Tips for Documenting Escalator and Elevator Accidents in Commercial Buildings

Nobody expects to get hurt riding an escalator or elevator, but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be disastrous. These machines move millions of people safely every day, yet a single malfunction can cause broken bones, head injuries, or permanent damage. What happens in the first few moments after the accident often decides whether you get fair compensation or nothing at all.

Act Fast Before Evidence Disappears

Building maintenance crews move quickly once they know someone got hurt. They’ll repair broken steps, replace worn parts, and clean up debris within hours. That evidence vanishes forever if you don’t document it immediately.

Use your phone to capture the scene from every angle. Get wide shots of the area, then close-ups of broken or dangerous conditions. Cracked steps, loose handrails, dim lighting, wet floors, capture it all. Photograph your injuries too, even minor ones. Bruises often look more severe right after an accident than they do days later.

Get the Facts Down

Shock and pain mess with your memory. Details that seem crystal clear now will fade by tomorrow. Write down or record everything while it’s fresh: exact time, which direction you were going, and what you heard before the accident happened.

Don’t forget about the weather. Rain outside can mean wet floors inside. Snow tracked in on boots creates slippery conditions. These factors matter more than you might think.

Find witnesses and get their contact information fast. Ask them to write down what they observed. Most people want to help when they see someone hurt.

Create Official Records

Building management must know about your accident and file an incident report. Don’t let them brush you off or suggest you’re making a big deal out of nothing. Demand that report and get a copy before leaving the building.

Read their version carefully. Some managers write reports that make accidents sound like the injured person’s fault. If their description doesn’t match what happened, speak up and ask them to fix it.

Call 911 if you need medical help, even for injuries that seem minor. Head trauma, spinal injuries, and internal damage sometimes don’t show symptoms for hours. Paramedics create an official record with professional observations about your condition and the scene.

Track Every Medical Detail

See a doctor right away, even if you feel okay. Tell them exactly how the accident happened so they can connect your injuries to the incident in your medical records. This record can make or break your case.

Keep every piece of medical paperwork – emergency room records, X-rays, prescriptions, therapy notes, and bills. Take photos of visible injuries every few days to show progression. If you miss work, get written documentation about lost wages and benefits.

Save Physical Evidence

Don’t throw away damaged clothes, broken glasses, or anything else that got hurt in the accident. Put everything in labeled bags with the date and location written on them. Small pieces of debris from broken equipment can prove that the escalator or elevator was in bad shape.

Ask building management to hold off on repairs until the equipment gets properly examined. They’ll claim they need to fix it for safety reasons. At least make them document the condition before repairs and tell you about any work they do.

Check Maintenance Records

Buildings must keep detailed records of escalator and elevator inspections and repairs. These papers often show whether owners knew about problems before your accident but didn’t fix them fast enough.

Look for inspection certificates posted by the equipment. They should show recent inspection dates and any problems found. Take photos of these certificates and any repair notices.

Understand Your Legal Rights

Property owners must keep escalators and elevators safe through regular inspections, quick repairs, and proper warnings about hazards. When they don’t do their job and someone gets hurt, they’re responsible for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

It’s also important to act within the statute of limitations, which sets a legal deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Delaying too long can mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.

Most accidents happen because of mechanical failures, poor maintenance, bad lighting, missing safety features, or no warnings about known dangers. Building owners and insurance companies always try to blame the injured person or claim the accident wasn’t serious.

Neglected stairwell maintenance, such as broken steps, loose railings, or poor lighting near escalator or elevator access points, can also contribute to serious injuries and may strengthen your case against the property owner.

Handle Insurance Companies Carefully

After an accident, insurance adjusters often reach out quickly. They may sound sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents until you fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

Write down details about every insurance conversation: who you talked to, when, and what they said. Some companies offer quick settlements that sound good but don’t cover your real costs, especially if you need ongoing treatment.

Document How Your Life Changed

Keep a daily record of how your injuries affect your life. Note pain levels, activities you can’t do anymore, sleep problems, and emotional impacts. This personal account shows the full picture of how the accident changed everything beyond just medical bills.

Save receipts for accident-related expenses like rides to doctor appointments, prescription costs, crutches, or other medical equipment. These smaller costs add up fast and deserve compensation, too.

Get Professional Help

Insurance companies have teams of engineers and lawyers working to challenge your claim. Building owners often argue that their equipment was functioning properly or try to shift blame onto the injured person. Without an experienced attorney who understands how these systems fail and how liability works, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled.

Escalator and elevator accidents change lives in ways that go far beyond initial injuries. The evidence you gather in those first crucial hours often determines whether you’ll receive fair compensation or walk away with nothing.

You shouldn’t have to handle the stress of a lawsuit alone while dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and lost income. We’re here to take that burden off your shoulders and fight for the outcome you deserve. Contact our team at Pencheff & Fraley today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Visit our offices at:

• Westerville: 4151 Executive Pkwy, Suite 355, Westerville, OH 43081
• Mansfield: 33 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906

Or call now for a free consultation: (614) 224-4114.