When Businesses Fail to Maintain Safe Equipment, We Step In
Elevators and escalators are part of everyday life in office buildings, malls, parking structures, and apartment complexes—but when they malfunction, the results can be catastrophic. Property owners and maintenance companies have a legal duty to ensure these systems are properly inspected, maintained, and safe for public use.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent individuals in Texas who are injured due to elevator and escalator accidents at commercial or residential properties.
Who Is Responsible for Elevator and Escalator Injuries?
Under Texas premises liability and negligence law, liability can fall on:
| Responsible Party | Common Failures |
| Property owners | Failure to inspect, delayed maintenance, ignoring known issues |
| Maintenance companies | Improper servicing or inspections |
| Elevator/escalator manufacturers | Design or production defects |
| Building managers | Poor oversight or failure to shut down unsafe equipment |
We identify all liable parties by reviewing maintenance logs, inspection records, video surveillance, and prior complaints.
Common Causes of Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator Accidents:
- Sudden drops or free falls
- Misleveling with floor surfaces (trip hazard)
- Door malfunctions (closing on limbs or clothing)
- Entrapment between doors or floors
- Emergency alarm or phone system failures
Escalator Accidents:
- Abrupt stops or reversals in direction
- Clothing, shoes, or shoelaces caught in the comb plates
- Missing or broken steps
- Guardrail failures
- Inadequate emergency stop mechanisms
These incidents often result from negligent maintenance or design, not user error.
Injuries Frequently Seen in Elevator and Escalator Claims
We represent clients who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Lacerations and deep tissue damage
- Amputations (especially in escalator cases)
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD or anxiety from entrapment)
- Fatalities due to falls or mechanical failures
These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and long-term medical care. We pursue compensation that reflects the full impact on your life and livelihood.
What to Do After an Elevator or Escalator Injury
- Report the incident to building management immediately.
- Request copies of any incident report and ask for witness contact info.
- Take photos or video, if safe to do so.
- Seek medical attention—even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Preserve clothing, footwear, or personal items involved in the accident.
- Do not speak to insurance or property reps before consulting a lawyer.
Quick legal intervention can help preserve surveillance footage and prevent the destruction of key maintenance records.
Damages Available in Elevator and Escalator Cases
If you’ve been injured due to faulty or unsafe vertical transport systems, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgical procedures
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (for family members of fatal victims)
We work with biomechanical and engineering experts to prove both liability and the severity of your losses.
Why Choose Williford Law?
We take on complex premises liability cases against:
- Commercial landlords
- National property management companies
- Insurance carriers
- Third-party elevator service contractors
At Williford Law, PLLC, we:
- Launch immediate investigations into building safety violations
- Subpoena elevator service logs and maintenance agreements
- Coordinate expert inspections of the equipment
- Pursue maximum compensation from every responsible party
And we don’t charge a fee unless we recover for you.
