Escalators: Convenience or Risk in Ventura?
Escalators are a modern convenience in Ventura, aiding efficient movement in shopping centers, airports, hotels, office towers, and transit stations. However, they pose safety risks, causing serious accidents and injuries annually. It is, accordingly, important for Ventura residents to understand the nature and causes of escalator injuries, and what they can do to get justice if they are seriously injured in an escalator accident due to negligent escalator maintenance.
Escalator Injuries: Not Just “One-Off” or “Freak” Accidents
Ventura residents and shoppers may be surprised to hear the statistics regarding escalator injuries. A 2013 article entitled “Riding the Escalator: How Dangerous is it Really?” reveals that approximately 10,000 escalator-related injuries require emergency department treatment each year in the United States. According to the article, there are several reasons that Americans are injured by escalators each year, with the primary cause of escalator-related injuries being slipping or falling, which account for 77% of escalator-related injuries. Other causes of escalator-involved injuries include collisions with fellow escalator riders (11%) and other causes, such as issues related to personal belongings (for example, shoelaces getting stuck), user error, or escalator malfunctions (each constituting less than 6% of total escalator injuries).
Escalators can Cause Riders Serious Injuries
According to the 2013 article, soft tissue injuries were the most prevalent escalator injuries, affecting 92% of patients. Fractures due to escalator injuries occurred in 27% of cases, and craniocerebral injuries were reported in 18% of patients seen for escalator-related injuries. As demonstrated by these figures, serious injuries can occur in escalator accidents, and escalator riders are encouraged to exercise caution any time they are riding an escalator.
Rights and Options of Victims of Escalator Accidents in Ventura Under California Personal Injury Laws
Ventura residents should know their rights under California personal injury laws. Under California personal injury laws, victims of negligently caused escalator accidents may file a lawsuit in court for money compensation. To determine whether you may be owed compensation for your escalator injuries, it is best to speak with an experienced Ventura escalator accident lawyer about your case.
The experienced Ventura escalator accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC are here to help victims of serious escalator accidents get justice for their injuries and losses. Contact Zavala Law, PC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3628462/
