Escalator and Lift Accident Claims - Escalator
Accident
- What are the Risks of Using Escalators and Lifts?
- What Should I Do If I am Injured In an Escalator or Lift Accident?
- How Long Do I Have to Lodge My Claim?
- How Long will It Take to Receive Compensation?
- How is My Compensation Determined?
- Why a Claim Specialists is a Smart Move
- No Win No Fee
- Start Your Claim Today
Escalator and lift accident claims can involve multiple parties and due to their complex nature it can be in your best interests to seek the advice of an expert. Escalators pose a unique set of risks that must be addressed to mitigate the risks to people using these motorised stairways.
Escalators and lifts are common in shopping malls, hospitals, workplaces, and other multi-level buildings. These modern marvels offer an easier route to those with limited mobility and they can be the only way for someone with a baby carriage or wheelchair to get the next floor up. The elderly benefit greatly from a using an escalator or lift as well.
Unfortunately, there are times when mechanical failures result in injuries to the pedestrians riding these machines. Whenever someone slips, trips, or falls down the stairs the risk for serious injury is high and escalators are notoriously more dangerous than regular stairs because of their moving parts. Lifts, moving walks and escalators require constant maintenance and any failure on the ownership or staff to complete this task ca be looked at as negligence on their part.
Between 2002 and 2010, the Health and Safety Executive listed 266 people injured and 4 fatalities resulting from escalator accidents. In one particular incident, an elderly man fell down the escalator around twenty times before staff members noticed him tumbling. The potential for accidents occurring is heightened anytime you have the combination of people traffic, motion, and height.
What are the Risks of Using Escalators and Lifts?
Escalator and lift accidents can occur at any time and because of the unique risks each of these lift machines possess serious injuries are common. Let’s examine the different and unique threats these very different modes of lift possess.
Common Escalator Risks
Escalators are particularly dangerous because of the constant motion they operate in. This constant motion can trap someone in a perpetual state of tumbling exposing them to added risk of injury. The elderly and those with limited mobility are at the greatest of being injured while riding an escalator. There have been instances where the escalator motor malfunctioned causing the stairs to jerk forward or backwards without warning. A sped up escalator, or one that suddenly switches direction can cause a serious tripping and falling hazard to the passengers.
Common Lift Risks
Lifts are considered safer than escalators but there is still a risk of serious injury when mechanical malfunctions occur. Lift failures can vary in degree from not aligning with the floor properly to plummeting stories to the ground. Lift accident injuries can be life changing and if you were injured in a lift accident that was the result of another party’s negligence, then Claims Solutions Scotland can help you secure the compensation for your damages.
What Should I Do If I am Injured In an Escalator or Lift Accident?
Escalator and lift accidents can be traumatic for those involved. The moments directly following an incident can be hectic but it is important to keep a level head. It is important that you gather the proper evidence to support your claim. Pictures of the accident and your injuries should be taken. You should also try to get copies of any CCTV footage that may help support the validity of your claim. We can do that for you so do not worry. Witness information is another critical part of the equation. Be sure to gather any evidence that can help to prove you are not at fault for the incident. The more evidence you are able to produce the better your chances of success. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help you secure this evidence and improve your claims chances of success.
How Long Do I Have to Lodge My Claim?
In most cases, you are allotted a three-year window from the date of your accident to lodge your claim. Waiting to the last minute is not recommended and can make it more difficult to provide adequate evidence to support your claim. The general rule of thumb is, the sooner you lodge your claim the better. You want to be able to have access to the most evidence possible and the moments directly following your accident can provide you with a treasure trove of valuable evidence to support your claim.
How Long will It Take to Receive Compensation?
Each claim must be examined on an individual basis to determine what party holds the fault for the accident. Escalator and lift claims can take longer because they can involve numerous parties, designers, and manufacturers. You can receive compensation in a couple months when your claim is not contested and the blame is assigned to the other party. The court will be asked to determine that your accident was the result of the other parties negligence. The other party will have the opportunity to content this which can add a significant amount of time to the claims process.
How is My Compensation Determined?
The court will look at the total amount of losses you have incurred and make a determination on the amount of compensation you qualify to receive. The Judicial College Guidelines are used to gauge the relative amount of compensation your injuries are worth. General damages or non-economic losses will be considered as well. This can include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and mental anguish. These losses are more difficult to put an exact monetary value to and they can range significantly depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident.
Why a Claim Specialists is a Smart Move
A claim specialist can provide you with a roadmap of the claims process; this way you know exactly what to expect along the way. The expert team of advisors from Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd possess the years of experience you are seeking to help keep you one-step ahead of the greedy insurance companies. Insurance companies make millions every year by reducing a number of claims they pay out to accident victims. Claims solutions Scotland Ltd can help you to navigate the claims process with ease and the peace of mind you only get when you work with the best.
No Win No Fee
We are confident we can provide you with the timely advice you need to achieve success. In the unlikely event, we are unable to secure you compensation for your injuries we will waive our costs. This way you can focus on what’s really import, the healing process and spending time with your loved ones.
Start Your Claim Today
Contact us today to start the claims process.
