made or a manufacturer is negligent in following the right production process, these machines may malfunction and cause injuries. When this happens, product liability laws exist to protect victims who are injured this way. If a manufacturer is negligent in creation or design, they may be held responsible for any injuries that may happen.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured in an escalator or elevator accident, contact the Law Offices of Timian & Fawcett, LLC. today.
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
