If you have suffered an injury on an escalator that wasn't your fault, we can help you make an escalator accident compensation claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Escalator Accident Claims
Escalators are a convenient way to move between floors in shopping centres, train stations, airports and other public venues. However, if they are not properly maintained, accidents can happen. If you were injured while using an escalator and it wasn’t your fault, you may be able to make an escalator accident claim.
An escalator accident can cause various injuries, ranging from simple cuts and bruises to broken bones, finger amputations and head trauma. No matter the severity of your injury, we are here to help you claim compensation for your pain, suffering, and related financial losses.
Making a claim can feel overwhelming, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. For free legal advice and a no-obligation case assessment, call 0800 470 0472 today or use our contact form to request a call back.
Table of Contents
What are escalator accidents?
Most escalators are regularly maintained and tested, helping to ensure they are safe to use. However, accidents can and sometimes do happen, either due to mechanical failures, inadequate safety measures or operator negligence.
Common examples of escalator accidents include:
- Trips and falls due to sudden stops, uneven steps or debris.
- Slips on wet or greasy steps caused by spills or poor weather conditions.
- Entrapment, where clothing, laces or body parts get caught in the steps.
- Escalator pile-ups, where overcrowding causes people to fall onto each other.
- Mechanical faults, such as sudden reversals of direction or uncontrolled speed.
- Lack of warning signs when escalators are wet or under maintenance.
- Poor lighting around escalators leading to missed steps and falls.
- Emergency stop buttons not working correctly.
If you suffered an injury due to an accident on an escalator, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.
Am I entitled to make an escalator accident claim?
A free consultation with a personal injury solicitor is the easiest way to find out if you could claim compensation for an escalator accident. Generally, you will be able to proceed if the following criteria apply to your case:
- Another party, such as the building owner or operator, owed you a legal duty of care.
- They failed in their duty of care, which led to your accident.
- You suffered an injury or injuries as a direct result.
- You are within the legal time limit to start a claim, which is typically three years, subject to certain exceptions.
Your solicitor will be able to prove that a duty of care existed by referring to legislation such as the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
What should I do if I am injured on an escalator?
There are a few steps you should take if you have suffered injuries caused by an escalator. These will help if you later decide to make a personal injury compensation claim:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to have your injuries assessed and receive adequate treatment.
- Report the incident to the responsible business and make sure you receive a signed copy of the accident report.
- If possible, gather evidence at the scene, such as photos or videos of the hazard, your injuries and any damage to your personal items.
- Ask for the name and contact information of any witnesses to your accident.
- Keep records of expenses, such as receipts and invoices, as well as your symptoms and the impact on your daily life.
- Get in touch with a specialist solicitor who will assess your case and guide you through the claims process.
How do I claim for an escalator accident?
To start your claim, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in public liability claims. They will assess your case and, if you can proceed, they will:
- Help you gather all the supporting evidence you need.
- Arrange a free medical assessment of your injuries with an independent professional.
- Calculate how much compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant outlining the details of your case.
- Handle all communication with the other party on your behalf.
- Negotiate a fair settlement if the defendant admits liability.
- Prepare to issue court proceedings if they deny liability or negotiations fail.
What types of negligence could result in an escalator claim?
Various types of negligence could lead to an escalator accident and a successful compensation claim, including:
- Missing escalator steps or teeth on the track.
- Faulty or damaged handrails.
- Failing to carry out regular maintenance of the escalator.
- Ignoring known faults and failing to carry out prompt repairs.
- Inadequate or careless repair work on the escalator.
- Failing to display warning signs if the escalator is temporarily unsafe.
- Poor staff training on how to operate or stop the escalator in case of an emergency.
- Overcrowding and poor supervision.
- Design issues, such as excessive gaps between stairs and side panels or walkways.
- Mechanical failures, such as sudden stops or reverses.
- Leaving debris or obstructions on the stairs.
- Faulty emergency stop buttons.
- Missing or damaged deflectors to prevent trapping injuries.
This list is not exhaustive, and other types of negligence could lead to an injury on an escalator and a subsequent claim for compensation.
What types of injuries could an escalator accident cause?
Various types of injuries could be sustained in an escalator accident, ranging from minor to life-changing. These include:
- Cuts and lacerations from sharp escalator edges, falls or exposed mechanisms. These may require stitches and may leave permanent scarring.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains and torn ligaments, due to slips, trips, falls or sudden jolts. These can cause pain and limited mobility.
- Head injuries can occur if you fall and hit your head on the escalator stairs or another hard surface. These can range from bumps to concussions and severe brain trauma.
- Partial or total finger amputation if these get trapped between steps or in mechanisms. This can cause permanent disability.
- Back injuries from sudden falls, stops or heavy impacts. These can range from soft tissue damage to slipped discs and spinal injuries.
- Broken bones in the arms, legs or other body parts can happen if you fall down an escalator.
- Psychological harm, leaving you with anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if the accident was severe.
What evidence do I need to support an escalator injury compensation claim?
Solid evidence can help you make a successful escalator accident claim and support any compensation you may be entitled to receive. This could include:
- Copies of your medical records, including X-rays and doctor’s notes.
- An independent medical report from a specialist.
- Photos or videos of the accident scene and any hazards that caused it.
- CCTV footage of the accident, if available.
- Pictures of your injuries and the damage to your clothes or other items.
- A copy of an accident report filed with the business owner or operator.
- Statements from witnesses to the accident.
- Your testimony about the incident, the injuries suffered and their impact on your life.
- Financial documents like receipts and wage slips to prove related losses and expenses.
How much compensation can I claim for escalator injuries?
The amount of compensation awarded for an escalator claim will depend on the severity of the injuries suffered and the financial impact they have had on your life. Your injury lawyer will calculate your compensation award based on two types of damages:
- General damages represent the subjective impact of the injuries you suffered. This can include physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of amenity, scarring and disability.
- Special damages cover the financial losses and expenses incurred as a result of the incident. Examples include loss of earnings, private treatments, care costs, property damage and travel expenses to medical appointments.
According to the Judicial College Guidelines (18th Edition), awards for general damages can range from around £240 for minor whiplash to up to £534,000 for the most severe brain injuries, depending on the individual circumstances.
You can use our free personal injury compensation calculator to get an estimate of how much your claim could be worth within minutes.
Can I claim compensation on behalf of my child?
Yes. If your child was injured in an escalator accident, you could make a compensation claim on their behalf. To represent them in a legal case, you must first be appointed as their litigation friend by the courts.
Your solicitor can assist you in completing and filing all the necessary documents. If you manage to secure compensation for your child, this will typically be kept in a court bank account or a personal injury trust until their 18th birthday.
You can visit our child injury claims page to read more about claiming on behalf of your child.
What is the time limit to make an escalator injury claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have three years to start an escalator accident compensation claim. There are, however, a few exceptions:
- If a child sustains the injuries, the three-year limitation period does not begin until their 18th birthday.
- If the claimant is mentally incapacitated and cannot handle a claim, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend could represent them at any time.
In all cases, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible rather than waiting. This will ensure evidence is more readily available and will help build a strong claim.
Will my solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?
If you have a valid claim for injuries sustained in an escalator accident, you will be offered a no win no fee service. This means that:
-
- You do not have to pay your solicitor’s legal fees up front.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay them at all.
- If you win the claim, your solicitor will deduct a percentage of your compensation as their success fee. This fee is pre-agreed and, by law, is capped at 25% of general damages and past financial losses.
To find out if you can start an escalator injury claim, contact us today for a free case assessment. You can call 0800 470 0472 or use our online claim form to request a call back.
