Detroit Elevator & Escalator Accident Lawyer

You didn’t expect danger from something so routine. You stepped onto an elevator or escalator like you’ve done a thousand times before. But this time, something went wrong—terribly wrong. The elevator jolted, dropped, or trapped you. The escalator caught your clothing, threw you off balance, or malfunctioned beneath your feet.

What should have been a two-second ride turned into trauma. Now you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, maybe even permanent damage—and all because someone failed to maintain or inspect a machine you were told was “safe.”

We’ve represented victims across Detroit who were seriously hurt in elevator and escalator incidents—in office buildings, hotels, apartment complexes, malls, parking garages, and transit stations. These aren’t freak accidents. They’re preventable failures caused by neglect, poor maintenance, or defective design.

And when that happens? We hold property owners, management companies, and contractors accountable. Period.

Marko Law has a proven record in complex premises liability litigation, and we don’t back down from big companies or their insurance teams. If you’ve been hurt on an elevator or escalator in Detroit, we’ll fight to make it right.

Michigan Law & Elevator/Escalator Safety

Michigan Elevator Safety Board & LARA Regulations

Michigan's Elevator Safety Board, under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), sets the statewide standards for elevator and escalator installation, operation, and inspection.

These regulations require:

• Initial permitting and inspections before use
• Annual inspections by certified elevator inspectors
• Safety checks on braking systems, door sensors, leveling functions, and emergency alarms
• Shutdowns for any unit deemed unsafe

If a property owner or maintenance contractor skips an inspection—or ignores a failed one—they are in violation of state law. That’s more than negligence. That’s actionable liability.

Premises Liability: The Property Owner’s Duty

Michigan law holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. That includes making sure elevators and escalators are safe, inspected, and promptly repaired.

This legal concept—premises liability—means you can file a civil lawsuit if you’re hurt due to:

• A known mechanical failure that wasn’t fixed
• A maintenance delay or ignored repair report
• A design defect that created a tripping hazard or fall risk
• Inadequate warnings about out-of-service equipment

Mandatory Maintenance & Inspection Logs

Elevator and escalator equipment requires routine maintenance and repair, and operators must keep:

• Service records
• Inspection certifications
• Maintenance logs
• Repair histories and technician notes

Marko Law demands this evidence immediately. If they can’t produce it—or if the logs show gaps, missed inspections, or ignored safety notices—we use it as proof of negligence in court.

Building Code Violations Are a Legal Weapon

Detroit, like all Michigan cities, enforces strict building codes for elevators and escalators. Violations may include:

• Doors that don’t close properly
• Misleveling with floors (a major trip hazard)
• Failure to install required safety railings
• Inoperative emergency alarms or lighting
• Inadequate signage or barriers when out of service

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Elevator or Escalator Accident?

Property Owners or Managers (Premises Liability)

Under Michigan’s premises liability law, building owners and property managers have a non-negotiable duty to keep elevators and escalators safe for guests, tenants, and employees. That includes:

• Scheduling regular inspections
• Fixing known mechanical issues
• Posting warnings or closing off unsafe equipment
• Hiring qualified contractors for maintenance

If they knew—or should have known—about a malfunction or hazard and didn’t act, they can be sued.

This applies to:

• Apartment buildings
• Hotels
• Casinos
• Office towers
• Shopping centers
• Parking garages

Elevator or Escalator Maintenance Companies

Many buildings outsource maintenance to third-party contractors. If a service company failed to:

• Perform required inspections
• Repair reported malfunctions
• Respond promptly to complaints
• Use trained or licensed technicians

They may be directly liable for the injury. These companies often try to dodge responsibility, but we subpoena logs, technician records, and service contracts to pin them down.

Manufacturers of Defective Equipment

If your injury was caused by a design or manufacturing defect—like a faulty door sensor, unresponsive emergency brake, or defective step mechanism—we pursue the manufacturer under product liability law.

