Trusted Manhattan Escalator Accident Attorney

Every day, millions of New Yorkers rely on escalators and elevators to navigate our city’s multi-level buildings and transit systems.

Owners of commercial buildings have an obligation to ensure that their premises are safe, including elevators and escalators. If an accident occurs, the owners or managers can be held accountable for failing to have the machines inspected, maintained or repaired.

At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, our escalator accident lawyers knows how to reveal negligence, and get full value for your injuries and losses.

Injured on an escalator? Call 212-268-3222 for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Escalator Accidents in Manhattan, NY

Escalator accidents can occur due to many reasons; mis-leveling, sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, overspeed conditions, communication failure, and safety device failure. Young children are often the victims of escalator injuries due to their small frames, and they can suffer severe injury from a sudden stop.

Many escalators are not properly maintained, which can also lead to accidents.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), escalator accidents cause approximately 30 deaths and more than 17,000 injuries annually in the United States. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial.

Our law firm has investigated numerous serious injury cases involving the following types of escalator accidents:

Mechanical Failures & Malfunctions

When property owners and maintenance companies fail to properly service escalators in busy Manhattan locations, dangerous mechanical failures can occur:

• Sudden stops or direction reversals, particularly common in aging subway stations like Penn Station
• Missing or broken steps, often seen in older department stores and office buildings
• Handrail malfunctions causing loss of balance, especially in high-traffic areas like Grand Central Terminal
• Loose or missing components that can cause entrapment
• Comb plate defects at entry and exit points
• Electrical malfunctions risking shock or electrocution

Maintenance-Related Accidents

The high volume of foot traffic in Manhattan buildings demands rigorous maintenance schedules. Common maintenance failures include:

• Missed or inadequate inspection schedules
• Delayed repairs of known issues
• Failure to replace worn components
• Improper documentation of maintenance history
• Use of incorrect replacement parts

Design & Installation Defects

Many older Manhattan buildings face challenges with outdated escalator designs:

• Dangerous gaps between steps and sidewalls
• Improper installation angles
• Inadequate emergency stop mechanisms
• Design flaws that create entrapment risks
• Non-compliant installations with NYC building codes

Operational Hazards

In busy Manhattan locations like Times Square and Herald Square stations, operational issues frequently cause accidents:

• Unexpected changes in escalator direction
• Sudden stops without warning
• Speed fluctuations during peak usage
• Emergency stop malfunctions
• Control system failures

Human Factors

The dense population of Manhattan creates unique risks:

• Overcrowding during rush hours and events
• Clothing entrapment in machinery
• Slip and fall accidents on wet or debris-covered steps
• Entry/exit point accidents during busy periods
• Falls over handrails in crowded conditions

Safety System Failures

Critical safety oversights we've encountered in Manhattan properties include:

• Poor lighting conditions, especially in subway stations
• Missing or malfunctioning emergency shut-off buttons
• Inadequate warning signage
• Lack of proper barriers or guards
• Non-functional safety sensors

At Raphaelson & Levine, our escalator accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving various types of escalator accidents. We are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an escalator accident, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Common Types of Escalator Accident Injuries

Escalator accidents can result in severe injuries. Our Manhattan personal injury attorneys have helped clients recover compensation in cases involving many types of escalator-related injuries, including:

Slip, Trip & Falls

• Soft tissue injuries from sudden falls
• Back and neck sprains
• Hip contusions and injuries
• Knee damage from impact
• Shoulder injuries from attempting to catch handrails

Entrapment-Related Injuries

• Crushed or amputated toes and fingers in step mechanisms
• Severe lacerations from sharp edges and gaps
• Clothing entanglement leading to strangulation risks
• Shoe entrapment causing ankle and foot injuries
• Hair or clothing caught in moving parts

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Concussions from backward falls
• Severe head trauma from escalator impacts
• Cognitive impairment from accident-related injuries
• Loss of consciousness during falls
• Secondary brain injuries from oxygen deprivation

Fractures & Broken Bones

• Wrist and arm fractures from breaking falls
• Ankle and leg breaks from step entrapment
• Rib fractures from impact with steps or sides
• Hip fractures, particularly in elderly victims
• Multiple fractures from cascading falls

Catastrophic Injuries

• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Severe crush injuries requiring amputation
• Permanent disability from complex injuries
• Life-altering nerve damage
• Injuries requiring long-term medical care

Long-Term Complications

• Chronic pain syndromes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Permanent mobility issues
• Ongoing physical therapy requirements
• Psychological trauma from the accident

Our New York escalator and elevator accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving these injuries across Manhattan's busiest locations, from major transit hubs to popular retail destinations.

