New York, US:An elderly woman from Queens has filed a lawsuit against Trump Tower, claiming she suffered life-altering injuries after taking a ride on the building’s famous golden escalator earlier this year. The lawsuit, lodged in Manhattan Supreme Court this week, alleges that inadequate safety measures and poor maintenance led to a dangerous incident on one of the most recognizable fixtures inside the luxury skyscraper.
According to court documents, the 78-year-old plaintiff, identified as Margaret Thompson, visited Trump Tower in mid-April as part of a sightseeing trip with friends. While descending the golden escalator—an attraction known globally since President Donald Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign launch—Thompson reportedly lost her balance and fell, resulting in multiple fractures and long-term mobility issues.
The Accident and Alleged Negligence
Thompson claims the escalator’s chrome handrails were unusually slippery, and that the steps moved with an abrupt jolt, causing her to lose her footing. Her attorney stated that no staff members were nearby to assist or warn visitors about potential hazards, despite the high foot traffic in the building’s main atrium. The suit further alleges that the escalator lacked proper signage alerting visitors to “watch their step” or use extra caution.
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“The plaintiff sustained permanent injuries that have severely impacted her quality of life,” her attorney said in a statement. “Trump Tower has a duty to maintain a safe environment for its visitors, and that responsibility was clearly breached.”
The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress.
Medical Fallout and Emotional Impact
Following the fall, Thompson was hospitalized for several weeks at a Manhattan medical center. Doctors diagnosed her with a fractured hip, two broken ribs, and a torn ligament in her arm. Her family says she now requires the assistance of a walker and has been unable to resume many of her daily activities.
“She just wanted to see the place everyone talks about,” her daughter told reporters. “We never imagined a simple escalator ride would change her life like this.”
Friends of Thompson say the once active grandmother has struggled with depression since the incident, describing her as “heartbroken by the loss of her independence.”
Trump Organization Responds
The Trump Organization, which manages the property, has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson said the building’s safety standards “meet or exceed all city requirements” and that maintenance records show the escalator was inspected only weeks before the incident.
“Trump Tower remains one of the most well-maintained and secure commercial properties in New York,” the statement added. “We have not been served with any formal complaint but will vigorously defend any unfounded claims.”
The company’s legal team is expected to file a formal response within the coming weeks.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts say the case could hinge on proving that the building’s management either knew or should have known about a defect or maintenance issue related to the escalator. Under New York law, property owners can be held liable if visitors are injured due to unsafe conditions that weren’t properly addressed.
“If the escalator was functioning normally and there’s no evidence of negligence, the plaintiff’s case may face significant hurdles,” said legal analyst Rachel Meyer. “However, if surveillance video or inspection records suggest the escalator wasn’t operating properly, that could strengthen her claim.”
Past lawsuits involving injuries on escalators in high-traffic public venues have resulted in payouts ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the incident.
Iconic Escalator with Controversial Fame
Trump Tower’s golden escalator holds a unique place in American pop culture and political history. The shimmering fixture became world-famous in 2015 when then-businessman Donald Trump descended it to announce his first presidential campaign. Since then, it has remained a key attraction for visitors and supporters alike.
Security around the escalator has been tightened since President Trump’s 2024 reelection, as the building continues to draw tourists, political enthusiasts, and media crews. Building staff often remind visitors to move carefully due to heavy filming and photography inside the atrium.
Despite its gleaming appearance, some tourists have previously commented online about feeling uneasy descending the long escalator because of its height and reflective gold finish, which can cause visual disorientation.
What Comes Next
The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month. If allowed to proceed, attorneys could request footage from Trump Tower’s extensive security system to verify Thompson’s account of the accident. Medical experts are also expected to testify about the extent of her injuries and long-term prognosis.
Thompson’s legal team insists the lawsuit is not politically motivated. “This is about accountability and safety,” her lawyer said. “No one should get hurt in a landmark building that welcomes thousands of people every year.”
For now, the 78-year-old says she hopes to raise awareness about public safety standards in busy tourist destinations. “I just want others to be careful,” she reportedly told relatives. “Gold should shine safely not leave scars.”
Broader Implications
This lawsuit comes as New York City faces ongoing scrutiny over accessibility and safety in its older commercial buildings. City officials have emphasized increased oversight of elevators, escalators, and public entryways amid rising incidents of falls and mechanical malfunctions.
Consumer safety advocates view the case as a reminder of the importance of routine inspections, especially in high-profile venues. “When a place becomes a landmark, its visitor responsibility also increases,” said one safety inspector. “People come for the experience, but safety must always be part of that experience.”
Though it remains to be seen how the court will rule, this lawsuit has already sparked conversation about how far property owners must go to ensure both luxury and safety coexist within iconic urban spaces.
Conclusion
As the case unfolds, public attention remains sharply focused on the golden escalator that has symbolized both fame and spectacle. Whether the court sides with the elderly plaintiff or the Trump Organization, the outcome is likely to set a precedent for future injury claims in landmark buildings across New York.
For Margaret Thompson, however, the fight is deeply personal a battle to reclaim dignity after an ordinary moment turned unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
