This book is intended to provide guidance for accident reconstruction and litigation related to devices such as elevators and escalators. The points of view of the attorney, defendant, plaintiff, engineer, manufacturer, building ower or manager, inspector, risk manager, maintainer and even the users are explored. It is intended to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the operation of this type of equipment, the potential dangers, typical accident scenarios and variables, the process of determing the causes of an accident, and successful litigation procedures. It is hoped that this book can help bring some common sense into the investigation and litagation of elevator and escalator accidents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedications
Preface
Chapter 1 - Codes, Regulations and Related Issues
Chapter 2 - Description of the Equipment and Illusstrations
Chapter 3 - Accident Statistics
Chapter 4 - Reasons for and Causes of Accidents
Chapter 5 - Pre-Suit Investigation
Chapter 6 - Legal Theories and the Standard of Care
Chapter 7 - Pleadings
Chapter 8 - Discovery
Chapter 9 - Expert Opinion
Glossaryof Terms Used in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
AppendixSample Expert Report
About the Authors
Index