Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
From glamorous hotels to world-renowned resorts, Las Vegas is built to impress. But behind the dazzling lights and towering structures are intricate systems that keep the city moving—especially elevators and escalators. Every day, thousands of guests rely on these mechanical devices to navigate multi-level casinos, shopping promenades, and skyscraping hotels.
Unfortunately, when these systems malfunction, break down, or are poorly maintained, they can become serious safety hazards. Escalator entrapments, sudden elevator drops, jammed doors, and trip hazards on moving walkways can result in devastating injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Las Vegas hotel elevator or escalator, understanding your legal rights under Nevada premises liability law is essential. In this blog, we’ll explain who may be held responsible, what to do after an incident, and how The Firm can help you recover compensation.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents: More Common Than You Think
Elevators and escalators are typically safe when installed and maintained properly. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Elevator accidents cause approximately 17,000 injuries and 30 deaths each year.
- Escalator-related injuries result in over 10,000 emergency room visits annually.
In Las Vegas, where tens of thousands of people move through resort corridors daily, the risk is multiplied by constant use, high traffic, and aging infrastructure in older properties.
Common Causes of Elevator and Escalator Injuries
These types of accidents often result from:
- Mechanical failures (e.g., sudden stops, free falls, jerky movements)
- Poor maintenance or infrequent inspections
- Electrical malfunctions
- Entrapment between doors or steps
- Tripping hazards on uneven steps or misaligned floors
- Lack of safety signage
- Missing or broken handrails
- Improper installation or failure to meet code
When these conditions are present, injuries may include:
- Sprains, fractures, or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Lacerations or deep bruising
- Spinal cord damage
- Emotional distress or PTSD, especially in elevator drop incidents
Nevada Premises Liability Law and Vertical Transport Injuries
In Nevada, property owners—including hotels, casinos, malls, and resorts—owe guests a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions. This duty extends to elevators, escalators, and moving walkways on their premises.
If an owner or operator fails to inspect, maintain, or repair vertical transport equipment, they may be found negligent and legally liable for resulting injuries.
To prove negligence, you must typically show:
- The defendant had a duty of care (as the property owner or responsible party).
- That duty was breached by failing to maintain safe conditions.
- The breach caused your injury.
- You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, one or more parties may be responsible:
🏢 Hotel or Casino Owner
They are ultimately responsible for the property and owe the highest duty of care to guests. If they failed to schedule inspections or ignored known problems, they may be at fault.
🛠️ Maintenance Contractor
Hotels often contract third-party companies to maintain elevators and escalators. If the contractor was negligent in repairs or inspections, they may be liable.
🧰 Manufacturer
If the equipment itself was defective due to poor design or assembly, the elevator/escalator manufacturer may be responsible under product liability law.
🏗️ Installation Company
If the device was installed incorrectly, the party who performed the installation may be liable for code violations or structural defects.
Real-World Examples of Elevator & Escalator Injury Claims
Case Example #1: Sudden Elevator Drop
A guest at a Strip hotel experiences a free-fall drop in the elevator due to a failed cable system. The guest suffers a spinal injury and files a lawsuit against both the hotel and the maintenance provider.
Case Example #2: Escalator Entrapment
A child’s shoe gets caught in an escalator step at a resort shopping center, causing serious foot injuries. Investigation reveals missing warning signage and overdue maintenance. The hotel and escalator manufacturer are both named in the claim.
Case Example #3: Trip Hazard on Broken Step
A visitor trips on a broken escalator step that had been flagged in previous maintenance reports but never repaired. The victim suffers a broken wrist and files a claim for negligence.
What to Do After an Elevator or Escalator Accident
If you’re injured on an escalator, elevator, or moving walkway in Las Vegas, follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Prioritize your health, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the incident – Notify hotel management or security and request an incident report.
- Take photos or videos – Document the malfunction, location, and your injuries.
- Get witness information – Bystanders may support your claim later.
- Preserve shoes and clothing – If entrapment or trip hazards were involved, your attire may be evidence.
- Do not sign or accept settlement offers – Avoid signing documents or waivers without legal counsel.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer – A legal team like The Firm can preserve evidence and advise on next steps.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If you file a successful personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish egregious misconduct or coverups.
How The Firm Can Help
Elevator and escalator injury claims often involve complex mechanical evaluations, contract disputes between third-party companies, and aggressive defense from hotel legal teams. That’s why you need an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney.
Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm provides skilled representation in vertical transport injury cases. We’ll investigate the cause of your accident, identify all liable parties, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
With a track record of success in premises liability and hotel-related claims, we know how to hold Las Vegas resorts accountable—and secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship or as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney. Legal matters can be complex and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Therefore, we strongly encourage readers to consult with qualified legal counsel for advice regarding their individual circumstances.
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