ESCALTOR INJURY: ELDERLY ACCIDENTS ON RISE - CONTACT A CALIFORNIA LAWYER FOR HELP.
The New York Times has reported that escalator-related injuries to elderly riders are on an alarming rise. People over 65 are more active than ever, but that should not mean that their outings are more dangerous. An injury on an escalator is usually the result of a slip, trip or fall, and injuries can be long-lasting and debilitating. Especially crowded boarding and exiting areas as well faulty machinery can increase the risk of accidents. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an escalator accident in California, please contact an attorney immediately to learn your rights.
A recent study found that from 1991 to 2005, almost 40,000 elderly were injured on escalators. The yearly escalator-injury rate for that time period was 2660 accidents per year. Frighteningly, the rate is more than double what it was in previous years.
Most of the reported injuries (85%) were caused by slips and falls. Hospitalization was required in numerous occasions, in most cases for broken bones. And women were hurt nearly twice as often as men. Experts urge that all riders, especially elderly ones, use caution when riding escalators.
Escalator Accident Involving Elderly - Location of Injury:
Injuries to the following areas were reported. They are listed in order of injury frequency:
Elderly Escalator-Related Accident - Type of Injury:
While almost never fatal, damage caused by slipping or falling on an escalator can be painful and require extensive recovery. Here are the most commonly reported injuries:
- Concussion or other Head Injury
- Broken Bones, including hips, legs, wrists, and arms
- Soft Tissue Damage, such as a muscle sprain or strain
- Skin Lacerations, which can be deep depending on the location and severity of the fall
If you or a loved on has been injured in an escalator accident, please contact an experienced attorney for help. The Law Offices of Greenberg and Rudman LLP have over 50 years combined experience fighting for your rights. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. We will come to your hospital room to sign you up.
