Escalator Accidents
Escalators can be extremely dangerous if they do not function properly. Escalators that stop or start unexpectedly or run at incorrect speeds can cause users to fall and injure themselves. Other injuries can occur if the structure of an escalator has fallen into disrepair and a user becomes entangled or entrapped in some portion of the escalator.
Escalator accidents can cause lacerations, torn ligaments, broken bones, foot and knee damage, and similar injuries. A person who falls on an escalator can suffer a potentially debilitating head, brain, back, or spinal injury.
If you were injured in an escalator accident, contact a NYC premises liability lawyer with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. to discuss your rights to compensation. You may be due compensation for your medical bills and other losses if the accident was the result of someone’s careless or negligent actions.
Contact us today at (212) 490-5700 to schedule a free, initial consultation of your case.
Let Our Escalator Injury Lawyers Help!
New York City has approximately 2,200 escalators according to the NYC Department of Buildings. Owners of retail stores, shopping malls, and office buildings are required by law to properly maintain their premises including escalators. Government entities also have a legal obligation to keep their buildings in good repair and hazard-free.
Premises liability law requires that property owners repair hazards in a timely manner and adequately warn visitors to the property when a hazard exists. The laws also holds that negligent property owners may be held responsible for visitors’ injuries if they are caused by hazards that the owner knew about or should have known about but took no steps to repair or adequately identify as a warning to visitors.
The law requires that all escalators in use in New York City must be properly installed and maintained. To ensure the safe and proper use of escalators, the Department of Buildings’ Elevator Division inspects elevators and escalators in accordance with the New York City Building Code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards. Escalators must pass installation inspections as well as periodic inspections by the Department of Buildings to be legally operated. New York State, as well as other municipalities in the state, has similar laws.
There are about 6,000 injuries and two deaths in escalator accidents each year in the United States, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Accidents that typically result from escalator malfunction include:
- Slip and fall accidents, particularly with elderly passengers
- Finger entrapment, particularly with children, if the handrail entry at the balustrade has an opening too large
- Comb plate entrapment
- Between-step entrapment
- Personal effects such as hair, clothing, or shoes becoming lodged in the escalator
The CPSC estimates that falls cause 75% of escalator injuries, with entrapment causing 20%, and other causes making up the remaining 5%.
Escalator accidents are typically caused by such defects as:
- Missing teeth on the escalator track
- Loose or missing screws
- Excessive space between the moving walk area (the steps) and the escalator sides
- Broken or missing steps
- General malfunction (starting, stopping, speed, etc.).
Escalator accidents may lead to:
- Broken bones from entrapment or falls
- Soft tissue injuries, including severe lacerations, tears, strains and sprains
- Joint injuries from the twisting and tearing of entrapment or in falls
- Traumatic brain injuries, which is a common result of accidental falls
- Spinal cord injuries, which may include paralysis.
Premises Liability
Are You Due Compensation for an Escalator Accident?
It is the building owner’s responsibility to pay all inspection fees and maintain all escalators on their property. Failure to properly maintain escalators may lead to fines. If an accident has occurred because a building owner has failed to maintain an escalator or has failed to ensure it was properly installed, the owner can be held liable for damages that are due to the injured person.
Severe injuries from an escalator accident can prevent you from working and result in permanent disabilities. This includes personal injury compensation to cover the costs of:
- Hospitalization
- Medical care
- Lost income
- Home care
- Rehabilitation.
Our firm will thoroughly investigate your accident and diligently seek any benefits you are due for your medical costs and other injury-related expenses. If an escalator has been inspected on a regular basis, records will indicate this fact. If it hasn’t, the lack of records will indicate this lapse.
Closed-circuit cameras, which exist at many public and private locations, may have recorded your accident. Testimony by witnesses to your accident, as well as your statement and your medical records, will also add to the evidence that supports your claim. Others who frequent the office building, shopping mall, or hotel where you were hurt, may have knowledge of similar malfunctions or accidents. They may have filed complaints with building management, which would indicate knowledge of the problem.
Our office can manage your case from start to finish. We will explain the laws pertaining to premises liability and personal injury compensation, and explain the possible outcomes of your claim. New York City injury attorneys at our firm will guide you through the claims process and help you obtain sufficient medical documentation regarding the extent of your injuries and how the accident has impacted your life.
It is important to start work on a claim without delay. New York law requires that personal injury claims be filed within a limited amount of time. Personal injury lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming to investigate. It is best to begin work on a claim as soon as possible after your accident to ensure it is not denied due to the statute of limitations.
Contact Our New York Escalator Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured because of an unsafe escalator, contact Hecht Kleeger & Damashek for a free discussion of your accident and a potential claim. You may be able to obtain compensation to assist you with medical bills and other expenses related to your accident.
Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. is a skilled personal injury firm that provides seasoned legal advice regarding personal injuries caused by escalator accidents in New York City and elsewhere in New York State. We help our clients secure the financial benefits they deserve for their injuries. Contact us today at (212) 490-5700.
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CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
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08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
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02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
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01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
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01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
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01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
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01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
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12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
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12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
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12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
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12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
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12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
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12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
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12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
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12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
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07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
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07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
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07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
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07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
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06/05/2019
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5
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT