A 25-year old Houston man was killed last week during a preseason Texans game at Reliant Stadium. Reports indicate he fell five stories, from an escalator within the stadium.
Police are calling the fall an accident and say he was traveling down on the escalator when the accident occurred. He was treated at the scene and transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he later died.
Interestingly, however, Reliant Park officials say the bank of escalators where the accident occurred was closed for inspections when the accident occurred. Obviously, they are said to be investigating their safety procedures to see if anything needs to be changed.
Texans President Jamey Rootes says, however, that changes are unlikely.
”We have our procedures in place, the league has a whole comprehensive set of best practices relative to fan behavior and stadium security,” Rootes said. ”We’ve always been rated at the very highest level … I don’t know that anything changes.”
Currently, security personnel are posted at every single landing of the escalators in the stadium, according to officials. This is to ensure the escalators aren’t overloaded and to help ensure fan safety. It isn’t clear if personnel were posted on these specific escalators, however, since they were closed at the time.
Whether you are attending a game at Reliant Park or are shopping in the mall, you expect that the escalators, elevators, and grounds are in safe condition. You expect that the owners and executives in charge of these facilities will ensure your safety in every situation.
So, when you fall on a broken chair, get trapped in an elevator, or break a bone after slipping on a spill, you have every right to be upset.
While cases such as the Reliant Park escalator death may be rare, they do happen, and even those that end in “just” an injury can have life-long effects.
Houston Personal Injury Attorney
As a Houston personal injury attorney, I represent people who are seriously injured through no fault of their own. The stories of broken bones, concussions, and even wrongful deaths have crossed my desk. When you or a loved one is hurt, you need someone advocating for your best interests in the local courts.
Contact me today to discuss the facts of your case and your legal options. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and for the long term effects of your accident. Call 281-677-3959 today.
