Escalator And Elevator Accidents In Naples: Who Is Responsible For Injuries?

Escalators and elevators are a part of daily life in Naples, found in shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, and condos throughout the area. While designed to be convenient and meet the needs of both residents and visitors, they are subject to malfunctions that can cause potentially devastating injuries.

Falls, entrapment, sudden drops, and other issues are all too common, particularly along the Gulf Coast, where salt water and high humidity make mechanical problems more likely to occur. If you got hurt in an elevator or escalator accident in Collier County, our Naples premises liability lawyer explains your rights and who can be held responsible.

Common Elevator and Escalator Hazards in Collier County and Throughout Florida

The Center for Construction Research and Training reports that dozens of people are killed each year due to escalator and elevator accidents in the U.S., while close to 20,000 other victims suffer serious injuries that require hospital care. Considering the number of apartment complexes, condominiums, resorts, and multi-level shopping and entertainment complexes in Collier County, residents need to be aware of the risks.

Under the Florida Statutes, elevators and escalators are subject to strict regulations. When they are improperly maintained or when building owners and service companies fail to perform inspections or repairs, serious personal injuries can happen as a result. Common hazards include:

• Sudden stops or drops, often due to faulty cables or sensors;
• Door malfunctions, such as closing on a rider or failing to open;
• Trip hazards at misaligned elevator floors;
• Escalator entrapments, such as due to shoelace or clothing snags;
• Slippery or uneven steps, leading to falls.

In tourist-heavy areas like Naples, increased foot traffic can wear down escalators and elevators faster. Add in the salt air and high humidity, and it is easy to see why residents and visitors to our area are at increased risk.

Who Is Liable for Elevator or Escalator Injuries in Naples?

Both property owners and third-party maintenance companies may be held liable when personal injuries happen on escalators or elevators in Naples due to their negligence. Examples include:

• The owner failed to inspect or maintain the equipment regularly;
• Warning signs were missing or ignored when the hazard became known;
• The maintenance company neglected repairs or used defective parts;
• Past violations or citations were documented but not addressed.

Evidence we use to hold those at fault accountable includes inspection logs, surveillance footage, service contracts, and witness accounts. In serious injury cases, expert analysis may be used to determine what went wrong and who should have prevented it.

Injured on an Elevator or Escalator in Collier County? Contact Our Experienced Naples Premises Liability Lawyer

Accidents involving elevators and escalators in Naples can leave you suffering serious injuries that require ongoing medical care and prevent you from working or engaging in other activities long after. Cardinal Law, P.A. holds those at fault liable and fights to get you compensation for your costs. Contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced Naples premises liability lawyer.

Sources:

cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/elevator_escalator_BLSapproved_1.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0399/0399.html