We understand the complex medical evidence needed to prove escalator-related injuries and their long-term impact on our clients' lives.

Common Locations Of Escalator Accidents in New York

Escalator accidents in Manhattan can occur anywhere these convenient machines are found, from busy subway stations to luxury shopping centers.

Our firm has successfully handled cases at virtually every major property type in New York City, including:

• Shopping malls & retail centers like Macy's Herald Square flagship location, The Shops at Columbus Circle, Manhattan Mall, Bloomingdale's on 59th Street, Century 21 Department Store locations, Nordstrom NYC flagship store, or Hudson Yards retail complex
• MTA facilities & major subway stations (like Times Square-42nd Street, 34th Street-Herald Square, Union Square, 14th Street-8th Avenue), Penn Station's Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak areas, Grand Central Terminal's multiple levels, Port Authority Bus Terminal's escalator network, PATH station complexes at World Trade Center and 33rd Street‍
• Office buildings & commercial centers like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center complex, One World Trade Center, Time Warner Center, Chrysler Building, MetLife Building, Various Class A office buildings along Park and Madison Avenues‍
• Entertainment & cultural venues like the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, or Metropolitan Museum of Art‍
• Transportation hubs such as JFK AirTrain stations, LaGuardia Airport terminals, Newark Liberty International Airport's Manhattan-bound transit areas, or Ferry terminals including East 34th Street and Wall Street/Pier 11

Our experienced Manhattan escalator accident lawyers understand the unique challenges and regulations specific to each type of property.

If you've been injured, our law office will put our deep knowledge of local premises liability law to work for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Understanding all the potentially liable parties after escalator accidents in Manhattan requires an extensive knowledge of local property ownership structures, maintenance contracts, and applicable New York State laws and an intrinsic connection to the city itself.

In New York State, several parties may share responsibility for escalator accidents, depending on the circumstances:

• Property Owners & Managers: Including commercial building owners, shopping center operators, and property management firms responsible for maintaining safe premises. These entities must ensure regular inspections and proper maintenance schedules.
• Transit Authorities & Public Entities: The MTA, Port Authority, and NYC Transit Authority are often liable for accidents in subway stations and transportation hubs. As public entities, they have specific requirements for filing claims.
• Maintenance Companies: Major firms like ThyssenKrupp, Otis, and Schindler, along with local maintenance or inspection contractors, can be held responsible for improper maintenance, missed inspections, or negligent repairs.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce escalator systems and components may be liable for defective parts or design flaws that contribute to accidents.
• Security and Management Teams: Those responsible for crowd control and daily operations, particularly in high-traffic areas like Penn Station or major department stores, may share liability for overcrowding incidents.

Our firm's partners were born and raised in New York, and possess a unique understanding of Manhattan regulations, building codes, and liability laws.

New York’s Escalator Inspection & Maintenance Laws

The city of New York requires every elevator and escalator located within the five boroughs of New York City to be inspected and tested by an approved, licensed elevator inspection agency on a regular basis (NYC Administrative Code § 28-304.2).

These inspections are mandated by the New York Department of Buildings (DOB), which has jurisdiction over building elevators and escalators.

During our investigation, we obtain inspection reports and records relating to maintenance, repairs, and renovations.

Building owners are required to have a current maintenance contract with an approved elevator agency to perform repair work, maintenance, and replacement as defined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Any defects found during inspections must be fixed within 90 days of the inspection date, and an affirmation of the repair(s) must be filed within 14 days of the correction.

In many escalator accident cases, we find landlords or property owners allowed maintenance and inspections to slide for many months and/or failed to fix the recommended repairs within the required 90-day timeline.

An escalator injury lawyer at our firm will aggressively pursue cases against owners of apartment buildings, office buildings, shopping malls, department stores, hotels, hospitals, parking garages, installation and service companies, and any properties who causes serious harm to a tenant or member of the public.

Our local expertise allows us to carefully investigate each escalator accident case to identify all responsible entities and pursue maximum compensation under New York State law.

