Elevator and Escalator Injuries in Texas
As Texas’ population grows, so are city skylines, with an increasing number of new high-rise residential towers and office buildings going up around the state. This means that more Texans are using escalators and elevators every day. However, elevators and escalators injure an alarming number of people every year, leaving the victims physically and financially devastated.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, our knowledgeable elevator and escalator injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm are ready to fight for you and your family anywhere in Texas. We will help you get justice and seek compensation to assist with your medical bills and other expenses to help you move forward. Give us a call at 214-699-4409 or submit a contact form here for a free consultation.
How Elevator and Escalator Injuries Happen
While the state of Texas requires that passenger elevators and escalators be inspected by a qualified agent every six months, and freight elevators every year, an investigation by a Dallas news station found many problems with the state’s safety program. The main problem: Texas has no dedicated inspectors, so it relies on independent contractors to inspect elevators across the state. That sounds safe, right? Not so fast. A person only has to pay a $50 state fee and complete a three-day class to become an inspector.
When elevators and escalators are not properly inspected or maintained, the top issues that lead to injury include:
- Getting a foot caught between the escalator stairs (or side entrapment)
- Escalators making sudden stops
- Loose or missing parts that resulted in machine malfunction
- Elevators trapping people in doors
- Worn elevator brakes or parts due to lack of maintenance
Texas Elevator and Escalator Injury Statistics
While elevator and escalator injuries can be rare, here are some eye-opening statistics:
- Approximately 30 people are killed by elevators and escalators each year
- On average, 17,000 people across the U.S. are injured in elevator and escalator accidents each year
- Since 2004, nearly half of the elevator accidents in Texas have occurred in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Approximately 30% of these accidents were in hospitals, where elevators are constantly running.
In fact, after analyzing data from the Dallas Fire Department, the top five locations where elevator accidents occurred include:
- NorthPark Mall
- South Side on Lamar Lofts
- The Wilson Building
- Cityplace Tower
- Sterlingshire Apartments
In addition, people who operate and maintain elevators are at risk of fatal injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that since December 2020, two Texas workers were killed in elevator accidents: one was crushed between an elevator car door and gate, while the other died in a fall down an elevator shaft.
Filing an Elevator or Escalator Injury Claim in Texas
Now that you have seen how elevators and escalator injuries can occur in common public places, it is important to know your options. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, you have a right to file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. The time limit for filing a lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of the accident.
Damages that can be awarded from filing a claim include:
- Medical expenses for existing treatments
- Lost wages due to missing work while recovering from your injuries or taking care of a child who was hurt
- Future medical expenses to manage and treat your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
In the event that the unspeakable happens to your family as a result of an elevator or escalator accident, our attorneys will fight to help your family get justice and compensation to cover:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses incurred prior to a family member passing away
- Other unexpected costly fees
With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm’s personal injury experts will fight for you to get justice anywhere in Texas. Give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or submit a contact form here for a free consultation on an elevator or escalator injury claim.
How The Button Law Firm Can Help After an Elevator or Escalator Accident in Texas
Because elevator and escalator injuries fall under a complex part of Texas law called premises liability, it is advantageous to consult with our compassionate and knowledgeable lawyers at The Button Law Firm. We know what it entails to get justice from a negligent property owner and will fight on your behalf while you focus on healing from your injuries after an elevator or escalator injury. At The Button Law Firm, we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Give us a call at 214-699-4409 or submit a contact form here. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to help you get justice anywhere in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helping You After an Elevator or Escalator Accident
Is there a time limit to file a claim?
People who have been injured in an elevator or escalator accident have two years to file a claim. There are some exceptions to this time limit, so contact our team of experts today at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form, and we can determine how the legal statutes impact your case.
How much does it cost to file a claim?
At The Button Law Firm, we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. We work on contingency. This way, you can focus on treating your injuries while we focus on advocating and fighting for you. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form to get started.
Who do you represent?
We advocate for adults and children in Texas who have been hurt in accidents involving elevators and escalators, as well as the family members of a loved one who has passed away from an accident. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to help you and your family anywhere in the Lone Star State.
How can I file a claim?
Simply contact our team by calling 214-699-4409 or filling out a contact form, and we can determine the best way to help you.
Why should I work with The Button Law Firm?
We are dedicated to defending adults and children harmed in a serious accident. Our team is ready to listen to you, advocate for you, and help you hold negligent parties accountable. See what our past clients say about working with us to handle their legal matters.