Emergency Stop: Escalator Accident Claims for Sudden Stops

Each year, approximately 10,000 escalator-related injuries occur in the United States, with a significant portion resulting from falls caused by sudden stops. When an escalator comes to an abrupt halt, passengers can be thrown off balance, leading to serious injuries. If you’ve been injured due to a sudden stop on an escalator, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the causes of these incidents and your legal rights is crucial.

What Causes Sudden Stops on Escalators?

Escalators, like any complex machinery, require regular maintenance and inspection. When neglected, various mechanical and electrical faults can lead to sudden, unexpected stops. Some of the most common causes include:

Mechanical Failures: Worn-out parts, loose components, or lubrication issues can cause the escalator’s motor or braking system to malfunction, leading to abrupt stops or jerky movements.
Electrical Faults: Faulty wiring or other electrical problems can cause spontaneous escalator failure, leading the escalator to stop or start suddenly.
Design Defects: Design flaws, such as unbalanced leveling or excessive gaps between steps and sides, can create tripping hazards and contribute to sudden stops.
Comb Plate Issues: The comb plates at the entrance and exit points of escalators can come loose or have missing teeth, causing riders to get their clothing or shoelaces caught, which may trigger an emergency stop.
Overcrowding: Excessive weight or obstructions can overload the system, causing it to stop suddenly as a safety measure.
Inadequate Maintenance: A lack of proper maintenance is a leading cause of escalator accidents. Over time, escalators experience wear and tear, leading to worn-out parts, loose components, and lubrication issues.
Safety Feature Malfunctions: Missing or faulty components, such as step demarcations, handrails, or emergency stop buttons, compromise the safety of riders.

Common Injuries from Sudden Stops

A sudden stop on an escalator can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe:

Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden fall can lead to concussions or long-term cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Falls from height or forceful impacts can cause permanent mobility issues.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a fall or getting caught in moving parts can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs.
Lacerations and Amputations: Entrapment in the escalator’s mechanism can cause severe cuts or loss of limbs.
Sprains and Strains: Sudden stops can cause wrist or ankle sprains due to a sudden loss of balance.
Emotional Trauma: Including claustrophobia or anxiety after entrapment incidents.

Who Is Liable for Escalator Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in an escalator accident requires a thorough investigation. Several parties may be held accountable, including:

Property Owners: Businesses, hotels, malls, and airports must maintain safe premises, including ensuring escalators are properly maintained. Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that the escalator is safe for use and properly maintained.
Maintenance and Inspection Companies: Third-party contractors responsible for escalator upkeep may be liable if their negligence contributed to an accident.
Escalator Manufacturers: If a defective design or faulty manufacturing caused the escalator to malfunction, the manufacturer may be responsible.
Building Management: The management company or entity that is responsible for the building or the escalator may be held liable for an injury if they fail to properly maintain the escalator or if they were aware of any potential hazards and failed to take action.

Under premises liability, the property owner is required to provide a uniform standard of reasonable care for the safety of those expected to be there.

The Role of Emergency Stop Buttons

Emergency stop buttons are a crucial safety feature on escalators. Strategically placed at the top and bottom of the escalator, typically near the handrails, these buttons allow for the immediate cessation of escalator movement in case of a hazard. The emergency stop button is intended to instantly stop the escalator from moving in the case of an emergency or possible danger.

Using the Emergency Stop Button:

Location: Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency stop buttons on escalators you frequently use.
When to Use: If you witness someone falling, clothing getting caught, or any other dangerous situation, immediately press the emergency stop button.
After Stopping: Once the escalator has stopped, assist anyone who needs help and alert the authorities or escalator technicians.

What to Do After an Escalator Accident

If you’ve been injured in an escalator accident, taking the following steps can protect your health and legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries, like head trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Incident: Report the incident to the property owner or building management and ensure an official report is filed.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the escalator, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
Collect Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information.
Avoid Signing Waivers: Do not sign any waivers or settlements without legal advice.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve key evidence, and fight for your rights.

Compensation for Escalator Accident Victims

Victims of escalator accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and any lasting impairments that affect future income.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
Disability and Disfigurement: Life-changing injuries such as paralysis or amputations typically result in substantial compensation due to long-term medical costs and lifestyle adjustments.
Punitive Damages: Additional compensation if negligence was extreme.

Escalator accident settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries, liability, and long-term financial impact.

Recent Escalator Injury Settlements

\$3 Million Settlement (New York, 2022): A woman suffered a severe spinal cord injury after falling due to a malfunctioning escalator at a shopping mall. The property owner failed to repair known defects.
\$2.5 Million Settlement (New Jersey, 2021): A child’s foot was severely injured after getting trapped in an airport escalator. The lawsuit proved that maintenance failures contributed to the accident.
\$15 Million Settlement: Attorney Samuel L. Davis recently secured a \$15 million settlement on behalf of the family of a 13-year-old girl who suffered severe injuries in a 2013 escalator accident at a department store in New Jersey’s Garden State Plaza.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Escalator accident cases can be complex, involving multiple liable parties and intricate mechanical issues. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an escalator accident due to a sudden stop or any other malfunction, contact a personal injury attorney today to discuss your legal options.