Free Consultation
Hablamos Espanol (303) 393-6666 Free Consultation

Recent Results

2019 - $1,325,000

Settlement in Pedestrian Versus Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2019 - $625,000

Settlement in Van Accident.

2019

Jury Verdict for Plaintiff Against the City of Denver in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2019

Jury verdict for Plaintiff in motor vehicle accident case.

2018 - $715,000

Settlement in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

2018

Represented Widow of Shooting Victim at the 2016 Colorado Motorcycle Expo.

2017 - $1,600,000

Settlement in Tractor Trailer Accident Case.

2017

Jury Verdict for Plaintiff at Trial in Motor Vehicle Accident Case.

Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is dedicated to helping you protect your rights in your personal injury case.

With over 30 years of experience, and over $100 Million recovered, we have a record of winning cases for our clients. We will fight the insurance company to ensure that you receive the damages you deserve.

If you or someone you love has suffered because of the negligence of another, call us at (303) 393-6666, or fill out the form to receive a free case evaluation. Someone from our office will contact you within 24 hours to start helping you with your case.

Elevator/Escalator Accidents

Many of us use elevators and escalators on a daily basis without considering the risk involved. An elevator is a box pulled up and dropped down in an empty space from one floor to another. An escalator is a motor-driven chain moving in a continuous loop that people stand on as it moves in one direction or another. While most of the time, elevators and escalators will work just fine, the nature of these machines can create much harm when they malfunction.

Elevators and Escalators Are Government-Regulated

The state of Colorado requires all elevators and escalators to be up to state codes.[1] Building owners must register escalators and elevators with the Department of Oil and Public Safety and allow annual inspections.[2]  Some may have to be taken out of use if the problem makes it too risky to rude until repaired.

Elevator Accidents

Elevators have a range of possible malfunctions, from inconvenient to deadly. Elevators can be stuck, leaving riders to overheat or dehydrate. Elevators can also fall or stop abruptly, causing injuries, and in rare cases, death.

However, passengers are more likely to be stuck in or hurt by the elevator doors. Elevator doors are designed to keep doors from closing on passengers, but these sensors can fail. Elevators can also mis-level, meaning that the elevator does not come level to the opening to the floor. When this happens, passengers may trip or fall trying to exit the elevator.

Escalator Accidents

Escalators can malfunction, leaving riders hurt. In 2003, 32 people were injured when a 3-story escalator abruptly stopped, throwing riders off balance.[3] It’s not uncommon for escalators to suddenly go in reverse direction, either, leaving riders who were heading up suddenly heading down and into a pile of people.

Escalators can also cause injury when clothing and shoes become stuck between the floor and the escalator chain. Soft shoes, like rubber clogs and flip-flops are commonly stuck, as are untied shoelaces, scarfs, or long skirts.

What to Do If Injured by an Elevator or Escalator

The first thing someone injured by an elevator or escalator should do is seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest right way but are still very serious. Those who fall could sustain head injuries or hairline fractures in their bones that will only worsen without medical attention.

The second thing the injured person should do is retain a personal injury lawyer. The injured may be able to recover for their injuries. They will also benefit from having their own legal counsel who is only concerned with their needs.

The owner of the property where the elevator or escalator is or their insurance company may contact the injured person. The owner may want to attempt to settle out of court for far less than the cost of the injuries. While the representatives at the owner’s insurance company or the owner’s own lawyers may be very nice, they’re specifically trying to avoid paying the injured person as much as they can avoid paying. The injured person’s own lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company and the other side’s lawyers. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator or escalator accident, please contact the attorneys at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. for your free consultation, 303-393-6666. 

[1] 7 CCR §1101-8.

[2] https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/ops/Conveyances.

[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/out-of-control-escalator-injures-32/.

Request Free Consultation

Schedule a FREE, no-obligation case review to receive professional legal advice.





