If you use lifts or escalators regularly, you probably do not think about the risks involved. These machines are part of everyday life in shopping centres, hotels, office buildings, airports, and train stations. Most of the time, they work smoothly. But when something goes wrong, the injuries can be serious and life-changing.
If you have been hurt in an escalator or lift accident, you may be wondering:
- Do I have the right to make a claim?
- Who is responsible for the accident?
- How do I prove what happened?
- What compensation could I receive?
- Is there a time limit to start a claim?
This guide explains everything in simple terms so you understand your rights and the steps you can take.
What Counts as an Escalator or Lift Accident?
An escalator or lift accident is any situation where you suffer an injury while using one of these machines. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe trauma.
Here are some common examples:
- The escalator stops suddenly and causes you to fall.
- The lift doors malfunction and trap your hand, arm, or clothing.
- The lift stops between floors and you suffer panic, distress, or physical harm.
- The escalator flooring has a gap or loose screw that makes you trip.
- The lift arrives misaligned with the floor, causing you to fall when stepping in or out.
- A spillage, loose mat, or uneven floor near the escalator causes you to slip.
Your injuries may be physical, such as fractures, back injuries, bruising, or lacerations.
They may also be psychological, such as developing anxiety or post-traumatic stress after being trapped in a lift or falling on an escalator.
You can make a claim only if the accident happened because someone else failed in their duty of care.
When Can You Make a Claim for an Escalator or Lift Accident?
To make a successful claim, you must show that negligence occurred.
Negligence has three parts:
- Someone owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty.
- You were injured as a result.
Who owes you a duty of care?
This depends on where the accident took place.
1. If the accident happened in a public place
The person or company in control of the building – known as the occupier – has a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
They must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. This includes:
- Maintaining lifts and escalators regularly
- Fixing problems as soon as they are identified
- Clearly warning users of known hazards
- Ensuring the area around the lift or escalator is safe
2. If the accident happened at work
Your employer has a duty to protect your health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
They must:
- Provide safe equipment
- Carry out maintenance
- Train staff properly
- Carry out risk assessments
- Fix hazards promptly
If your employer knew, or should have known, that a lift or escalator was unsafe and did nothing, you may be able to claim.
3. If the accident happened in accommodation
Hotels, hostels, rented flats, and student halls owe the same duty of care as other occupiers.
If you were injured because of poor maintenance or a known fault, you may have a valid claim.
Common Ways Lift Accidents Happen
Lifts can fail in several ways, and many accidents are linked to poor maintenance.
Common causes include:
Misaligned floors
You step into a lift that is not level with the floor and trip.
Door malfunction
The doors fail to detect your presence and close on your hand, arm, or bag.
Lift suddenly stopping or jerking
A mechanical fault may cause the lift to come to an abrupt halt, throwing you off balance.
Being trapped inside
Even short periods of entrapment can cause significant anxiety or psychological harm.
Spillages or hazards inside the lift
If the floor has liquids, debris, or damaged carpets, you could slip or trip.
Poor maintenance
Failures to repair motors, sensors, or cables can result in dangerous malfunctions.
If the accident happened because those responsible failed to take reasonable care, you could have the right to claim.
How Escalator Accidents Commonly Happen
Escalators contain moving parts that must always be kept in safe working condition.
Accidents often occur due to:
Sudden stopping
This can make you fall backwards or forwards, sometimes into other passengers.
Missing or broken steps
Damaged steps can cause trips, falls, or caught clothing.
Loose screws or panels
These can create sharp edges or unstable surfaces.
Gaps between the step and the side
Shoelaces, clothing, or pushchair wheels can become trapped.
Damaged handrails
A loose or broken handrail can make it hard to keep your balance.
Poor cleaning or inspection
Spills or debris on the escalator can create slipping hazards.
If the escalator was not properly inspected or maintained, the occupier or operator may be responsible.
How Do You Prove a Lift or Escalator Accident Claim?
Your claim depends heavily on the evidence you can gather. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of proving that negligence caused your injuries.
Here are the main types of evidence you should try to collect:
1. Accident report
Always report the incident to staff or management and ask for a copy of the report.
This confirms:
- The date and time of the accident
- Where it happened
- What was recorded at the time
2. Photographs or videos
If possible, take clear photos of:
- The lift or escalator
- The hazard (such as broken parts, misaligned floors, or spillages)
- Your injuries
3. CCTV footage
Many buildings have cameras covering lifts and escalators.
You can request a copy, but act quickly because footage may be deleted after a short period.
4. Witness details
If someone saw the accident, take their contact details.
A witness statement can support your version of events.
5. Medical records
Always seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor at first.
A GP or hospital will record:
- Your injuries
- The treatment you received
- Whether your symptoms match the accident described
6. Evidence of financial losses
If the accident caused you to spend money or lose income, keep:
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Wage slips
- Travel tickets
These can support a claim for special damages.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Compensation is split into general damages and special damages.
General damages
These compensate you for:
- Pain and suffering
- Physical injuries
- Emotional or psychological harm
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value depends on:
- The type of injury
- How severe it is
- How long it affects your daily life
- Whether you recover fully
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) provide brackets for many injuries.
For example:
- Severe psychological harm: £66,000–£141,000+
- Severe back injuries: £47,000–£85,000+
- Serious arm injuries: £23,000–£47,000+
(These are estimates and not guaranteed amounts.)
Special damages
These cover your financial losses, including:
- Lost earnings
- Travel costs
- Medical treatment
- Physiotherapy or counselling
- Mobility aids
- Care costs
- Home adjustments
You can also claim future losses if your injuries affect your long-term work or daily life.
Are There Time Limits for Making a Claim?
Yes.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you usually have three years to start a personal injury claim.
This can be:
- three years from the date of the accident, or
- three years from when you first realised your injury was linked to the accident.
Exceptions
- Children: The three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday.
- Lack of mental capacity: The time limit is paused indefinitely unless capacity is regained.
- Claims by a litigation friend: A responsible adult can claim on behalf of a child or someone who lacks capacity.
It is always better to seek advice as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved.
What Should You Do After a Lift or Escalator Accident?
Here is a simple checklist to help you protect your position:
- Get medical help.
- Report the accident to staff, management, or your employer.
- Take photographs or videos of what caused the accident.
- Ask for CCTV footage quickly.
- Collect witness details.
- Keep receipts and evidence of any expenses.
- Write down your recollection of the accident while it’s fresh.
Even if you are unsure whether you can make a claim, gathering evidence early gives you options later.
Final Thoughts
An escalator or lift accident can be frightening and painful, and the aftermath can be confusing. You may worry about time off work, medical costs, or how long your recovery will take. This guide is designed to help you understand your rights so you can make informed decisions.
You may be able to claim compensation if:
- the accident happened because someone failed to maintain equipment
- hazards were ignored or not clearly signposted
- the lift or escalator developed faults due to poor upkeep
- you suffered physical or psychological injury as a result
The law is there to protect you, and you do not have to suffer in silence.
By understanding when and how to make a claim, you can take the steps needed to protect your health, your finances, and your future.