Elevators and escalators are part of everyday life. We use them in office buildings, apartment complexes, shopping centers, hospitals, hotels, and public transportation facilities without giving them much thought. While these systems are generally safe, a mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or dangerous property condition can cause serious injuries in seconds.
If you were hurt in an elevator or escalator accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the party responsible for maintaining or operating the equipment. At Towey Law PLLC, our Buffalo premises liability lawyers help injury victims hold negligent property owners, maintenance companies, and other responsible parties accountable for the harm they cause. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you need while you focus on healing.
Why Choose Towey Law PLLC After an Elevator Accident?
Elevator and escalator accidents often require an immediate investigation and a thorough understanding of New York premises liability law. Towey Law PLLC is committed to providing personalized representation for every client.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout New York.
- You work directly with an experienced attorney who keeps you informed throughout your case.
- We handle injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
How Do Elevator and Escalator Accidents Happen?
Many elevator and escalator accidents are preventable. Property owners and companies responsible for maintaining these systems have a duty to address dangerous conditions before someone gets hurt.
Common causes of these accidents include:
- Sudden elevator drops or stops
- Doors that close too quickly
- Misaligned elevator cars
- Escalator step malfunctions
- Broken handrails
- Electrical failures
- Poor maintenance
- Defective components
- Failure to inspect equipment regularly
New York requires companies that install, inspect, maintain, and repair elevators to meet licensing requirements, helping ensure these systems are properly serviced. Even so, negligent maintenance and defective equipment continue to cause serious injuries.
Who May Be Responsible for an Elevator or Escalator Accident in Buffalo?
Determining liability is often more complicated than it appears. Several different parties may have responsibilities for keeping elevators and escalators safe.
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve:
- Property owners
- Commercial building managers
- Maintenance companies
- Elevator repair contractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Property management companies
An investigation may include evidence like reviewing maintenance logs, inspection reports, surveillance footage, and service records to determine whether someone failed to identify or correct a dangerous condition.
What Injuries Are Common in Elevator and Escalator Accidents?
Elevator and escalator accidents frequently involve falls, crushing injuries, or sudden impacts that can leave victims with significant physical injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Deep lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Older adults and young children may be especially vulnerable to serious injuries because of the way these accidents occur.
What Compensation May Be Available in an Escalator Accident in Buffalo, NY?
A serious elevator or escalator accident can leave you with substantial financial and personal losses. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the long-term effects on your life, and the available insurance coverage.
Contact a Buffalo Elevator and Escalator Injury Lawyer
If you were injured because an elevator or escalator was unsafe, you should not have to bear the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence. Towey Law PLLC understands the challenges injury victims face and is committed to helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact Towey Law PLLC today to schedule a free consultation and learn how a Buffalo elevator and escalator injury lawyer can help protect your rights after a serious accident.