Understanding Liability in Elevator and Escalator Accidents
These are not simple slip and fall cases. Determining who is at fault requires a deep investigation into maintenance records, inspection reports, and the machine’s history. Liability can fall on one or more parties:
The Property Owner or Manager: They have a non-delegable duty to ensure their premises, including elevators and escalators, are reasonably safe for visitors.
The Elevator/Escalator Maintenance Company: These companies have contracts to regularly inspect, service, and repair the equipment. Their negligence is a frequent cause of accidents.
The Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a fundamental design or manufacturing defect in the equipment itself.
