People today are so familiar with elevators and escalators that they’ve become a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s in a train station, mall, restaurant, airport, apartment building, bank or hospital, we seldom give them a second thought as we board one of them. They certainly make life a lot easier for us and ensure that we reach swiftly and conveniently to our destinations, whether they’re in upper or lower elevations.

However, these conveniences can hold potential risks too. A slip and fall in an escalator or elevator can result in serious injuries, especially if the victim is a senior citizen or a pregnant woman.

Apart from the physical injuries, people also suffer huge financial losses and emotional trauma as a result of the accident.

If you or a dear one has been injured in an accident, consult a Milton personal injury lawyer without delay. You could be entitled to compensation.

Elevator/Escalator Slip and Fall Injury Risks 

These facilities have the task of transporting large numbers of people continuously. The weights they carry can vary enormously throughout the duration.

A recent study conducted by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) shows that across Canada, elevators seem to be getting more dangerous. Over the last six years, nearly 1200 people have suffered injuries with 69 of them being permanent injuries, while six people have died. TSSA studies also show that the number of such incidents has increased over 2011 – 2016 and the trend shows a rise of nearly 14% annually.

With nearly 40,000 elevators in Ontario, safety has become a major public health risk concern especially among senior citizens. In an indirect way, it affects their normal routine, health and socialization. Liberal MPP Han Dong observes, “… seniors won’t leave their apartment when there’s an elevator out of service in their building, because they’re afraid they won’t be able to get back to their apartment. In some cases they will have to forgo their doctors’ appointments…”

Escalators pose their own risks. Escalator steps are slightly taller than normal stairs. This does create a tripping hazard if you choose to walk up the escalator instead of waiting for it to take you to the top. Many people also fail to hold the handrail as the escalator travels. According to the National Elevator Industry Inc, it’s always safer when riders stand in place holding the handrails. Walking and standing on certain designated sides can also cause uneven wear and tear over time, leading to malfunction and defects.

Common Problems With Elevators and Escalators

• Elevator drops and falls
• Incorrect door alignment
• Defects/malfunctioning of parts, loose parts
• Uneven car landing between floors
• Sudden stoppage
• Side entrapment of clothes or footwear

Common injuries include cuts/bruises/sprains to amputation, traumatic brain injury, disability, disfigurement and death. Broken nose, bumps, head-injuries, facial/dental damage, thumb fractures are common, while loose panels or parts can fall off, causing people to lose their balance. Electrical fires in elevators/escalators can occur.

All these accidents can be traced to fault or negligence, shoddy maintenance etc. An experienced Milton personal injury lawyer can provide assistance and advice to help you get satisfactory compensation.