Sudden Stops. Broken Steps. Serious Injuries. When Escalators and Elevators Fail

Most people use elevators and escalators without a second thought, whether in office buildings, malls, hotels, or apartment complexes. But when these systems malfunction, they can cause serious and unexpected injuries. Sudden stops, electrical failures, faulty doors, or mechanical breakdowns can turn a routine ride into a painful and sometimes life-threatening event.

At Morgan & Morgan, we represent individuals injured due to defective or poorly maintained elevators and escalators. If a malfunctioning system has hurt you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation, and we’re here to help.

How Elevator and Escalator Injuries Happen

While these systems are heavily used and highly regulated, defects, poor maintenance, or outdated parts can create serious hazards. Even a single mechanical failure can result in sudden, severe, and completely avoidable injuries. 

Common elevator and escalator failure scenarios include:

• Sudden stops or drops: Elevators that jerk to a halt, fall between floors, or drop too quickly can cause back, neck, or head injuries.
• Door malfunctions: Doors that close too quickly or fail to detect a person entering or exiting can lead to crushing or impact injuries.
• Misalignment with floors: If an elevator doesn’t level properly, people may trip and fall while entering or exiting.
• Escalator entrapments: Loose clothing, shoelaces, or body parts can get caught in moving steps or side gaps.
• Electrical failures or power surges: Can cause abrupt stops, strand passengers, or spark small fires.
• Slip and falls: Poor maintenance, leaking fluids, or slick metal treads can cause dangerous falls on escalators or elevator entryways.

Some injuries are minor, but others require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation.

Common Injuries from Elevator & Escalator Defects

Defective elevators and escalators can lead to a range of injuries, including:

• Spinal injuries and herniated discs from sudden drops or jerks.
• Fractures or sprains due to trips, falls, or abrupt stops.
• Crush injuries from malfunctioning doors or trapped limbs.
• Head trauma or concussions, particularly in elderly or disabled individuals.
• Lacerations or bruises from sharp edges or broken parts.
• Emotional trauma, including claustrophobia or anxiety after entrapment incidents.

When these systems fail, children and older adults are especially vulnerable to serious harm.

Who’s Liable for an Elevator or Escalator Injury?

Depending on the cause of the malfunction, responsibility for these accidents often falls under premises liability or product liability law.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• The property owner or manager, for failing to maintain the system or ignoring known issues.
• Maintenance companies, if improper servicing or inspection contributed to the failure.
• The elevator or escalator manufacturer, if a defect in design, materials, or assembly played a role.
• Installers or contractors, especially if improper installation caused instability or misalignment.
• Third-party inspectors, if a safety check was performed negligently or incompletely.

If a mechanical or design defect caused your injury, you may have a valid product liability claim, even if the elevator or escalator had passed a recent inspection.

What to Do If You’re Injured

If you’ve been injured on an elevator or escalator, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms.
• Report the incident to the property owner or building management.
• Take photos of the scene, including the machine, signage, injuries, and surroundings.
• Collect witness statements, if anyone else saw what happened.
• Do not sign any waivers or settlements without legal advice.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to investigate, preserve key evidence, provide legal support, and fight for your rights.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Our attorneys are experienced in investigating elevator and escalator injury claims and know how to identify the true cause of the malfunction. Whether it was a faulty sensor, poor maintenance, or a manufacturing defect, we work with safety engineers and legal experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

We may be able to help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages or earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

Injured By a Defective Elevator or Escalator? Let Us Handle the Fall

Elevators and escalators are designed to move us, not hurt us. If a malfunction caused your injury, let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. Because when safety systems break down, we step up For The People.