Escalators & Elevators in Vegas
Las Vegas casinos and hotels depend heavily on escalators and elevators. With thousands of guests moving across multi-level gaming floors and massive resort complexes, smooth vertical transportation is critical. But when something goes wrong — from sudden stops to misaligned steps or free-falling elevators — accidents can cause devastating injuries.
When these incidents happen, who is responsible? Is it the property owner, a maintenance contractor, or even the manufacturer of the equipment? This blog explores liability for escalator and elevator accidents in Nevada.
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.
Common Causes of Escalator & Elevator Accidents
- Poor Maintenance – worn-out cables, broken steps, or faulty brakes.
- Improper Installation – defective setup leading to long-term mechanical issues.
- Overcrowding – casinos often exceed safe usage limits.
- Power Failures – sudden stops can throw passengers off balance.
- Negligent Supervision – lack of staff monitoring unsafe use, like children playing.
Who’s Liable?
- Property Owners: Responsible for ensuring equipment is inspected and safe.
- Maintenance Companies: May be liable if negligent repairs or skipped inspections caused the malfunction.
- Manufacturers: If a defect in design or parts led directly to the injury.
- Other Parties: For example, negligent crowd management contributing to falls.
Nevada Law on Escalator & Elevator Accidents
Under Nevada premises liability law, property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors. Escalators and elevators fall under this duty. If the accident stems from poor maintenance or ignored inspections, the property owner and contractors may share liability.
Comparative negligence rules may also apply — if a victim was behaving recklessly (e.g., jumping on an escalator), compensation may be reduced.
Challenges in These Cases
- Proving Negligence: Requires maintenance records, inspection logs, and surveillance footage.
- Jurisdiction Issues: Tourists injured in Vegas may live out of state, complicating claims.
- High-Value Claims: Casino insurance companies often fight aggressively to reduce payouts.
Real-World Examples
- A tourist trips when an escalator step collapses due to poor maintenance.
- An elevator in a hotel free-falls several feet, injuring multiple guests.
- Children injured while unsupervised on a casino escalator.
What to Do After an Escalator/Elevator Accident
- Report the incident immediately to property staff.
- Call 911 if serious injuries occur.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Document the scene — take photos of equipment and injuries.
- Collect witness information.
- Contact an experienced premises liability attorney.
How The Firm Handles These Cases
At The Firm, Preston Rezaee, Esq., and his team investigate escalator and elevator accidents by:
- Reviewing inspection and maintenance records.
- Consulting engineering and safety experts.
- Holding property owners and contractors accountable.
- Fighting for full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Escalators and elevators should make casino life easier, not more dangerous. When these machines fail, the consequences can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been injured in an escalator or elevator accident in Las Vegas, The Firm is ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
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