Escalators were made to make our lives easier. When you’re carrying heavy bags or just have trouble climbing a long set of stairs, an escalator can easily take you right up to the top floor. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can rush up the escalator steps much quicker than taking the stairs. But sometimes the easier route can be the more dangerous route.
If you recently suffered an injury while riding on an escalator, call the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone. Our experienced Jersey City escalator accident lawyer is ready to assist you with your case. We are now taking cases involving escalator accidents located at:
- The Journal Square Path Station.
- Newport Station.
- Grove Street Station.
- And Pavonia Ave Station.
Escalator Accidents on the Rise
Escalator-related injuries have been steadily increasing in the United States every year. According to a recent report by the American Association for Justice, each year sees about 10 percent more injuries and deaths from escalator accidents than the year before. In 2013, there was a total of 12,260 escalator accidents and deaths reports in the U.S., a gigantic rise from 1990 when there were only 4,900 reported injuries and deaths.
Unfortunately, the age groups who suffer the most injuries are the very young and the very old. Children under the age of 14 and those over 65 averaged a collective 60 percent of the injuries reported between 1990 and 1994.
The most common reason for these accidents involves falls. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, out of the 27 escalator-related deaths reported between 1985 to 1999, 21 were because the person fell.
Who’s at Fault for Your Accident?
There can be several factors for an escalator accident, ranging from a human error to mechanical failure. But if you are on an elevator that is acting strange, such as making an unexpected jerking motion that causes you to fall, the fault lies with the property owner. Under premises liability, it is the owner’s responsibility to keep the elevator properly maintained for everyone who uses the machine.
But let’s say you are rushing down the escalator before a piece of your shirt is caught in the escalator, causing your accident. Are you at fault? According to New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Act, it depends on how much of the accident is your fault. The law states that if the plaintiff is found partially responsible for the accident, he/she may not recover the full amount owed. This is why it’s best to speak with an experienced Jersey City escalator accident attorney about your case.
We’re Here to help!
Personal injury law can be quite difficult to navigate. You need an attorney who has years of experience in New Jersey’s complex personal injury law in order to receive the compensation you deserve. For more than 30 years, Jersey City lawyer Anthony Carbone has been helping thousands in New Jersey with their personal injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
CALL NOW:(201) 829-3829