Manufacturers can be held responsible for:

• Poor design that increases injury risk
• Inadequate safety features
• Substandard materials or assembly errors
• Failure to issue recalls or safety warnings

These are complex claims—but we’re no strangers to going head-to-head with national corporations and insurance giants.

Building Developers or Engineers

Sometimes, the issue goes all the way back to construction or installation. If a new escalator or elevator was installed incorrectly or failed to meet code due to engineering errors, we investigate:

• General contractors
• Installation companies
• Structural engineers
• Architects

If poor design or installation caused your injury, these parties may be financially liable for your damages—even years after the building opened.

What to Do After an Elevator or Escalator Accident

Get Emergency Medical Care Immediately

Your health comes first. Even if you think your injuries are “just a bruise” or “a sprain,” seek medical evaluation immediately. Many serious injuries—like concussions, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding—aren’t obvious at first.

And legally, the sooner you get treatment, the stronger your case. Delayed care gives insurers an excuse to downplay your injuries.

Document the Scene

Before evidence disappears, take control:

• Photograph the area: doors, steps, emergency buttons, signage
• Video the malfunction, if you can do so safely
• Capture your injuries and any clothing damage
• Look for wet floors, broken panels, warning signs—or lack thereof

Elevators and escalators are often cleaned up or repaired quickly after an incident. Your phone might be your best witness.

Get Witness Information

If others saw what happened, don’t let them walk away. Get:

• Names
• Phone numbers
• A brief statement (written or recorded if possible)

Witnesses can confirm that the machine malfunctioned, that you weren’t at fault, and that no safety measures were in place.

Report the Incident to the Property Manager

File a formal incident report with the building manager, front desk, or on-site security. Demand a copy. If they try to downplay the event or refuse to document it, take notes of who you spoke with and what was said.

This creates a paper trail that proves the property was notified—and failed to respond if the danger persists.

Contact Marko Law Before Speaking to Insurance

Do not talk to the building’s insurance adjuster or risk manager on your own. Their job is to protect the property—not you.

Before you give any recorded statements, sign any releases, or accept any offers—call us.

At Marko Law, we immediately:

• Preserve security footage
• Demand maintenance records
• Interview staff and inspect logs
• Build your case before the defense starts covering their tracks

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Medical Expenses

You can recover compensation for:

• Emergency room treatment
• Surgeries
• Hospital stays
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Long-term care and home modifications
• Medications and assistive devices

And we don’t stop at current bills—we push for future medical costs as well, especially in cases involving permanent injuries.

Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity

If your injuries force you to miss work—or keep you from returning to your job—you can pursue damages for:

• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Missed career opportunities
• Reduced earning ability due to disability

Whether you're a salaried professional, hourly worker, or self-employed, your financial future matters.

Pain and Suffering

Michigan law allows compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your injuries. That includes:

• Chronic pain
• Sleep disruption
• Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Embarrassment from disfigurement or mobility issues

No one should have to suffer in silence. And we make sure the court hears your story.

Long-Term Disability or Disfigurement

Elevator and escalator accidents often result in serious, lasting harm—such as:

• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputation or crush injuries
• Facial or bodily scarring
• Permanent nerve or mobility loss

These cases demand high-stakes litigation—and maximum compensation.

Punitive Damages

If the property owner, maintenance company, or manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, you may be entitled to punitive damages.

That includes:

• Ignoring known malfunctions
• Failing mandatory inspections
• Concealing dangerous conditions
• Repeated safety violations

Punitive damages don’t just compensate you—they punish bad actors and protect others from suffering the same fate.

Don’t Let a Mechanical Failure Ruin Your Future

One moment you’re stepping onto an elevator or escalator. The next, you’re dealing with trauma, medical bills, and questions no one seems to want to answer. You didn’t sign up for this—but you can fight back.

At Marko Law, we know how to take on negligent property owners, shady maintenance contractors, and corporate insurers. We don’t blink at complex cases—and we don’t let our clients get railroaded by insurance tactics or legal red tape.

Whether your accident happened in a Detroit high-rise, shopping center, hotel, or transit hub, you deserve answers, accountability, and full compensation.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com

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