Escalators and elevators are found in most malls, shopping plazas and department stores today. Unfortunately, they are not always safe for shoppers or the public. They may have dangerous product defects or maintenance problems that can lead to slip, trip and fall accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury on an escalator or elevator in Dallas, Texas, contact The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. to find out how our attorneys can help you recover.
Why Choose Us as Your Legal Representatives?
- We care about our clients and provide personalized attention throughout slip and fall accident cases. You will have a direct line of communication with your attorney.
- We aren’t afraid to go to trial to fight for justice for injured accident victims, when necessary. We are aggressive and experienced trial lawyers in Dallas.
- Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay your slip and fall accident lawyer if he or she wins your case.
How an Escalator or Elevator Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident
Elevators and escalators are necessary to the architecture of modern buildings. Dallas is home to thousands of elevators and escalators that serve millions of people every day. These are powerful machines that require proper installation, maintenance and repairs to operate correctly. Even a minor issue with an elevator or escalator could lead to a serious or deadly accident. Common problems that cause elevator and escalator accidents in Texas include:
- Defects in the design or manufacture of the elevator or escalator
- Improper equipment installation
- Machinery malfunctions and equipment breakdowns
- A misaligned elevator that is not even with the floor
- Dangerous open elevator shafts
- Lack of proper equipment maintenance
- Slippery, wet or greasy floor surfaces
- Spilled drinks or food debris
- Clothing getting caught in escalator machinery
These hazards are often preventable with a normal or reasonable amount of care by the person or entity that owns the elevator or escalator. If a shopping mall has employees whose job it is to regularly inspect the machinery for issues, for example, it can catch a problem ahead of time before it causes a serious injury. Unfortunately, many businesses and property owners are negligent in keeping their premises safe.
Slip and Fall on an Escalator/Elevator: Who Should Pay?
Negligence is the grounds for most personal injury and
premises liability claims in Texas. A property owner is negligent if he or she does not fulfill the required level of care, and this causes an injury to someone else. All property owners have a legal obligation to inspect their properties for hidden hazards, repair known injury risks and warn visitors of potential dangers. If a property owner does not meet this obligation, and this results in an elevator or escalator slip and fall accident, the property owner is financially responsible for the victim’s injuries.
In general, a negligent property owner in Texas is legally required to pay for an elevator or escalator accident, injury or death. The victim must prove liability, however, using clear and convincing evidence. Proof of liability is evidence that the owner knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard, negligently failed to remedy the issue, and that this was the direct cause of the victim’s injuries. An attorney in Dallas can help an injured victim collect evidence of fault for an escalator or elevator slip and fall accident.
Contact Our Escalator/Elevator Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was recently injured in an elevator or escalator slip and fall accident, contact the local Dallas attorneys at The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. for a free consultation. We have many years of experience representing clients in slip and fall accident cases. We know how to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Speak to an attorney for more details about your legal rights and options today. Call (214) 609-1140 or
contact us online for a free case review.
