When an escalator fails—whether it stops suddenly, breaks down mid-ride, or traps clothing or limbs—the results can be catastrophic. These incidents aren’t just bad luck; they’re often the result of poor maintenance, design flaws, or violations of safety standards. If you’ve been injured in one of these accidents in Atlanta, you need a law firm that treats your case with the seriousness it demands. At Butler Kahn, we focus on high-stakes personal injury matters and have handled complex claims involving mechanical failures and unsafe public spaces. In this piece, Butler Kahn explains important information about Atlanta escalator accidents, including the legal options available to victims, the possible types of financial compensation that can be received, and how an Atlanta escalator accident attorney can fight on your behalf to obtain compensation and justice.
About Escalators
An escalator is a motorized, continuous moving staircase used for vertical transportation. It consists of a loop of steps that travel on tracks, powered by an electric motor. There are several types, including parallel escalators that move in the same direction side-by-side, crisscross escalators that alternate directions, and spiral escalators that curve around a central column. Some are narrow and slow, others wider and faster, but all require constant maintenance and are prone to mechanical failure, noise, and wear.
Types of Escalator Accidents in Atlanta
Trip And Fall Accidents
One of the most common escalator accidents involves someone tripping and falling while getting on or off. This can happen when steps are misaligned, damaged, or when the handrail isn’t moving at the same speed as the steps. Even small changes in movement can throw someone off balance, especially elderly people or children.
Entrapment Of Clothing Or Body Parts
Loose shoelaces, long skirts, scarves, or even fingers and toes can get caught in the edges of an escalator. If the escalator doesn’t have working safety mechanisms or proper inspections, the results can be traumatic. Entrapments are especially dangerous because they can lead to crushing or tearing injuries in seconds.
Sudden Stops Or Jerks
Sometimes, escalators stop without warning or speed up briefly before halting. When this happens, riders can be thrown forward or backward, often falling down a long set of moving stairs. This kind of accident usually results from a brake failure or electrical issue that should have been fixed during regular maintenance.
Collapsing Steps Or Mechanical Malfunction
In rare but serious cases, the escalator step itself may collapse due to structural damage or wear and tear. These failures are usually the result of poor maintenance or hidden defects. When this happens, people can fall through or trip over the broken step, leading to serious injuries.
Sidewall Entrapments
Sidewall entrapments happen when a foot, shoe, or object gets stuck between the moving steps and the escalator’s side panel. This usually means the escalator wasn’t aligned properly or didn’t meet inspection standards. If the side skirt brushes are missing or worn down, it can increase the risk.
Multiple-Victim Pileups
In crowded places like MARTA stations or malls, if one person falls on an escalator, others behind them may not have time to react. This can lead to a chain reaction where multiple people fall on top of each other. These pileups can be extremely dangerous, especially for children, elderly riders, or those unable to move quickly.
Serious Injuries Victims Sustain from an Escalator Accident in GA
- Deep Cuts & Degloving: Skin, fingers, or clothing caught in moving parts can lead to deep lacerations or skin being torn from underlying tissue.
- Crushed Bones & Fractures: Entrapments or falls can crush bones or break limbs, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Head Injuries & Concussions: Falls on escalators can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries, sometimes with lasting cognitive effects.
- Spinal Cord & Back Injuries: Falls or mechanical failures can damage the spine, potentially causing paralysis or chronic pain.
- Amputations & Disability: Severe entrapments may result in amputations or permanent nerve and muscle damage.
- Emotional Trauma & PTSD: Victims—especially children—may suffer lasting psychological effects like PTSD, nightmares, or fear of public places.
Escalator Accident Hotspots
MARTA Transit Stations
Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Lindbergh Center are some of the busiest spots in Atlanta. Their escalators are used by thousands of commuters every day. Heavy foot traffic and aging equipment can lead to dangerous conditions, especially if maintenance is skipped or delayed.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
This is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it has many escalators running constantly in terminals, concourses, and parking areas. Accidents at Hartsfield-Jackson can happen fast and often involve travelers unfamiliar with the layout, dragging luggage, or rushing to catch a flight.
Malls And Shopping Centers
Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Cumberland Mall, and North Point Mall all have escalators used by children, seniors, and shoppers carrying bags. A small misstep or sudden stop can easily cause a fall or a serious injury, especially on weekends or during the holidays when traffic increases.
Sports And Entertainment Venues
Escalators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center move big crowds in short windows of time. That fast turnover increases the risk of pileups, mechanical failure, or accidents caused by crowd pressure.
