This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
Injuries caused by malfunctioning automatic doors in retail stores happen more often than people expect. Most shoppers trust automatic doors to open smoothly without a second thought. When a malfunctioning door suddenly closes or fails to open, the force can cause serious injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that automatic door accidents cause thousands of injuries each year. At Davidoff Law, we help injured people understand their legal options after these dangerous premises liability incidents.
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Automatic doors are commonly found in grocery stores, shopping malls, office buildings, and other high-traffic areas. These doors rely on sensors, motion detectors, and safety features to protect each person entering or exiting. When those systems fail, automatic door injuries can happen in seconds. Children, older adults, and people using shopping carts face a higher risk. We use our experience as a personal injury law firm to help victims pursue compensation.
How Automatic Door Malfunctions Happen
Automatic door malfunctions often result from negligence. Poor maintenance, improper installation, or faulty design can all cause an automatic door system to fail. Property owners and building owners must keep doors safe for the public. According to the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM), daily safety checks are required to ensure sensors and closing speeds are within safe industry limits.
Many automatic doors depend on motion sensors and presence sensors to detect people. These parts must work together for smooth operation. When one part fails, the door may close forcefully or fail to open at all. Malfunctioning automatic doors often show warning signs before an accident. Our experienced attorneys look for these failures during the evidence-gathering process.
Sensor Failure: Doors Closing Too Quickly or Not Opening
Sensor failure is a common cause of injuries from automatic sliding doors. When motion sensors fail, doors close too fast or never open. A person may get struck, pinned, or knocked down. These unexpected dangers often cause broken bones or nerve damage, frequently leading to a serious injury claim. We gather critical evidence to prove sensor malfunction.
Mechanical Failure: Excessive Force and Pinch Points
Mechanical failure can cause doors to close with excessive force. Worn parts or poor maintenance create pinch points that trap limbs. Revolving doors and sliding doors pose a high risk when parts fail. These accidents often lead to severe injuries and limited mobility. We review maintenance records and installation details.
Common Types of Automatic Door Injuries
Automatic door injuries range from mild to severe. Many victims suffer pain that lasts for months or longer. Automatic sliding doors can strike or crush a person without warning. Medical attention is often needed right away. We help victims document injuries and medical expenses.
Doorways are often crowded with shopping carts and foot traffic. A loved one may also suffer emotional distress after witnessing the accident. In tragic cases where an impact causes a fatal fall or blow, we assist families in filing a wrongful death lawsuit. A loved one may also suffer emotional distress after witnessing the accident. Proper documentation supports a strong personal injury claim. We help injured clients take swift action.
Impact Trauma: Lacerations, Door Injuries, and Broken Bones
Impact trauma happens when a door hits a person. These door injuries can cause lacerations, bruises, and broken bones. Elderly shoppers often suffer hip or wrist fractures. Medical bills and lost wages add stress after the accident. We help victims document fractures and broken bones that occur during these collisions.
Crush Injuries and Entrapment from Automatic Sliding Doors
Crush injuries occur when doors close on a person. Automatic sliding doors may trap arms, legs, or mobility aids. These injuries often cause nerve damage and long-term pain. Recovery may require ongoing medical treatment. We work to prove that someone else’s negligence caused the harm.
Who is Liable for an Automatic Door Accident?
Liability for automatic door accidents can involve multiple parties. The property owner is often responsible under premises liability laws. Building owners must inspect, repair, and maintain doors. Failure to do so can make them liable. We identify all responsible parties.
Other companies may also share fault. Manufacturers, installers, and maintenance providers play key roles. A faulty door design or improper installation can cause injuries. Insurance companies often dispute responsibility. We protect victims through careful investigation.
The Retail Store’s Duty of Care and Negligent Maintenance
Retail stores owe a duty of care to shoppers. They must keep the automatic doors safe and in proper working order. Poor maintenance increases the risk of door malfunctions. Under New York state law, property owners are held to a standard of reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm. Ignoring prior complaints about a sticking door can be used to prove negligence.
Liability of the Door Manufacturer or Installation Company
Manufacturers must design safe automatic door systems. Installation companies must follow safety standards. Improper installation can cause doors to malfunction. Product defects also create danger. We work with experts to prove fault.
At Davidoff Law, we are experienced personal injury lawyers who help injured people recover compensation. We assist with gathering evidence, medical records, and insurance claims. Our team helps victims seek medical attention and protect their rights. We understand how door accidents affect daily life and income. Contact us to learn how we help victims move forward.
The Critical Role of Maintenance Records and Safety Codes
Maintenance records play a key role in preventing injuries from automatic sliding doors. These records show whether the store checked sensors, hinges, and safety systems. In high-traffic areas, doors open and close hundreds of times each day.
Safety codes, such as those established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), require doors to respond immediately to presence sensors. Without proper installation and routine checks, an automatic door can close at the wrong time. We reviewed safety codes to prove when doors should open automatically, but we failed.
Safety codes require doors to respond to motion and presence sensors. When a store ignores these rules, common injuries become more likely. Many cases involve doors that close too fast or do not reopen. These failures often violate industry standards. We use maintenance gaps to show negligence.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Automatic Door Injury
After an automatic door injury, fast action protects your health and your case. Many injuries from automatic sliding doors seem minor at first, but hidden harm like traumatic brain injuries can take time to manifest.
You should focus on safety and proof right away. Stores with high foot traffic often clean scenes fast. Acting early helps preserve facts. Medical records link injuries to the accident. We help injured people avoid costly mistakes.
