If you have ever been to a department store, shopping mall, or airport, there is a very good chance you’ve used an escalator. Escalators are convenient, though semi-typical machines that most Americans are all too familiar with. However, when they are not properly maintained or produced, there is a far greater window for potential accidents than you could imagine. If you were injured in an escalator accident, there is a very good chance you are now looking into financial compensation to help offset the burden of your medical bills, in-home care costs, lost wages, and more. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of escalator accidents?
Escalator accidents can be caused by any number of factors, including, but not limited to:
- Escalators reversing direction, resulting in a pileup
- Finger entrapments
- Missing foot brushes
- Between-step entrapments
- Missing comb plates
- Inadequate escalator lighting
- Escalator design flaws
- Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
How do I recover compensation following a New Jersey escalator accident?
To recover compensation, you must satisfy the burden of proof. This means you must first establish enough evidence to prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, this is not always an easy task, so you should never hesitate to contact an experienced attorney to help you gather all the evidence you need.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
Some evidence helpful in proving a personal injury claim can include security camera footage of your accident as it happened, police reports, witness statements verifying your claim, pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident, and medical documentation detailing the extent of your injuries. Your attorney will ensure you have everything necessary to present a convincing claim.
What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations in New Jersey is two years. This means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Please do not wait. If you put it off, you will most likely be denied the compensation you need for a smooth recovery.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
If you or someone you know was involved in an accident and wishes to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq.today. If you have sustained serious injuries due to another party’s negligence, there is no reason for you to suffer alone. The compensation you receive may cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and more. Do yourself a favor and let us work with you to attain the financial assistance you need.