Escalator accidents are rare but can result in serious injuries due to the mechanical nature of the device. When an escalator malfunctions, victims can suffer broken bones, head injuries, and even long-term disabilities. In California, several lawsuits involving faulty escalators have led to significant settlements, holding manufacturers, maintenance companies, and property owners accountable for negligence. Below are notable escalator accident settlements that occurred within the state.
Common Escalator Defects
Accidents related to escalators often stem from several common issues:
- Mechanical failure: Escalators may malfunction due to faulty gears or motors, causing sudden stops or jerky movements.
- Defective safety features: Lack of properly functioning emergency stop buttons or missing safety mechanisms can lead to dangerous situations.
- Entrapment hazards: Loose clothing, shoelaces, or even fingers can become trapped in escalator steps due to poorly maintained equipment or design flaws.
- Improper installation or maintenance: Failure to install or regularly inspect escalators can result in dangerous conditions, leading to accidents.
These types of defects have led to several high-profile cases in California, where victims have pursued compensation through legal claims.
Notable Faulty Escalator Settlements in California
- $10 Million Settlement – A woman was awarded $10 million after a malfunctioning escalator at a shopping mall in Los Angeles caused her to fall, resulting in multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury. The lawsuit revealed that the property owner failed to conduct regular maintenance on the escalator.
- $9.2 Million Settlement – A man in San Francisco received $9.2 million after his leg was trapped in an escalator at a public transportation station. The malfunction was attributed to a lack of proper maintenance by the transit authority.
- $8.5 Million Settlement – A family was awarded $8.5 million after their child suffered severe injuries when her foot became entrapped in an escalator at an amusement park. The case highlighted safety violations, as the escalator had not been serviced in several years.
- $8 Million Settlement – A Los Angeles airport employee secured $8 million after suffering permanent back injuries due to a faulty escalator. The escalator had been misaligned during installation, causing a sudden stop that led to the injury.
- $7.8 Million Settlement – A passenger at a San Diego shopping center received $7.8 million after falling on an escalator that suddenly reversed direction. The lawsuit revealed that a mechanical defect in the escalator was not properly addressed despite multiple prior complaints.
- $7.5 Million Settlement – A San Francisco hotel reached a $7.5 million settlement after a guest was injured on a defective escalator, resulting in severe hand and wrist injuries. The hotel’s failure to perform timely maintenance was cited as the primary cause of the accident.
- $7 Million Settlement – A shopper at a mall in Sacramento was awarded $7 million after the escalator they were riding suddenly stopped, causing a severe fall that resulted in broken ribs and internal injuries. The investigation revealed that the maintenance company had not inspected the escalator in over a year.
- $6.9 Million Settlement – A worker at a major office building in Los Angeles received $6.9 million after a faulty escalator caused them to fall and suffer spinal cord injuries. The maintenance company admitted to not conducting proper repairs on the escalator.
- $6.5 Million Settlement – A woman in San Diego was awarded $6.5 million after tripping on an escalator that had an uneven step. The case revealed that the escalator had been installed improperly, leading to the accident.
- $6 Million Settlement – A child suffered severe injuries when their foot was caught in the escalator at a California department store. The family received $6 million after it was discovered that the store failed to conduct proper safety inspections of the escalator.
- $5.8 Million Settlement – A commuter in San Francisco received $5.8 million after a defective escalator at a train station stopped abruptly, causing them to fall and suffer multiple fractures. The transit authority was found liable for not maintaining the escalator properly.
- $5.5 Million Settlement – A mall visitor in Los Angeles was awarded $5.5 million after a sudden malfunction in an escalator caused them to fall, resulting in a broken hip. The case revealed that the escalator’s safety mechanisms had not been inspected in several years.
- $5.3 Million Settlement – A worker at a convention center in Anaheim secured $5.3 million after a faulty escalator caused a fall that led to permanent disability. The escalator was found to be in violation of several safety codes.
- $5 Million Settlement – A San Diego shopper was awarded $5 million after suffering severe arm and shoulder injuries when an escalator stopped suddenly at a department store. The lawsuit exposed that the escalator’s emergency stop feature was not working at the time of the incident.
- $4.9 Million Settlement – A child in Sacramento received $4.9 million after their hand was caught in an escalator. The escalator lacked proper safety guards, leading to the injury.
- $4.7 Million Settlement – A man in Los Angeles was awarded $4.7 million after a defective escalator malfunctioned, causing severe neck and back injuries. The investigation revealed that the escalator had not been maintained according to safety standards.
- $4.5 Million Settlement – A tourist in San Francisco received $4.5 million after suffering injuries on a malfunctioning escalator in a hotel lobby. The escalator suddenly sped up, causing the individual to lose balance and fall.
- $4.2 Million Settlement – A worker at a construction site in Riverside secured $4.2 million after a malfunctioning escalator in a public building led to a severe leg injury. The case involved both the escalator’s manufacturer and the building’s property owner.
- $4 Million Settlement – A shopper at a department store in San Diego was awarded $4 million after a faulty escalator caused them to fall, resulting in a concussion and broken bones. The store was found liable for failing to address repeated complaints about the escalator.
- $3.8 Million Settlement – A commuter at a San Jose transit station received $3.8 million after being injured on a defective escalator. The escalator’s sudden stop caused the commuter to fall, leading to multiple fractures.
The Role of a California Defective Escalator Attorney
In escalator accidents, victims can face a long recovery period, extensive medical expenses, and emotional distress. A skilled California personal injury attorney can be an essential resource in navigating these complex cases. They help victims by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident and identifying responsible parties.
- Gathering critical evidence, including maintenance records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts.
- Negotiating settlements to ensure that victims receive adequate compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigating the case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Conclusion
Escalator accidents can lead to devastating injuries and are often preventable through proper maintenance and safety protocols. The notable settlements listed above illustrate the severe consequences of faulty escalators and the need for accountability from manufacturers and property owners. Working with a qualified personal injury attorney is vital to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.