Automated Door at Retail Store Severely Injures Child’s Hand

Case Overview

This case involves an automated door at a retail store that severely injured a young child. The plaintiff, a seven-year-old male, was entering a large retail store. The entrance to the retail store had an automated door closer, which was activated by pushing a button. The retail store had installed the door closer because the door was oversized, and, prior to the closer’s installation, would close on employees as they were transporting large items to customers’ vehicles. As the child was entering the store, the door began to close, without the button being pushed. The child’s hand was caught in the door and it fractured 7 bones in his hand, which required three surgeries to repair.

Questions to the Premises Liability expert and their responses

What are the safety procedures put in place for an automatic door closer?

Automatic door closers usually have a timer that closes the door if the button is not pressed after a certain amount of time. Almost all automatic door closers, however, are connected to a laser sensor or a pressure sensor that keeps the door from closing if there is someone in the doorway. Additionally, if said mechanism was in place, it is important to regularly check the mechanism in order to verify it is working properly.

About the expert

This expert earned his BA in Architecture from the University of Florida and his BA in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida. After, he completed an MS in Architecture at the University of Illinois, followed by a PhD in Criminology at Florida State University. He went on to work in the criminology field as a security consultant for several companies including PB1 Hotels LLC, Pinnacle Housing Group, and the Hyatt Hotel Corporation. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at several universities including the University of Miami, Florida International University, and the National Crime Prevention Institute. Previously, he was an Adjunct Professor of Social Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University. Currently, he serves as the President of a security company in Florida, where he provides consultation in fields including crime prevention, security negligence, and risk threat vulnerability assessments. He is also a visiting instructor at a Texas University where he teaches Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).