Hospitals And Medical Centers
Grady Memorial, Emory University Hospital, and other large medical campuses use escalators to connect multiple buildings. These areas are often used by people with limited mobility or medical equipment, which can make escalator use more dangerous.
Colleges And Schools
Universities like Georgia State and Georgia Tech have escalators in dorms, libraries, and academic buildings. These spaces see constant use by young people—accidents can and do happen, especially when maintenance is overlooked.
Determining Who’s Legally Responsible for Escalator Injuries
Property Owners And Occupiers
Under Georgia Code § 51-3-1, anyone who owns or controls property where the public is invited—like malls, airports, stadiums, or hospitals—has a “duty of ordinary care” to keep the property safe. That means they must regularly inspect and maintain escalators, fix hazards, and warn people about problems that aren’t obvious. If they knew (or should have known) the escalator was dangerous and didn’t do anything about it, they can be held liable under Georgia premises liability law for injuries.
Independent Maintenance Companies
Many businesses hire outside companies to service and inspect escalators. If a contractor fails to do proper maintenance, skips inspections, or uses unqualified technicians, they may be liable under Georgia imputable negligence laws (O.C.G.A. §§ 51-2-1 — 51-2-7). Courts will look at the contractor’s duty to perform services with reasonable care and skill. If they breached that duty, and that breach caused your injury, they could be held responsible—even if the property owner was unaware.
Product Manufacturers And Designers
If the accident happened because of a mechanical defect—like a faulty brake system, defective step treads, or poor escalator design—then the manufacturer may be liable under Georgia’s product liability statutes. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, a manufacturer may be held responsible if a product is not fit for its intended purpose and causes injury when used in a way that could reasonably be expected.
You don’t need to show the manufacturer was careless—only that the escalator was defective when it left their control, and that defect caused your injury.
Government Entities (Georgia Tort Claims Act – O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20 to § 50-21-35)
If you were hurt on a public escalator—like one at a MARTA station or inside a government-owned building—you may have a claim against a government entity. These cases fall under the Georgia Tort Claims Act. The GTCA allows injury cases against government departments for negligence, but it sets strict notice and filing requirements.
Also, some local governments, like cities or counties, follow different rules for pre-suit notice. For instance, a claim against the City of Atlanta typically requires written notice within six months (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5).
Shared Fault: Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33)
If the other side claims you were partly to blame—maybe they say you weren’t holding the handrail or were distracted—Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. But your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Possible Compensation After an Escalator Injury in Georgia
If you’re injured in an escalator accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Claims are typically filed with the property owner’s or maintenance company’s insurer. If the insurer denies or undervalues your claim, you can file a lawsuit within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
You may recover economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If a loved one dies due to an escalator accident, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2) allows families to seek compensation for the full value of their life, along with funeral costs and pre-death suffering.
What an Atlanta Escalator Accident Lawyer Does for Victims
Escalator accident cases are complex and require specific legal and technical knowledge. An Atlanta escalator accident lawyer investigates the cause—whether mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or code violations—by gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, and inspection records. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, including property owners, maintenance contractors, and manufacturers.
Insurance companies may downplay your injuries or try to shift blame. Your lawyer will handle all communication, document your claim thoroughly, and push for a fair settlement. If needed, they’ll file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
Acting quickly is crucial. A skilled lawyer will preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and protect your rights from the start—ensuring no detail is missed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Escalator Accidents
What should I do right after an escalator accident?
Get medical attention, report the accident to property staff, take photos if you can, and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I sue the business if I tripped on an escalator?
Yes, if they failed to maintain the escalator or ignored safety issues that caused your fall.
Who pays my medical bills after an escalator injury?
You may be able to recover costs through a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can I sue MARTA if the escalator was theirs?
Yes, but you must send a notice to MARTA within one year under the Georgia Tort Claims Act.
What if the escalator looked fine before it broke?
You can still have a claim if a hidden defect or skipped inspection caused the problem.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Georgia’s comparative negligence law lets you recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible.
How much money can I get from a claim?
It depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and how badly your life has been affected.
What if my child was hurt on an escalator?
Georgia law gives extra protections for injured children, and a parent can file a claim on their behalf.
Atlanta Escalator Accident Attorney
Escalator accidents can cause devastating injuries, especially when they involve falls, entrapments, or sudden mechanical failures in busy places like MARTA stations, malls, or the airport. These are not minor incidents—they often leave victims with long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Butler Kahn, our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys handle serious escalator accident cases with the attention and preparation they deserve. When property owners, maintenance contractors, or equipment manufacturers fail to meet their legal responsibilities, we work to hold them accountable. If you or someone you love has been injured in an escalator accident, contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or contacting us online for a free consultation.
