Escalators are common in busy establishments like shopping malls, train stations, sports arenas or airports. If you work in one of these places, taking an escalator is a part of your daily routine. While many people use escalators without incident, they can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injuries, especially for children or elderly adults.

Escalator injuries can occur in a split-second, but have a lasting impact on the victim and their families. This is why it's important to understand your rights and ensure you recover full compensation when such an injury occurs. Continue reading for important things to remember when it comes to escalator accidents in New Jersey.

For help with an injury claim following an escalator accident, call the NJ personal injury attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law for help. We will discuss your case in detail and determine what options you have for legal recourse.

Common Types of Escalator Accidents

There are a number of ways someone may be injured in an escalator accident. Below are the most common:

Falls

Falling is the most common escalator accident, and it usually results in serious injuries. Although there are numerous reasons why someone could lose their balance and fall, those who are intoxicated or someone who isn't using the escalator properly account for a large number of accidents. Elderly people are also more likely to slip and fall. Most falls happen in the space between the escalator and the nearby wall. If there are insufficient guards, the property owner, the design engineer, the architect, or other parties may be liable.

Step Side Entrapment

The second most common escalator accident is when there is an excessive amount of space between the step and skirt. Anything that becomes trapped in that area, such as a shoe, a piece of clothing, or a finger, could get entangled in the mechanism and cause severe injuries. It is important to stand in the middle of the step since this usually happens when someone is standing too close to the sides. If fingers get caught, it could potentially cause amputation. There have even been rare cases where a person has choked to death due to an item of clothing getting lodged.

Comb Plate Entrapment

A comb plate entrapment happens at the top or bottom of the escalators, where shoes or body parts are trapped between the stationary comb plate and the moving stairs. These types of accidents can cause disfigurement or the loss of body parts, and they usually happen to children. The chance of becoming trapped can rise when comb teeth are missing. However, an intact comb plate has the potential to catch onto a shoe, so passengers should always step over the comb when using the escalator.

Handrail Entrapment

Handrail injuries happen when clothing or body parts get caught between the moving handrail and its guide. An injury can be a little as pinching discomfort or as severe as a limb being caught and amputated. This is very serious when it comes to children. If you are traveling with children on an escalator, it's important to supervise them to ensure they are safe.

Missing or Broken Steps

Although these incidents are rare, they typically result in the most serious injuries and even fatalities. Anyone who happens to be caught in the middle of a broken step runs a very high risk of suffering blunt-force trauma. Not all current escalators have been modified for safety, even though newer versions have been developed to try and lower these risks. Deadly accidents may arise from misaligned stairs that result in protruding metal fragments.

Recognizing A Dangerous Escalator

Escalators should be handled carefully and with respect, as they can be an extremely dangerous piece of equipment. While using an escalator can be safe, there are some warning indicators of escalators that could be a hazard. You just have to know what to look for. Below are signs to watch for that an escalator is not working properly and can cause serious injury if used. They include:

• Unusual sounds: Pay attention to the sounds an escalator makes. There is likely a safety hazard if you hear any grinding, screeching, banging, or other strange noises.
• Gaps: Are there any gaps that are visible in between the steps? If so, clothing items, and your hands and feet, could become entangled in them.
• Foot brush missing: The purpose of these brushes is to direct passengers' feet away from the skirt panels, thus increasing passenger safety. Passengers should be aware of the bristles on the skirt and know to shift away from the sides if they are standing too close to it. Riders have a higher risk of injury if there is no foot brush because they might not recognize how close to the side they are. Every escalator step needs to be bump-free and seamless. Soft rubber slippers or sneakers could become stuck if there is any contact.
• Comb plates missing: On the escalator's top and bottom landings is a comb plate. Every tooth must be exactly positioned. There is a higher risk of injury if any are missing.
• Escalator steps missing: The escalator step should never have any missing parts. The top and sides of the step should always be solid and whole, and should never be loose or wobbly.

Injured on a NJ Escalator? Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law for Legal Assistance

With decades of experience, the personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law have helped victims injured in New Jersey accidents, including those hurt on escalators. We can assist you in getting the settlement you are entitled to and hold responsible parties liable.

For a free consultation, call our NJ office today.