Williford Law | High-Stakes Legal Representation for Escalator Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
You Trusted the System to Work. When It Failed, Everything Changed.
Escalators are designed to simplify movement in busy spaces — airports, malls, office buildings, and stadiums. But when something goes wrong, the result isn’t minor. It’s devastating.
Whether it was a sudden stop, a clothing entrapment, a fall from height, or a catastrophic malfunction, escalator accidents often lead to permanent injury, disfigurement, or even death.
At Williford Law, we represent victims and families who have suffered serious harm due to escalator failures in Texas and across the country. We investigate why it happened, identify all parties at fault, and build the case for full compensation.
Types of Escalator Accident Cases We Handle
- Entrapment of fingers, feet, clothing, or shoelaces in moving steps
- Sudden reversals of direction or emergency stops
- Step collapse or mechanical breakdown mid-ascent or descent
- Falls caused by handrail failure or speed mismatch
- Gaps between steps and side panels are causing trips or foot entrapment
- Children injured by a lack of barricades or safety signage
- Elderly or disabled riders injured by inadequate supervision or unsafe speeds
- Multi-victim pileups in crowded facilities (malls, airports, arenas)
- Fatal accidents involving falls, crushing, or mechanical failure
These are not “freak accidents.” They’re preventable failures — and we make sure someone is held accountable.
Who Is Liable for an Escalator Injury?
| Party | Legal Responsibility |
| Property owner or operator | Keep escalators in safe condition, contract qualified service |
| Escalator maintenance company | Timely, professional inspections and repairs |
| Escalator manufacturer | Design, produce, and warn about potential hazards |
| Third-party facility manager | Monitor operation and ensure safety standards are followed |
| Retailer or tenant (if leasing premises) | Warn patrons of known defects or service outages |
Escalators are governed by strict state safety codes, inspection laws, and industry standards. When these are ignored, we move swiftly to build the case.
Serious Injuries Caused by Escalator Malfunctions
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Degloving injuries of the scalp, feet, or limbs
- Fractures, spinal trauma, and orthopedic damage
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Burns, abrasions, and lacerations from exposed mechanics
- Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and panic disorders
- Wrongful death, particularly involving falls or entrapment of children
We retain biomechanical engineers, safety consultants, and forensic investigators to fully document the scope and cause of the injury and the lifetime impact.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Depending on the facts and severity of the injury, Williford Law will pursue:
- Emergency care and trauma surgery costs
- Hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of function
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death compensation (if applicable)
We don’t settle for silence. We fight for a result that reflects the true weight of what was lost.
What to Do After an Escalator Accident in Texas
- Seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Report the incident to property management or building security.
- Document everything: take photos of the escalator, visible injuries, and surroundings.
- Do not sign any release or incident form without legal review.
- Preserve damaged clothing or footwear. These can prove entrapment or improper spacing.
- Collect names of witnesses or other passengers.
- Contact Williford Law immediately. We will send a legal preservation letter to secure surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and inspection reports.
Escalator footage and service records often disappear within days. The sooner we intervene, the more leverage you have.
Why Clients Trust Williford Law
- Focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation
- Experience with multi-party liability: premises, product, and maintenance failures
- Familiar with Texas escalator code requirements and inspection law
- Backed by a team of industry experts — mechanical engineers, OSHA consultants, and building safety investigators
- Contingency-based representation — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
- Trusted by families, injury victims, and professionals across Texas
We are not a settlement mill. We are trial-ready, and the opposition knows it.
Escalator Injury FAQs
Can I sue a property owner if I was injured on an escalator?
Yes. Property owners and commercial tenants are responsible for keeping escalators safe and must fix or warn about known hazards.
What if I were hurt at an airport or transit facility?
You may still have a valid claim. Public entities may require notice within 180 days under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.
Can I still recover if the escalator didn’t break, but I fell?
Yes, if the fall was caused by design flaws, handrail speed mismatch, or improper maintenance. These cases often hinge on detailed inspection and video review.
What if my child were injured by an escalator?
Children are especially vulnerable. We pursue claims for medical bills, emotional trauma, permanent disability, and long-term care.
