An escalator accident in Manhattan left 10 high school students injured earlier this month. The students had just begun classes for the year at Stuyvesant High School when something went terribly wrong. Reports from the accident scene claim that a number of students were riding the escalator at around 3:45 PM when the machine malfunctioned.
FDNY first responders were on the scene within minutes and transported a number of the victims to two local hospitals. All of the injuries the young folks suffered in this terrifying escalator accident in New York City were considered to be minor and non-life-threatening. However, one student did somehow get their foot caught in the machinery and suffered severe lacerations.
The escalator was immediately shut down and locked out of service pending a complete investigation into the accident. A Department of Buildings spokesperson did tell the press that there had been no recent violations or complaints filed concerning the escalators at the school. However, there is no doubt those officials will be taking a close look at the inspection and maintenance logs at the school. If the inquiry concludes that the malfunction was due to faulty workmanship, the company in charge of maintaining the escalator could be held financially responsible for the victim’s injuries. In addition, if the school failed to inspect or knew that the escalator was not functioning properly, it too can be held responsible as well.
Property owners, regardless whether it’s a commercial building, hospital, house of worship or an academic institution, under the New York premises liability law, are required to keep their premises reasonably safe. If a property owner or maintenance company fails in that duty, it can be held liable for a person’s injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured while riding any of the thousands of mechanical escalator or elevators in the city, you need an experienced escalator accident lawyer in New York City working for you. Contact the professionals at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel today. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation right now.