Atlanta Escalator & Elevator Accidents Attorney

What Is an Escalator or Elevator Accident?

An elevator accident or escalator accident occurs when mechanical failure, defective equipment, negligent maintenance, or other unsafe conditions cause injury or death.

Elevators and escalators are used every day in apartment buildings, hotels, office towers, shopping centers, airports, hospitals, and public transit systems. Because these systems transport large numbers of people, property owners and maintenance companies have a responsibility to ensure they are properly inspected, maintained, and repaired.

When elevators or escalators malfunction, the injuries can be catastrophic.

At Apolinsky & Associates, we represent victims and families affected by elevator accidents, escalator accidents, and other related premises liability cases throughout Georgia. We investigate the cause of the incident, identify responsible parties, and pursue full compensation for our clients.

A Dedicated Atlanta Escalator and Elevator Accidents Lawyer

People trust elevators and escalators to operate safely. When a serious malfunction occurs, victims are often left with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial losses.

At Apolinsky & Associates, we handle complex escalator and elevator injury cases involving:

• Elevator falls.
• Sudden elevator drops.
• Entrapment incidents.
• Escalator falls.
• Mechanical failures.
• Crush injuries.
• Elevator deaths.
• Escalator deaths.

Our firm combines personalized attention with the litigation strength necessary to take on property owners, maintenance companies, contractors, and manufacturers.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an escalator or elevator accident, we are here to help you move forward.

Common Causes of Escalator & Elevator Accidents

Most escalator and elevator accidents are preventable. These incidents are often linked to poor maintenance, defective equipment, or failure to address known safety hazards.

Common causes include:

• Negligent elevator maintenance.
• Mechanical failure.
• Faulty door sensors.
• Sudden elevator drops or stops.
• Elevator misleveling.
• Broken escalator steps.
• Electrical malfunctions.
• Defective safety brakes.
• Improper inspections.
• Building code violations.
• Failure to repair known defects.

Escalator and elevator negligence cases frequently involve maintenance providers that failed to properly inspect or repair dangerous conditions.

Negligent Escalator and Elevator Maintenance Lawyer Cases

Elevators and escalators require routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs to remain safe. When property owners or maintenance companies cut corners, serious injuries can occur.

A negligent elevator maintenance lawyer investigates whether:

• Required inspections were skipped.
• Repairs were delayed or ignored.
• Safety systems failed.
• Maintenance contractors violated industry standards.
• Property owners knew about dangerous conditions.

Maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair histories are often critical evidence in elevator accident lawsuits.

Escalator and Elevator Accident Injuries

Elevator and escalator accidents can cause catastrophic injuries when passengers fall, become trapped or crushed, or are injured by a serious mechanical failure. These injuries may require emergency surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term medical care.

Escalator & Elevator Death Cases

An escalator or elevator death is often the result of preventable negligence.

Wrongful death is a civil cause of action brought by family members and dependents against individuals who knowingly or negligently cause the death of another person.

Fatal escalator and elevator accidents may involve:

• Sudden elevator free-falls.
• Door entrapment incidents.
• Mechanical failures.
• Unsafe maintenance practices.
• Escalator entrapment.
• Structural failures.

Multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Property owners.
• Elevator maintenance companies.
• Equipment manufacturers.
• Contractors.
• Building management companies.

At Apolinsky & Associates, we work closely with families to investigate fatal accidents and pursue accountability for preventable deaths.

Proving Negligence in Escalator & Elevator Accident Cases

Escalator and elevator injury claims often involve both premises liability and product liability principles.

Under Georgia premises liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1), property owners have a duty to exercise ordinary care in keeping premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors. Under OCGA § 44-7-14, property owners are responsible for defective construction and for damages arising from failure to keep the premises in repair.

To recover compensation, injured victims generally must prove:

• A duty of care existed.
• The responsible party breached that duty.
• The breach caused the accident or dangerous condition.
• The victim suffered injuries and damages as a result.

Evidence in escalator and elevator negligence cases may include:

• Maintenance records.
• Inspection reports.
• Surveillance footage.
• Prior complaints.
• Engineering evaluations.
• Building code violations.

What Damages Can Be Received for an Escalator or Elevator Accident?

Victims injured in an elevator accident or escalator accident may be entitled to compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses.

Compensation may include:

• Emergency medical expenses.
• Hospitalization and surgery.
• Rehabilitation and therapy.
• Lost wages.
• Loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Permanent disability.
• Disfigurement.
• Long-term medical care.

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Loss of financial support.
• Loss of companionship.
• The full value of the life of the deceased.

How Common Are Elevator Accidents?

Elevator accidents are more common than many people realize.

According to federal safety data, thousands of elevator-related injuries occur in the United States each year. While many incidents involve minor injuries, serious elevator accidents can lead to catastrophic injury or death.

Elevator accidents often occur because of:

• Poor maintenance.
• Mechanical defects.
• Improper inspections.
• Unsafe work practices.
• Failure to repair known hazards.

Commercial buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, and hospitals may all face liability when dangerous elevator conditions are ignored.

How Common Are Escalator Accidents?

Escalator accidents also result in thousands of injuries annually across the United States.

Many escalator injuries involve:

• Falls caused by sudden stops.
• Entrapment incidents.
• Defective escalator steps.
• Loose handrails.
• Unsafe maintenance conditions.

Children and older adults are especially at risk of severe injury in escalator accidents.

Compensation & Damages Recoverable in Escalator and Elevator Negligence Cases

Serious escalator and elevator injuries can leave victims unable to work or return to normal life. Compensation in these cases is intended to help victims recover the full value of their losses.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Lost income.
• Reduced earning capacity.
• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Permanent disability costs.

Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety.

How Apolinsky & Associates Can Help

Escalator and elevator accident cases often involve complex investigations and aggressive insurance defense teams. Our firm has the experience and resources necessary to pursue these claims effectively.

We can:

• Investigate the cause of the accident.
• Preserve maintenance and inspection records.
• Work with elevator engineering experts.
• Identify all liable parties.
• Handle communications with insurers.
• Pursue litigation when necessary.

We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and families, and we are committed to pursuing meaningful results.