Learn how to prove negligence, identify who may be liable, and protect your rights to compensation after an automatic door accident in Tampa
Automatic doors are a convenience we encounter daily, often without a second thought. However, for residents and visitors in Florida, these seemingly harmless doors can pose unexpected dangers when they malfunction or are improperly maintained.
In this article, we’ll discuss the often unconsidered dangers of automatic doors, common injuries that result from these accidents, the individuals most at risk, and who might be held liable for accidents.
We’ll also provide insights into proving negligence in premises accident cases, empowering you with the knowledge you need to navigate the potential legal complexities of a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
How safe are automatic doors?
In Tampa, automatic doors are commonly found in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, hotels, hospitals, grocery stores, amusement parks, and office buildings. These doors are designed to enhance convenience and accessibility, especially in public spaces with frequent foot traffic.
Because automatic doors are equipped with sensors and safety features to prevent accidents, they’re generally considered safe. However, in busy locations like Tampa International Airport or large retail stores, where thousands of people pass through daily, even a small issue with an automatic door can lead to significant injuries.
These risks are particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with disabilities, who may struggle to react quickly if a door malfunctions.
So, while proper installation, maintenance, and use can prevent most automatic door accidents, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and exercise caution when interacting with these doors, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.
How do automatic doors malfunction?
Automatic door malfunctions can stem from a number of causes, including:
- Sensor failure. Automatic doors rely on motion or presence sensors to detect people approaching. If the sensors are blocked, dirty, or misaligned, the doors may fail to open or close at the right time, causing accidents.
- Mechanical wear and tear. Over time, components like hinges, rollers, or belts can wear out or become misaligned, causing the door to jam, close too quickly, or not close properly.
- Power supply issues. Fluctuations, outages, or wiring problems can cause doors to stop functioning or behave unpredictably, posing a risk to anyone nearby.
- Improper installation. If the doors are not installed correctly, they may not function as intended, leading to operational failures like misaligned doors or inconsistent opening and closing.
- User error. Approaching the door too quickly, standing too close, or tampering with the door’s controls can cause the sensors to misread movements, leading to malfunctions.
- Software glitches. In more advanced doors, software issues or outdated programming can cause erratic door behavior, such as opening and closing repeatedly or failing to respond to movement.
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What injuries commonly result from an automatic door accident?
From automatic sliding doors to revolving doors to handicap-accessible doors, injuries from automatic doors can happen to anyone anywhere. The most common injuries include:
- Crushing injuries. If the door closes too quickly or fails to detect someone in the doorway, it can trap and crush body parts and lead to broken bones (especially in the hands and fingers), internal bleeding, and even amputations.
- Fractures or broken bones. A sudden impact from a closing door can cause fractures, particularly if the door hits a person’s hand, arm, or leg with significant force.
- Back and spinal injuries. Falls or impacts from malfunctioning doors can cause significant back injuries, including spinal cord damage that may result in chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Head injuries. If a door closes unexpectedly or erratically, it can hit someone in the head or cause them to fall and bang their head against the floor, leading to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash. A sudden impact or quick jerking motion from being struck by or trying to avoid a malfunctioning door can lead to whiplash, affecting the neck and upper back.
Please note that immediate medical care is essential for both your health and the success of any future lawsuit. Proper documentation of your injuries provides crucial evidence that directly links the accident to your injuries, which is vital when seeking compensation for damages.
Can I file a personal injury claim for an automatic door injury?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim in Florida for an injury caused by a malfunctioning automatic door. To do so, you’ll need to demonstrate that the injury was a result of negligence and that another party was responsible for the malfunction that led to your injury.
Here’s what you generally need to prove in a personal injury claim:
- Duty of care. The responsible party had a legal obligation to ensure the safety of people using the automatic door.
- Breach of duty. The responsible party failed to uphold this duty, whether through poor maintenance, installation errors, or neglecting to repair the door.
- Causation. The breach of duty directly caused the automatic door to malfunction and resulted in your injury.
- Damages. You suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the injury.
If you believe your injury was caused by negligence, you can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in premises liability or product liability can help you navigate the legal process.
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Who might be responsible if an automatic door causes injuries?
There are multiple parties that could be accountable for an injury from an automatic door, depending on the circumstances of the incident. They include:
- Property owners or businesses. Owners must ensure their premises, including automatic doors, are safe for public use. Failure to inspect or repair a malfunctioning door may be considered negligent.
- Maintenance companies. If a third party was hired to inspect or maintain the doors but failed to do so adequately, they may bear responsibility for any injuries resulting from the door’s failure.
- Door manufacturers. When a door malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing flaw, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws, particularly if the defect caused the injury.
- Installation companies. If the automatic door was improperly installed, the installer could be held liable if the faulty installation contributed to the injury.
In each of these scenarios, determining liability requires examining the specifics of how the door was installed, maintained, and operated, as well as whether the responsible party failed to meet their duty of care. Because investigating the case and determining liability can be a complicated process, it’s highly recommended that you work with an experienced Tampa premises liability attorney to increase your chance of success.
Woman awarded $20.3 million after an automatic door injury on cruise ship
In 2008, Royal Caribbean International employee Lisa Spearman suffered a severe hand injury when an automatic door malfunctioned during a safety drill on board the Voyager of the Seas. Despite attempts to prevent it, the door crushed Spearman’s hand multiple times, causing broken fingers, nerve damage, and long-term pain.
After later being discharged for being unable to perform her job duties because of the injury, Spearman filed a lawsuit. The jury ultimately found Royal Caribbean negligent in its training and handling of the incident, awarding Spearman $20.3 million in damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and her inability to work.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally 2 years from the date of the injury. This means you typically have 2 years after an automatic door accident to take legal action or you give up your right to pursue compensation.
Reach out to Lorenzo & Lorenzo for help with your Florida personal injury claim
At Lorenzo & Lorenzo, our skilled Tampa personal injury attorneys understand how overwhelming and frustrating an injury caused by a malfunctioning automatic door can be. If you’ve suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, we’ll take swift action to thoroughly investigate your case, identify who may be liable, and gather critical evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Our dedicated team will handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to proving negligence, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
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