According to the website nj.com, in an Atlantic City, New Jersey shopping mall, an escalator accident took the life of a Clinton, New Jersey man. The man, in his early 40s, died when he fell from the escalator. Details regarding the cause of the accident were not initially provided, as police were still investigating the incident. This accident marked the second time in 13 months that an individual had fatally fallen to their death from an escalator in the same mall at The Pier Shops at Caesars.
Escalators are convenient, but also dangerous. Building owners and escalator designers, maintenance companies, manufacturers, distributors and installers typically take precautions designed to prevent injury on these devices. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that about 75% of injuries associated with escalators are fall-related. According to the Safety Commission, about 11,000 people were injured in escalator accidents in 2007.
An escalator accident involves the law of premises liability issue, and, those responsible for the premises and the inspection of its escalators may be held partially accountable for injuries that occur there. However, these complicated claims may also have a product liability component to them if defects in, or poor and improper maintenance of, the escalator contributed to or caused the accident.
Those injured in accidents of this nature should remember that an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney is an asset in holding negligent commercial property owners and others accountable for their actions. If you have been injured in an elevator, escalator, or mechanical walkway accident, contact the premises liability attorneys at Blume Forte. Our skilled personal injury attorneys will evaluate the circumstances of your case, and will seek to assist you in obtaining compensation for your physical injuries and economic loses. Call us today at 973-845-4421 for more information and a no cost consultation of your possible premises liability case.