Escalator Injuries To Elderly Have Doubled
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According to a review of reports by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, between the years of 1991 and 2005, the rate of personal injuries among senior citizens related to escalators has doubled. However, the majority are not serious injuries.
During that time period, approximately 40,000 elderly people have experienced a personal injury, usually the result of a slip or a fall. In spite of the increase in the number of personal injuries, researchers say that only eight percent have been serious enough that a trip to the hospital was necessary. The most common type of personal injuries was reported to be to the legs. The journal , Accident Analysis and Prevention published the report in its March issue.
According to co-lead researcher Joseph O'Neil, M.D., MPH, of the Indiana University School of Medicine, older adults who have issues with mobility or balance should exercise caution during the use of escalators. Co-lead author Dr. Greg Steele, associate professor of epidemiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine said that unfortunately, senior citizens sometimes use "reckless behavior" on escalators, according to the data. He noted one case of a senior who received personal injuries due to falling while trying to push his way past a wheelchair that was blocking his path.
North Carolina's antiquated contributory negligence law would make it difficult for an elderly person to recover for injuries sustained on a defective escalator. If there is a finding that the victim of an injury from a defective escalator was himself negligent, even to the limited extent of 1 per cent, the victim can not recover. The defense will likely argue that an elderly person is negligent for even getting on an escalator if they have any physical limitations in their legs or feet.