For some people, though, automatic gates can be dangerous, and even deadly. Sometimes, it can be explained by faulty manufacturing. Some accidents happen because gates are not properly maintained or repaired, though. You can find electromechanical and hydraulic gates. Like anything else, they need to be taken care of and eventually replaced.

Who is responsible for automatic gate injuries? The property owner may be quick to take care of it for you. If it’s an aging gate, even on a property that’s rarely visited, some are more likely to work things out. Unfortunately, there’s not a large body of statistics and other data around these mechanisms. Manufacturers are aware of potential flaws. Property owners should also be aware of regular maintenance and the risk to guests if they don’t maintain their gates properly. With no federal standard in place, though, it can be hard to regulate the industry.

Even without statistics and other data, we’ve all heard the horror stories. We’ve heard of everything from people getting trapped to victims being decapitated. Children are often considered a high-risk group as are the elderly. Adults are not immune to injury, though. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 32 deaths have been documented since 1985. That number may seem small. Automatic gates have also been documented as the cause of 25,000 injuries, though. Some would say the numbers don’t reflect the full impact either.

Be Prepared to Argue Your Case against Gate Manufacturers
Some property owners aren’t aware of everything required to maintain a functioning gate. Like anything else, some just don’t spend the time or money to do so. Among gate manufacturers, though, we know there is awareness of the danger. The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association instructs readers never to admit fault. Their magazine suggests others have the responsibility to prove their case. To some degree, this is true, and PI lawyers in Fort Lauderdale review each case with care. Many other industries are constantly conducting research to protect their consumers, though.

This is not to say there’s no research on safety and how to improve the automatic gate industry. Experts have found technologies that ensure safe usage. Many manufacturers just don’t use them because it’s cheaper not to. With no federal regulations to govern them, many prefer to cut costs wherever possible. Current safety guidelines are just that, recommendations that manufacturers can opt to follow. They face no government penalties if they choose not to.

What kinds of flaws have been associated with deaths and serious injuries? More importantly, what can we do to prevent them? Serious design flaws could include things like no entrapment sensors. So the gate doesn’t detect when something (like a small child) is in the way. When an accident does happen, the emergency lever designed to save lives might not work. Industry experts suggest companies are aware of these problems. They should be held accountable to fix them before more tragedies happen.

How Can Personal Injury Attorneys Help You with Automatic Gates?
If you’ve been injured by an automatic gate, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. Attorneys can help you with both injury and wrongful death suits. We review your case just like any other to find the source of the problem. What caused the injury, and what could’ve been done to prevent it? Many clients find it’s a complicated mix of issues. It’s not always as simple as pointing a finger and saying it’s the manufacturer’s fault. Sometimes, the property owner didn’t take the necessary action. Others could’ve contributed to the accident. PI lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have the duty to fully investigate before making any recommendations.

Once we complete our investigation, we can talk to you about your options. If you have a viable case and you’re ready to move forward, we can file the necessary paperwork. The Florida Injury Lawyers can make sure you’re taken care of from start to finish. Just visit our website and schedule a time to discuss your case.