Automatic Gates May Lead to Serious Personal Injury

Automatic entry gate systems are capable of causing a variety of personal injuries and damage to motor vehicles when they are not functioning properly. Generally, these gate systems operate by swinging or sliding either horizontally or vertically. Gate systems are generally controlled manually or by an automatic motor control system. When safely installed and properly functioning, gate systems provide both security and easy access when entering or exiting a property.

Unfortunately, when automatic gate systems are defectively designed, installed or improperly operating, they can pose serious risk of injury to pedestrians and passengers in motor vehicles. Visual indications like damaged or deteriorating hinges or chipped paint may signal the gate system is not being properly maintained. Some possible ways in which gate systems could lead to injury include:

 Improper installation or positioning

Lack of necessary safety features

Incompliance with relevant safety codes

Improper maintenance over time

At minimum, gate systems should generally utilize the following safety precautions. First, applicable standards and regulations often require safety accessories such as photo electric beams, in-ground control loops, infrared and ultrasonic sensors, and auto reverse circuits. Secondly, a reasonably safe automatic gate system ought to include some sort of warning or signage indicating to pedestrians and car passengers the potential risks associated with the system. When an automatic gate system does not include these safety measures and injury results because of the omission, the injured party may have a legal right to recover for his or her damages.

For decades, the experienced attorneys at Swartz & Lynch have provided legal representation to victims of defective products. If you have been injured because of the negligence of another or because of an unreasonably safe product, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.