Escalators are very rarely given a second thought, partly because they are virtually everywhere. Additionally, they only transport us from floor to floor, so it is hard to think anything could go wrong in such a short period of time. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Several people are injured in escalator accidents every year, and when this happens, they very often seek financial compensation to help with their recovery. If you have been injured in an escalator accident and believe you are entitled to financial compensation, here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
What are the most common contributors to escalator accidents?
Escalator accidents can be caused by any number of factors, including, though not limited to:
- Escalators reversing direction
- Finger entrapments
- Missing foot brushes
- Inadequate escalator lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Gaps and spaces
- Missing steps
- Overcrowded escalators
- Between-step entrapments
- Missing comb plates
- Faulty handrails
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
How do I know if I qualify for financial compensation following an escalator accident?
In any personal injury claim, to qualify for financial compensation, you must first prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence.
How do I prove another party’s negligence?
To prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence, you and your attorney must first recover all the evidence necessary to demonstrate you have a valid claim. For example, you and your attorney may work to obtain security camera footage of your accident, especially if it happened in a department store or somewhere similar. Additionally, you may use witness statements to help verify your claim, if need be. You should also seek medical assistance immediately after your accident, as a physician will treat your injuries accordingly and provide you with medical documentation detailing their severity and extent. Lastly, your attorney will also use any police reports filed to your advantage in a personal injury claim.
What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations is two years, which means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to do so may result in you losing out on the compensation you deserve. Do put off hiring an attorney and getting the claims process started.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, it is only right that they receive the justice they deserve. As a victim, your only job is to call us, and we will take it from there. Please, do yourself a favor and do not wait. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident and is seeking financial compensation, contact the legal team at McNerny & McAuliffe today.
