Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by tanya

 

Injuries From Faulty Automatic Doors

 

Are Ankles, Feet and Hands At Risk?

 

There is a risk of injuries from faulty automatic doors as they are so widely used. When they malfunction, they can pose a serious hazard to users, particularly injuries to hands, ankles and feet.

They are generally found in shopping centres, office buildings, hospitals. These doors are popular due to accessibility and convenience for users. However, depending on the nature of the malfunction, this may result in injuries from mild bruising to fractures and broken bones.

If you have been injured in this way due to someone else’s negligence, First Person Injury may be able to help. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

How Injuries From Faulty Automatic Doors Occur

 

When automatic doors malfunction, injuries can occur in different ways impacting the feet and hands. These  may include:

Ankle and Foot Injuries

Crushing Injuries: If you are walking through an automatic door and it closes prematurely. In this instance, your foot may get caught between the door panels or under the bottom edge. This can lead to broken toes, fractures, or severe bruising.

Trips and Falls: A door that does not open fully or suddenly stops midway can create an obstruction. You may trip over the edge of the door or fall while trying to step through an opening that unexpectedly narrows.

Impact Trauma: Some automatic doors, especially those with swinging mechanisms, can forcefully strike an individual’s foot or ankle, causing sprains, contusions, or even dislocations.

 

Hand Injuries

Pinching and Crushing: Hands and fingers are particularly vulnerable when doors close unexpectedly. A malfunctioning sensor may fail to detect a person’s hand in the doorway, leading to fingers being crushed between door panels.

Amputations: In extreme cases, high-pressure automatic doors can sever fingers or hands if they close with excessive force.

Fractures and Sprains: A sudden movement of an automatic door can lead to a person instinctively reaching out to stop it, resulting in fractured wrists, sprained fingers, or torn ligaments.

Lacerations and Abrasions: Broken or poorly maintained door edges may have sharp surfaces that can cause deep cuts or abrasions upon impact.

 

Consequences of Injuries

 

The aftermath of these injuries can vary depending on their severity. Although it’s important to note severe fractures or ligament damage may lead to temporary or permanent disability. Additionally, such injuries may cause ongoing pain or nerve damage that may affect your daily life. Also a major injury can lead to work, leisure activities and overall health being negatively impacted.

 

File a ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

If you have sustained an injury due to a faulty automatic door, filing a personal injury claim can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, proving negligence is crucial and you will need to show that the responsible party was negligent. This may include failing to carry out frequent maintenance, failing to repair known defects or by not installing adequate safety features.

Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that the faulty automatic door directly caused your injury. Gather evidence of your medical costs, photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident. You can also show loss of income and any rehabilitation costs.

If you or a loved one has suffered from injuries from faulty automatic doors, it’s important to seek legal advice and understand your rights. First Personal Injury is here to help you navigate the claims process and we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call our friendly team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.