NYC Escalator Accident Attorneys
Over 40 years of experience representing victims of escalator malfunctions and accidents throughout New York.
Fighting for Escalator Accident Victims
Escalators are everywhere in New York City - in subway stations, shopping malls, department stores, airports, and office buildings. Most people use escalators daily without incident, but when escalators malfunction due to poor maintenance or mechanical failure, they can cause devastating injuries including falls, entrapment, and crushing accidents.
At Licatesi Law Group, our experienced escalator accident attorneys have represented New York injury victims for over 40 years. We understand the complex liability issues in these cases and know how to investigate escalator malfunctions, obtain maintenance records, and hold property owners and maintenance companies accountable for their negligence.
Common Escalator Hazards & Malfunctions
Mechanical Failures
- Sudden stops or starts
- Reverse direction malfunctions
- Excessive speed increases
- Step collapse or separation
- Handrail failures
Entrapment Hazards
- Fingers/feet caught in step gaps
- Clothing caught in escalator parts
- Shoelaces or shoes trapped
- Poor maintenance and inspections
- Missing warning signs
NYC Escalator Accident Statistics & High-Risk Locations
Escalator Safety Statistics
Escalator-related injuries annually in the US
Of injuries involve falls (not entrapment)
40% of entrapment injuries involve children under 5
Higher risk of severe injuries from falls (hip fractures)
High-Risk Escalator Locations in NYC
- MTA Subway Stations
Heavy daily use, deferred maintenance, aging equipment (some 50+ years old)
- Shopping Malls & Department Stores
Macy's Herald Square, Kings Plaza Mall, Queens Center Mall - high foot traffic
- Penn Station & Grand Central
Millions of daily commuters, constant use causing wear and tear
- Airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark)
Heavy luggage use increases entrapment and fall risks
- Older Office Buildings
Pre-1980s escalators lacking modern safety features
MTA and Port Authority escalators have documented maintenance backlogs. Government entities can be sued for escalator accidents if you file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Common Escalator Accident Injuries
Escalator accidents cause a unique pattern of injuries due to moving mechanical parts, entrapment risks, and falls from height. Common injuries include:
Entrapment Injuries
- Fingers/toes caught in step gaps causing crushing or amputation
- Feet trapped in comb plates at top/bottom
- Clothing/scarves caught in handrail or steps
- Shoelaces or loose footwear trapped
Fall Injuries
- Hip fractures (especially elderly victims)
- Wrist/arm fractures from bracing during fall
- Ankle fractures from tripping on uneven steps
- Knee injuries from sudden stops or speed changes
Head & Brain Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries from head strikes on metal steps
- Concussions from falls down moving escalator
- Skull fractures from impact with handrails
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
Lacerations & Cuts
- Deep cuts from sharp step edges or teeth
- Severe lacerations from exposed mechanical parts
- Degloving injuries (skin torn off) from entrapment
- Scarring requiring plastic surgery
Amputations
- Partial or complete finger/toe amputations
- Severe crushing requiring surgical amputation
- Traumatic amputations from entrapment in steps
- Permanent loss of function and disfigurement
Spinal & Back Injuries
- Herniated discs from tumbling down escalator
- Spinal cord injuries from severe falls
- Compression fractures of vertebrae
- Whiplash from sudden stops
Children Are Especially Vulnerable
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), children under 5 account for 40% of escalator entrapment injuries. Young children wearing soft shoes (Crocs, sandals, loose sneakers) are at highest risk of foot entrapment in escalator comb plates. Parents should carry young children on escalators and never allow them to sit on steps.
If your child was injured in an escalator accident, property owners may try to blame parents for "inadequate supervision." This is a defense tactic. Property owners have a duty to maintain escalators in safe condition regardless of user age. We fight back against victim-blaming and hold negligent property owners accountable.
Escalator Safety Codes & Property Owner Responsibilities
Escalators in New York must comply with ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) and NYC Building Code Chapter 30. Property owners have strict legal duties to maintain escalators safely.
ASME Safety Requirements
- Monthly Maintenance: Required inspections of brakes, handrails, steps, combplates, and safety switches
- Annual Inspections: Comprehensive safety testing by licensed inspectors
- Emergency Stop Buttons: Must be accessible at top and bottom, clearly marked, and functional
- Step and Comb Plate Safety: Gaps must not exceed 0.125 inches (entrapment prevention)
- Handrail Speed Sync: Handrails must move at same speed as steps (±15%)
- Warning Signs: Required signs about proper footwear, holding handrails, not sitting on steps
Common Safety Violations
- Skipped Maintenance: Failing to perform required monthly inspections
- Worn Steps/Combplates: Not replacing worn parts creating entrapment hazards
- Broken Emergency Stop: Non-functional stop buttons preventing quick response to accidents
- Handrail Defects: Handrails moving faster/slower than steps causing loss of balance
- Unqualified Maintenance: Using unlicensed contractors to cut costs
- Missing Safety Features: Older escalators lacking modern entrapment prevention devices
How We Prove Negligence in Escalator Cases
Escalator accident cases require proving property owner negligence through documented code violations and maintenance failures. Our attorneys obtain:
- NYC Department of Buildings inspection records showing prior violations
- Maintenance logs revealing skipped inspections or ignored defects
- Surveillance video showing escalator malfunction and accident
- Prior accident reports proving owner knew of dangerous condition
Evidence preservation is critical. Property owners often repair escalators within hours of accidents, destroying proof of defects. We immediately send preservation letters and, if necessary, obtain court orders preventing repairs until expert inspection. We work with mechanical engineers certified in ASME codes who inspect escalators, review maintenance practices, and testify about code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our NYC Escalator Accident Lawyers Today
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Available 24/7.