    You Must Provide Relevant Case Details to Be Contacted


    Testimonials

    “I had an excellent experience at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C.. I was in an auto accident and had severe injuries. Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. helped me get the medical treatment I needed, as well as a wonderful settlement with the insurance company. Everyone at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. was very caring and understanding of my situation, and especially supportive when my husband passed away during the case. Attorney Charlie Crichton was particularly wonderful and I would give him and the Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. firm 5+ stars.”

    Grace Collier - Former Client

    “After I was injured in a serious auto accident, I was in a lot of pain and didn’t know what to do. Having been involved in her own accident several years earlier and hired Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. to help her, my girlfriend told me I needed to speak with attorney Jennifer Crichton. I’m so glad I did. I had a great experience with Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. and Jenny was there by my side all the way. Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is definitely a 5 star law firm. I certainly got my money’s worth by going to Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C..”

    Joel Fisher - Former Client

    Success Stories

    The Client Nobody Wanted

    Her name was “Amy” (not her real name) and she was 13 years old. The problem was her step-grandfather had been having sex with her from the time she was 9 until she was 11, when he was finally caught. The step-grandfather admitted to the investigating detective most of what he did, aside from...

    read about this case

    The Baby That Needed Help

    The baby would be turning two years old in a couple of days. Little Pablo (not his real name) could not see, or talk, or even crawl let alone walk. Leave him alone to sit and he would more likely than not tip over. He could not eat without choking so they fed him a liquid formula through a tube that...

    read about this case

    The K, K, & C Difference

    • Over 35 Years in Business

      For over 35 years, Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. has been dedicated to helping personal injury victims, which means we have a proven track record of success.

    • We Only Represent Personal Injury Victims

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. only represents injured victims, never insurance companies or corporations. For over 35 years, we have been wholly devoted to helping individuals.

    • Trial Experience

      In 1982, Steve Kaufman had the honor of trying the first Toxic Shock Syndrome case to go to trial in the country against Procter & Gamble and its Rely tampon, obtaining a verdict in favor of a teenage girl who had almost died. Since then, Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. has taken on corporations and insurance companies in courtrooms throughout Colorado as well as the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. All told, the attorneys at Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. have tried numerous cases to verdict.

    • We Only Get Paid if You Get Paid

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. handles all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you get paid. We will never ask you for a retainer and you never have to worry about us sending you a bill for our time. You can rest assured knowing that we will do everything to obtain fair compensation since we only get paid when you do.

    • Committed to Our Clients

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. is totally devoted to its client. We get back to all clients within 24 hours and our attorneys can even be available by cell phone on nights and weekends when necessary. If you ever want to know what's going on with your case, feel free to just give us a call, send us an email, or text us. We are always available for our clients.

    • We Handle It All

      Kidneigh, Kaufman & Crichton, P.C. handles all aspects of your personal injury claim. If you are in a car accident, we can help you with your property damage and medical payments coverage at no additional charge to you. Not only will we negotiate a settlement, but we will also help you with your medical bills and health insurance as part of our representation of you.

    Request a Free Consultation

    Contact Us Today
    Firm Overview

    What to Expect for Your Case

    You Are Involved in an Accident

    You are stopped at a red light, waiting for the light to change and you get rear-ended.

    You are walking toward the deli counter at the grocery store, and you slip and fall in the beverage aisle.

    Your insurance company denies your claim for the hail damage from the storm in your neighborhood.

    What do you do when an accident happens? First, check to see if you are injured. If you are injured, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. You also want to be sure to document everything. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, then be sure to take photos, obtain the other driver’s insurance information, and contact the police. If you slip and fall at a grocery store, make sure you complete an incident report, obtain witness information, and take photos. If you have a dispute with your insurance company, make sure you document all of your correspondence and communication.

    Contact An Attorney

    Be sure to contact an attorney about your accident as soon as possible following your accident.

