Injuries Caused by Faulty Automatic Doors

‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims for Compensation

Automatic doors are a part of our daily lives and injuries caused by faulty automatic doors can range from mild bruises to severe fractures. This type of door is typically found at shopping centres, hotels and offices.

They are efficient at controlling pedestrian traffic at entry points. But if they malfunction, they can suddenly close, close with force or fail to detect someone passing through it.

If the injury was caused due to negligence by a responsible party, you may be able to claim for personal injury compensation and Jefferies Claims may be able to assist.

Types of Injuries Caused by Faulty Automatic Doors

Injuries caused by defective automatic doors vary depending on the nature of the fault and the force of impact. Common injuries may include:

Bruises and Soft Tissue Injuries

If a door closes unexpectedly or moves with excessive force, it can result in bruising, sprains, or minor muscle injuries.

Fractures and Broken Bones

If your hand, arm, or foot is trapped in a faulty automatic door, it can lead to broken bones. However, severe impacts can also cause fractures to your face, ribs, or limbs.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Individuals who are struck by a malfunctioning automatic door, especially in the head, can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries, which may have long-term health implications.

Crushing Injuries

If you get caught between the doors due to a failure in the safety mechanism, you can suffer serious crushing injuries, affecting your limbs, chest, or even the entire body.

Lacerations and Cuts

Broken glass from defective automatic doors can cause deep cuts and lacerations, requiring medical treatment and stitches.

Common Faults in Automatic Doors

Automatic doors rely on sensors, motors and automated control systems to function properly. When any of these components fail, the doors may become hazardous. Types of faults to watch for may include:

Sensor Malfunction

Automatic doors are equipped with motion sensors or pressure sensors that detect movement or weight. A malfunctioning sensor may fail to detect a person approaching or standing in the doorway. This can potentially catch the person in the way leading to injury.

Obstruction Detection Failure

Some automatic doors have safety mechanisms that prevent them from closing when an obstruction is detected. If these systems fail, the doors may close with excessive force, trapping a person’s body part and causing severe injuries.

Mechanical Failures

Wear and tear, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects can lead to mechanical failures. This may cause the doors to move erratically or not stop when they should. This may lead to people being hit, trapped, or knocked over by the doors.

Excessive Closing Force

Automatic doors are designed to operate with a controlled amount of force. If the settings are incorrect or the mechanisms malfunction, the door may close with too much force, leading to crushing injuries.

Power Failures and Electrical Issues

Electrical malfunctions, such as short circuits or power surges, can cause doors to stop working mid-operation or move unpredictably. It may not open or close, or move to quickly, which can pose hazardous to users.

Improper Installation or Maintenance

Frequent servicing is essential to ensure that the sensors, motors, and safety mechanisms are functioning correctly. Faulty installation or a lack of regular maintenance can lead to various operational failures, increasing the risk of injury.

Your Steps To Claiming For An Injury

If you have been injured due to a faulty automatic door, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. However, you will have to establish that the injury was caused due to negligence by a responsible party. This may be a business owner, property manager, or maintenance company.

Your first priority would be to seek medical attention if you have been injured. You will need to report the incident to the owner or manager an ensure it is logged. When gathering evidence, take photographs of the faulty door and your injuries. If there were any witnesses, try and get contact details for them.

At Jefferies Claims, we only work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our friendly team.