Macy’s Faces Lawsuit After Escalator Accident Injures Young Girl
The family of a young girl whose foot was severely injured after being caught in an escalator is suing Macy’s, according to Frenkel & Frenkel. The heartbreaking incident left the child needing multiple surgeries and has raised serious concerns about escalator safety and maintenance in retail environments.
Escalator Injury Leads to Life-Changing Consequences
The family of 10-year-old Juliana Valdez filed a lawsuit claiming Macy’s failed to properly maintain the escalator that caused her devastating injury. According to the lawsuit, Juliana’s right sneaker became trapped between the escalator steps and the landing mechanism, pulling her foot into the machinery.
The injury was so severe that doctors were forced to amputate two toes, followed by 15 additional surgeries, and Juliana must now relearn how to walk. Her father, Juan Valdez, says the emotional and physical impact continues as his daughter works through recovery.
Witnesses Describe a Horrifying Scene
The incident occurred while Juliana was back-to-school shopping with her family at Garden State Plaza Shopping Center in New Jersey. A bystander quickly pressed the emergency stop button, but freeing her required police, firefighters, rescue crews, and store employees to dismantle part of the escalator.
Claims of Poor Maintenance and Negligence
Court documents state the escalator had structural issues including:
-A gap between steps twice the legal safety limit
-A cracked support mechanism
-Lack of proper inspections and upkeep
-Machinery allegedly dating back to 1958
-Attorneys for the family described the escalator as a “death trap” and a tragedy waiting to happen.
Macy’s Responds After the Lawsuit
Following the accident, Macy’s immediately removed the escalator from service and issued a statement expressing sympathy for the family. The company confirmed an internal investigation was underway but declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Legal Options When Negligence Leads to Injury
When negligence is suspected to be the cause of a serious accident, victims may have the right to pursue compensation for medical care, future treatment, pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe premises, defective machinery, or negligence, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Frenkel & Frenkel for a free consultation to explore your legal options.