    An attorney can help guide you through the process of making a claim with an insurance company, which is an unfamiliar process for most people. An attorney can makes sure that the correct parties and entities are notified and that your accident and injuries are well documented. Not only can an attorney help you with this process, but hiring an attorney gives you the peace of mind knowing that things are being done the right way.

    Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

    Does it make sense to accept a settlement or file a lawsuit?

    You have completed your medical treatment and your attorney has submitted a demand to the insurance company. At this time, the insurance company may be willing to make a settlement offer to resolve the case. Your attorney will help you decide whether to accept a settlement or proceed with a lawsuit against the opposing party.

    Litigation

    You filed a lawsuit against the opposing party so what happens now?

    When you file a lawsuit against another party, then the litigation process begins. The insurance company will likely hire a well-qualified attorney to represent its Defendant and the case will be assigned to a judge and courtroom. Attorneys will send written discovery, obtain documents, and take depositions. The attorneys are doing everything they can to prepare the case for trial and to find out more about the other side’s case. The parties may still try to resolve the case either informally or with a mediator.

    Trial

    What happens in a trial?

    The parties are unable to resolve the case so they go to trial. The attorneys and the judge pick a jury to decide the case. Then each attorney makes an opening statement. Next, the injured party’s attorney presents his case, which usually includes testimony from the injured party, any witnesses, medical providers, and hired experts. Then the Defendant’s attorney has the opportunity to present his case and call his own witnesses and present his own evidence. After jury instructions, each side makes a closing argument, trying to convince the jury to find for their side. Finally, the jury must agree on a verdict.

    • 1You Are Involved in an Accident

      You Are Involved in an Accident

      You are stopped at a red light, waiting for the light to change and you get rear-ended.

      You are walking toward the deli counter at the grocery store, and you slip and fall in the beverage aisle.

      Your insurance company denies your claim for the hail damage from the storm in your neighborhood.

      What do you do when an accident happens? First, check to see if you are injured. If you are injured, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. You also want to be sure to document everything. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, then be sure to take photos, obtain the other driver’s insurance information, and contact the police. If you slip and fall at a grocery store, make sure you complete an incident report, obtain witness information, and take photos. If you have a dispute with your insurance company, make sure you document all of your correspondence and communication.

    • 2Contact An Attorney

      Contact An Attorney

      Be sure to contact an attorney about your accident as soon as possible following your accident.

      An attorney can help guide you through the process of making a claim with an insurance company, which is an unfamiliar process for most people. An attorney can makes sure that the correct parties and entities are notified and that your accident and injuries are well documented. Not only can an attorney help you with this process, but hiring an attorney gives you the peace of mind knowing that things are being done the right way.

    • 3Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

      Accept a Settlement or Proceed to Litigation

      Does it make sense to accept a settlement or file a lawsuit?

      You have completed your medical treatment and your attorney has submitted a demand to the insurance company. At this time, the insurance company may be willing to make a settlement offer to resolve the case. Your attorney will help you decide whether to accept a settlement or proceed with a lawsuit against the opposing party.

    • 4Litigation

      Litigation

      You filed a lawsuit against the opposing party so what happens now?

      When you file a lawsuit against another party, then the litigation process begins. The insurance company will likely hire a well-qualified attorney to represent its Defendant and the case will be assigned to a judge and courtroom. Attorneys will send written discovery, obtain documents, and take depositions. The attorneys are doing everything they can to prepare the case for trial and to find out more about the other side’s case. The parties may still try to resolve the case either informally or with a mediator.

    • 5Trial

      Trial

      What happens in a trial?

      The parties are unable to resolve the case so they go to trial. The attorneys and the judge pick a jury to decide the case. Then each attorney makes an opening statement. Next, the injured party’s attorney presents his case, which usually includes testimony from the injured party, any witnesses, medical providers, and hired experts. Then the Defendant’s attorney has the opportunity to present his case and call his own witnesses and present his own evidence. After jury instructions, each side makes a closing argument, trying to convince the jury to find for their side. Finally, the jury must agree on a verdict.