Learn more: What to Do if You Are Injured in a Store

How Much Is My Escalator Accident Case Worth?

The value of an escalator accident case in New York can vary significantly depending on several factors. While each case is unique, escalator accident settlements and verdicts in New York can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances.

View more: Recent Premises Liability Settlements & Verdicts

Five Factors Affecting Your Settlement Value

While it's not possible to provide an exact figure without knowing the specifics of your case, there are a number of things that will impact the value of an escalator injury case in New York. This includes:

1. Severity of Injuries

‍More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or injuries requiring surgery generally warrant larger compensation. We partner with Manhattan's top-tier medical facilities like NYU Langone and Hospital for Special Surgery to provide detailed medical documentation that establishes the full extent of injuries.

2. Economic Impact

‍Lost wages and earning capacity significantly affect settlement values, particularly in NYC's high-wage market. Cases involving professionals in finance, technology, or other high-earning fields often result in larger settlements due to substantial lost income. Future earning potential and career advancement opportunities in Manhattan's competitive job market are carefully calculated.

3. Liability & Location Factors

Where your accident occurred matters. Cases involving major property owners (like Penn Station or luxury retail locations) often have higher insurance policy limits. Government-owned locations like MTA stations have specific claim requirements and deadlines. Private buildings' insurance coverage varies based on location and property value.

4. Documentation & Evidence

‍Strong evidence strengthens your case value. This includes:

• Surveillance footage from NYC buildings
• Maintenance records
• Incident reports
• Witness statements from other commuters or shoppers
• Accident scene photos
• Medical documentation

5. Legal Representation

‍Having an experienced Manhattan escalator accident attorney at Raphaelson & Levine who understands local regulations, building codes, and the intricacies of premises liability law can substantially impact your settlement. Our skilled attorneys know how to navigate complex cases involving multiple parties, and have earned our clients up to 35X more compensation than their initial settlement offer.

An experienced escalator accident attorney at our law firm may be able to provide a more accurate estimate of your case's value after a thorough evaluation of your specific circumstances.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Manhattan Escalator Accident?

Victims of escalator accidents in New York may be eligible for various types of compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care at NYC hospitals like NYU Langone or Mount Sinai, surgical procedures, prescription medications, diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, and ongoing treatment plans. We ensure your compensation includes both current and anticipated future medical costs.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work days, reduced earning potential, lost bonuses and commissions, and impact on your career advancement in NYC's competitive job market. We calculate both immediate wage losses and long-term financial impact.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical distress, chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact of your injuries on daily activities. New York law recognizes these non-economic damages as a crucial component of your compensation.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and other specialized treatments at Manhattan's leading rehabilitation centers. This includes both short-term recovery and long-term rehabilitation needs.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety about using public transportation, PTSD, and other emotional impacts of your accident. We work with mental health experts to document and validate these claims.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal items damaged during the accident, including professional clothing, electronic devices, medical devices, and other valuable belongings.
• Long-term Care Needs: Coverage for future medical care, home modifications, medical equipment, and personal care assistance if your injuries require ongoing support and treatment.

To maximize your potential compensation:

1. Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment plans.
2. Document everything related to your accident and injuries.
3. Avoid discussing your case on social media.
4. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in escalator accidents.

After an escalator injury, every second counts. Our Manhattan attorneys work with medical experts, economic specialists, and life-care planners to accurately calculate your claim's full value.

New York's statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file, so contact us today for a free consultation to understand the true value of your case.

Hurt? Get A Free Case Evaluation With Our Manhattan Escalator Accident Attorneys Today

Escalator accidents occur more frequently than many realize, often due to negligence in maintenance and safety practices, underscoring the importance of legal expertise in these cases.

Located in Midtown-Manhattan, Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm has recovered over $800 million for injury victims throughout New York. Our success in complex escalator accident cases comes from unmatched experience in NYC premises liability law, deep knowledge of local building codes, and an extensive network of expert witnesses.

We combine the resources of a large firm with personalized attention, ensuring every client receives top-tier legal representation.

Don't let insurance companies minimize your suffering. Contact us now for a free consultation and discover why we're known as New York's Voice of the Injured. We're available 24/7 for our clients and never charge a fee unless we win your case.

Call 212-268-3222 or fill out our contact form below.