In the past, we have written on this blog about the troubles facing the escalators in Washington, D.C.'s subway system.

Although we practice in New York, not Washington, D.C., the ongoing issues faced by the Metro's escalators keep our attention because they present a good example of the potential danger escalators pose to everyday citizens.

In this case, the motor serving the newly built escalators at the Dupont Circle stop, one of the Metro's busiest, failed recently.

The escalators at the Dupont Circle stop had been closed for nine months so they could be overhauled, so it was hoped that after nearly a year out of operation, they'd finally be safe and efficient.

But that does not seem to be the case. Officials have no explanation for why the motor failed; the most a spokesman would say when queried by a reporter is that a "full analysis by the manufacturer" would provide more answers.

As we mentioned earlier, this story shows that escalators are not infallible. Because we depend on them every day, no one thinks of escalators as a source of injury. Ultimately, though, it is just a fact that each year, too many people are hurt by escalator accidents.

Source: The Washington Examiner, "New Dupont escalator motor fails, prompting review of metro equipment," Dec. 26, 2012

  • Our Bronx-based law firm helps people who have been hurt on escalators or in elevators. If you are interested in learning more about this area of law, or about our practice, we invite you to visit our Elevator and Escalator Injury page.