While there are many types of transportation related accidents, people usually think of motor vehicle collisions when contemplating transportation accidents. However, wheelchair occupants who are disabled also may be injured in transportation accidents. Wheelchair transportation accidents may result from defective or poorly maintained equipment and inattentive loading of handicap passengers. Cases involving personal injuries suffered in wheelchair transportation accidents require specific knowledge of all of the complex rules, regulations, guidelines, architectural standards and codes regarding accessibility as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Uniform Building Code and other relevant laws as well as a thorough understanding of Mississippi personal injury law.
Mississippi wheelchair transportation accidents involve a careful investigation and analysis of the facts. There may be a variety of parties that are at-fault including the following:
- Company that maintains the lift and vehicle
- Manufacturer of the lift or ramp
- Driver of the vehicle
- Parties that assist with the loading and unloading process
- Hospital nurses or others who aid one in getting in and out of wheelchair
Wheelchair accidents are particularly concerning because there is generally little if anything that the person confined to a wheelchair can do to prevent such an accident. Some of the types of wheelchair accidents may include:
- Dropping someone when assisting them in and out of a wheelchair
- Poorly designed wheelchair ramps
- Accidents caused by defective wheelchairs
- Inadequate tie-down of wheelchairs on buses or van
- Lifts that are defective
- Dropping the wheelchair from the lift because of operator distraction
Wheelchair accidents where a wheelchair is not properly tied down are fairly common and extremely dangerous. It frequently is the case that a bus or van transporting a wheelchair bound person must stop suddenly or may be in a collision. If the wheelchair is not properly secured the wheelchair and person in the chair may be thrown against the interior of the vehicle or even be ejected from the vehicle.
While being forced to rely on a wheelchair can be frustrating, it is more upsetting when a failure to adhere to proper safety precautions and procedures results in serious injury. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Mississippi wheelchair transportation accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced Mississippi wheelchair transportation accident attorneys offer a free consultation so that we can evaluate your accident claim and explain your rights and remedies. At the Barrett Law Offices PLLC, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.