Here are the immediate steps you should take after an automatic door injury:
- Report the Incident to Store Management and Document EverythingReport the accident to store management right away. Ask for an incident report and note the time. Take photos of the door, sensors, and the surrounding area. If doors open automatically for others but not you, document it. We use this proof later.
- Seek Medical Attention to Diagnose Hidden InjuriesAlways seek medical attention after a door accident. Some injuries worsen without treatment. Medical records prove when the injury happened. They also show the link between the door closing and your pain. We rely on these records.
- Preserve Evidence at the SceneIf possible, record videos or take additional photos of the door’s operation. Note any witnesses and collect their contact information. This evidence is crucial for building a strong case.
- Keep Detailed Records of Your Injuries and ExpensesMaintain a log of symptoms, treatments, medical bills, and any time missed from work. Accurate documentation supports your claim for compensation.
- Avoid Discussing the Incident Excessively with Store Staff or InsurersLimit conversations to necessary reporting. Avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you later.
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury LawyerEarly legal advice helps protect your rights and navigate complex claims. We assist in gathering evidence, communicating with insurers, and pursuing fair compensation.
Building Your Premises Liability Case
A premises liability case shows that the store knew, or should have known, about the danger. Automatic doors must work safely at all times. In high-traffic areas, risk increases. We prove the store failed to act. Evidence makes the difference.
Stores often deny fault and blame the injured person. We focus on facts, not excuses. Door logs, complaints, and repairs matter. Past problems show notice. We build strong cases.
Gathering Evidence: Photos, Videos, and Witness Statements
- Photos and videos show how the door behaved.
- Witnesses confirm what they saw.
- Cameras may show the door closing without warning.
- We collect this evidence fast to support liability.
Obtaining Incident Reports and Maintenance Logs
- Incident reports show what staff knew about the door's condition.
- Maintenance logs reveal skipped checks or delayed repairs.
- These records indicate whether proper installation and upkeep were ignored.
- Missing logs often signal negligence.
- We demand access to these records to build a strong case.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
Compensation depends on how the injury affects your life. Injuries from automatic sliding doors can disrupt work and health. Financial losses matter. Pain also counts. We pursue full recovery.
Damages include both economic and personal harm. Proof supports a higher value. Insurance companies push back. We present clear evidence. Our goal is fair results.
Medical Expenses, Lost Wages, and Future Care Costs
- Medical expenses include ER visits, surgeries, medication, and therapy.
- Lost wages cover time missed from work due to injury and recovery.
- Some injuries require future care, such as ongoing therapy or assistive devices.
- These costs add up quickly and are carefully calculated for compensation.
Compensation for Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
- Pain and suffering reflect the physical limitations the injury causes daily.
- Emotional distress includes anxiety, fear of automatic doors, and trauma.
- These harms are real and impact quality of life.
- We document how life changed after the injury to increase claim value.
Special Considerations for Child Injuries
Child injuries from automatic doors raise unique concerns. Children are smaller and are at greater risk when an automatic door closes. Many of the most common injuries involve head or arm trauma. Medical care may last years as a child grows. We work with doctors to project future needs.
Stores must take extra care where families shop. Doors should open automatically and stay open long enough. Failure puts children in danger. Parents often miss work during recovery. We seek compensation that protects the child’s future.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Automatic Door Accident Claims
Stores and insurers often fight automatic door injury claims. They may claim the doors worked or blame the injured person. These cases involve technical systems and complex records. We know how these defenses work. Legal help protects your rights.
Automatic door cases also move fast. Insurance adjusters often push quick settlements. Delays can weaken evidence and claims. We step in early to control the process. Our role is to protect injured people.
- Investigating the root cause of the malfunction
- We find out why the door failed. This often includes improper installation, worn sensors, or poor maintenance. Experts review timing, force, and safety features to prove fault.
- Negotiating with corporate insurance adjusters
- Insurance companies try to limit payouts. We use records, expert findings, and injury proof to push back. Strong negotiation helps reach fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We often find that sensor failure is the cause, which can make doors close on people or fail to open automatically. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), advanced sensor technology is vital for safety, yet it requires constant calibration.
Yes. We see many cases where an automatic door closes too quickly, violating safety rules and indicating poor maintenance, faulty settings, or improper installation.
Stores often shift blame, but we can review sensor data, video, and service logs to show the doors failed to open automatically and that the incident was not your fault.
In New York, we generally have three years from the accident date to file a claim, but acting sooner helps us secure evidence from high-traffic locations.
We handle child injury cases with care, since stores owe a higher duty of care, and we can seek compensation for medical care, pain, and long-term effects arising from automatic sliding door injuries.
We investigate door systems, maintenance failures, and safety gaps, and we use our experience to hold stores accountable and pursue full compensation for injured clients.
Injured by a Faulty Door? Explore Your Legal Options with Davidoff Law
Automatic door accidents are not random events. When an incident occurs in which doors fail to open or suddenly close, it often indicates a breakdown in safety and care. We believe stores must protect customers, especially in busy spaces with high foot traffic. If you were hurt, you may have strong legal options under premises liability law. Our experienced attorneys here are ready to investigate the door system, review records, and build a clear case.
Contact Davidoff Law today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your automatic door accident and learn how we can help.
Ruben Davidoff, founder of Davidoff Law, established his practice in 2012 after moving to Queens in 1988 and beginning his legal career in 1997. Admitted in NY State and the US District Court for the Eastern District of NY, he has extensive experience in personal injury, handling various cases like airline crashes, auto accidents, and slip/trip and fall cases. Mr. Davidoff provides personalized attention, recovering millions for clients through settlements or verdicts, leveraging decades of experience.
