Escalators are found in shopping malls, airports, train stations, and office buildings across California. While they provide convenience, they can also pose serious risks when poorly maintained or improperly designed. Each year, thousands of people suffer injuries in escalator accidents, often due to property owner negligence. At Hillstone Law, we fight for the rights of escalator accident victims and their families.
Common Causes of Escalator Accidents
Escalator accidents can result from a variety of hazards, including:
- Poor maintenance – worn steps, missing teeth, or broken handrails
- Sudden stops or malfunctions – causing passengers to fall
- Loose clothing or shoelaces – getting caught in the machinery
- Overcrowding – increasing the risk of trips and falls
- Improper installation – leading to mechanical failures
- Lack of warning signs – when escalators are under repair or unsafe
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that thousands of escalator-related injuries occur every year in the United States.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/
Types of Escalator Accident Injuries
Victims of escalator accidents may suffer:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Sprains, bruises, and lacerations
- Head injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries or amputations from entrapment
- Fatal injuries in severe cases
Children and elderly passengers are particularly vulnerable to escalator-related accidents.
Who is Liable for Escalator Injuries?
In California, escalator accidents often fall under premises liability law. Liable parties may include:
- Property owners or managers – who fail to maintain safe escalators
- Maintenance companies – responsible for improper repairs or inspections
- Manufacturers – if defective parts or poor design caused the accident
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages if negligence can be proven.
What to Do After an Escalator Accident
If you are injured in an escalator accident, take these steps:
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Report the incident to building management and request a copy of the report.
- Take photos of the escalator and surrounding area.
- Gather witness names and contact information.
- Preserve clothing or shoes involved in the incident.
- Contact a premises liability lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we represent victims of escalator accidents across California. Our legal team will:
- Investigate the cause of the escalator malfunction
- Review maintenance and inspection records
- Work with engineers and safety experts to prove negligence
- Negotiate aggressively with property owners and insurers
- File lawsuits when necessary to protect your rights
We fight for damages including:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in fatal escalator accidents
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an escalator accident, Hillstone Law is here to stand by your side.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
