Los Angeles Elevator and Escalator Accident Lawyers Who Stand for Victim Justice

Elevator and escalator accidents are more common—and more serious—than most people realize. In a city like Los Angeles, where high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and transit hubs are everywhere, elevators and escalators are a part of daily life. But when these systems malfunction or are poorly maintained, the consequences can be devastating. At Impact Attorneys, our skilled Los Angeles elevator and escalator accident lawyers are here to help victims pursue full compensation for their injuries.

Attorneys Shawn Gleizer and Ellery Gordon bring experience and determination to every case they take on. Whether the accident occurred in an apartment complex, commercial building, hotel, mall, or office tower, we know how to uncover the root cause, identify the liable parties, and fight aggressively for justice.

Understanding the Risks of Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Despite advancements in technology, elevators and escalators continue to pose serious safety risks when not properly designed, installed, or maintained. In major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, new high-rises with multiple floors require extensive elevator systems, and older buildings often rely on outdated equipment still in service. When these systems fail or malfunction, workers and everyday users alike can suffer traumatic injuries.

Injuries often occur during maintenance or construction, particularly among elevator installers and repair workers, but passengers using the systems can also be seriously harmed by sudden stops, falls, or entrapments. Common causes of elevator and escalator accidents include mechanical failure, electrical malfunctions, poor maintenance, faulty door sensors, sudden drops, open shafts, and design flaws that allow clothing or limbs to become caught in moving parts.

Statistics Show the Severity of Elevator Accidents in the Workplace

Elevator-related injuries among workers are unfortunately not uncommon. National safety studies have revealed that an average of 21 people are killed each year while working on or near elevators. Construction elevator mechanics and repair personnel face some of the highest risks in the entire industry, ranking among the top five occupations for work-related fatalities. A study by George Washington University found that over a seven-year period, the most frequent injuries were traumatic brain injuries, cuts, sprains, and head trauma.

In one six-year period, reports showed that 83 deaths occurred while workers were installing or repairing elevators. Of those, 27 people died while working inside the elevator shaft or car, and 36 others died while working adjacent to the elevator. These numbers highlight the significant dangers faced by workers in this field and underscore the need for strong legal representation when negligence leads to such tragedies.

When Property Owners and Employers Are Negligent

In most elevator and escalator accident cases, liability stems from a failure to maintain a safe environment. Property owners, tenants, or managers are legally responsible for ensuring that elevators and escalators are properly maintained, inspected, and repaired. Failing to address known issues, skipping regular inspections, or hiring unqualified maintenance crews can all result in preventable injuries.

In workplace incidents, if a contractor or employer fails to provide a safe job site or violates OSHA safety standards, they may be held accountable. Victims may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim outside of workers’ compensation if another party—such as a property owner or equipment manufacturer—contributed to the accident.

In either scenario, a successful claim depends on gathering evidence quickly. Photos, inspection records, incident reports, and expert evaluations may all be required shortly after the incident. At Impact Attorneys, we move fast to preserve critical information and launch a thorough investigation.

Escalator Accidents in Los Angeles Buildings and Public Spaces

Escalators are found in virtually every public space in Los Angeles, including shopping malls, hotels, metro stations, high-rise office buildings, and airports. Though often overlooked, escalators are responsible for thousands of injuries each year, ranging from falls and trips to more serious incidents involving crushed limbs or entrapment in the machinery.

Under California law, escalator operators—including building owners, retail managers, and maintenance companies—have a duty of care to keep these machines in a safe condition. This includes ensuring guardrails are intact, steps are level, emergency stop mechanisms are functional, and that warning signage is clearly displayed. When this duty is breached, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.

In many escalator accident cases, poor design or maintenance is to blame. Loose floor plates, excessive step gaps, or missing handrails can all contribute to accidents—particularly among children or the elderly. Whether the issue is a design flaw, a failure to repair a known hazard, or negligence during installation, our attorneys can pursue accountability from those responsible.

What to Do After an Elevator or Escalator Injury

If you’ve been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical treatment immediately and document your injuries. If possible, take photos of the scene, any visible defects or warning signs, and speak to witnesses who may have seen what happened.

Make sure to report the incident to building management or property security and request a copy of the incident report. Avoid making statements to insurance representatives until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Elevator and escalator injury claims often involve building owners, maintenance companies, and equipment manufacturers—all of whom will have lawyers working to limit their liability.

Contact Impact Attorneys as soon as possible so we can begin an immediate investigation, preserve key evidence, and file your claim within all required deadlines.

Compensation for Elevator and Escalator Injury Victims

If your injury was caused by negligence or a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. This may include reimbursement for medical bills, hospitalization, and physical therapy. Victims may also recover lost wages due to time away from work and compensation for reduced earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term disability.

In addition, you may be awarded damages for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the most severe cases, such as permanent injury or wrongful death, your claim may also involve future medical expenses or loss of future income. We work with financial and medical experts to calculate the true value of your losses and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and opposing counsel.

Speak With a Los Angeles Elevator and Escalator Injury Lawyer Today

Elevator and escalator accidents can be traumatic, painful, and life-changing—but you don’t have to go through this alone. At Impact Attorneys, we’re committed to helping injured victims and grieving families get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our legal team understands the technical, legal, and emotional complexities of these cases and will be with you every step of the way.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us now at 818-659-0642 to speak with an experienced Los Angeles elevator and escalator accident lawyer, or contact us online to schedule a confidential case evaluation.