Have You Been Injured in an Elevator or Escalator Accident?

The actions you take after an accident can help protect both your health and your legal claim.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek prompt medical evaluation. Some injuries, including concussions, spinal injuries, and internal trauma, may not become apparent until hours or days later.

Report the Incident

Notify the property owner, manager, or building security immediately and request that an incident report be completed. Ask for a copy if one is available.

Document the Scene

If you are physically able, take photographs or videos of:

• The elevator or escalator
• Warning signs (or lack thereof)
• Any visible defects or hazardous conditions
• Your injuries
• The surrounding area

Identify Witnesses

Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.

Preserve Evidence

Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing, along with medical records, receipts, photographs, and any correspondence related to the incident.

Avoid Discussing the Cause

Provide only factual information when reporting the incident. Avoid speculating about how the accident occurred or who may be responsible.

Contact the Law Office of Ruben Ruiz

Elevator and escalator accident cases often require immediate investigation to preserve surveillance footage, maintenance records, inspection reports, and other important evidence.

Don't Delay Medical Treatment

Prompt medical care is important for both your recovery and documenting your injuries.

Don't Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility before the facts have been fully investigated.

Don't Sign Any Documents Without Reviewing Them

Property owners or insurance representatives may ask you to sign documents shortly after the accident. Consider consulting with an attorney first.

Don't Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance companies may request a recorded statement. Before doing so, it is often beneficial to understand your legal rights.

Don't Post About the Accident on Social Media

Photographs, comments, or updates may later be used to challenge your claim.

Don't Dispose of Evidence

Keep photographs, receipts, medical records, damaged personal property, and any documentation related to the accident.

Don't Assume It Was "Just an Accident"

Many elevator and escalator accidents are preventable and result from negligent maintenance, defective equipment, or failure to comply with safety standards.

Elevators and escalators require regular inspection, maintenance, and repair to operate safely. When property owners or maintenance companies fail to uphold their responsibilities, serious accidents can occur. These incidents may involve equipment malfunctions, hazardous conditions, or negligent maintenance that places innocent individuals at risk.

Some of the most common causes of elevator and escalator accidents include:

• Improper maintenance or repairs
• Mechanical or electrical failures
• Sudden stops or drops
• Misaligned elevator floors
• Escalator entrapment
• Broken steps or handrails
• Defective doors that close unexpectedly
• Elevator doors failing to open properly
• Wet, slippery, or poorly maintained surfaces
• Overloaded elevators
• Lack of routine inspections
• Defective elevator or escalator components
• Inadequate warning signs or barriers during repairs

These accidents can result in serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Crush injuries
• Lacerations and severe bruising
• Shoulder, wrist, knee, and ankle injuries
• Internal injuries
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

Because these accidents often occur without warning, victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.