Slip And Fall Accidents In Parking Lots
Slip and fall accidents can occur just about anywhere, but certain areas are notorious for being particularly dangerous. Parking lots, for instance, often fall under this category, especially during the winter months, when they are often wet or even icy. Unfortunately, many of the accidents that occur in parking lots could have been avoided if the company that owned it failed to properly maintain it. It is, however, possible to hold these negligent property owners liable for their failure to protect visitors.
Causes of Parking Lot Slip and Fall Accidents
When people think about parking lot accidents, they often imagine collisions between pedestrians and motorists. While these kinds of accidents occur, they are by no means the only ones. Many accidents, for instance, involve only a single person falling in the parking lot because of:
- Ice on the asphalt;
- Uneven surfaces and cracks in the asphalt;
- Crumbling or uneven curbs;
- Potholes and other defects;
- Oil spills or other slick substances; or
- Excessive water from a leak or rainfall.
The owners of private and public parking lots, whether they are used only as parking structures or as part of a retail establishment, are required to keep their premises safe and hazard-free for visitors. Those who fail to do so could be held liable for resulting accidents.
Property Owner Responsibilities
The owner of or property manager for a parking lot must take a variety of precautionary measures to keep those premises safe for the use of visitors. This includes:
- Conducting regular inspections for signs of wear and tear, such as potholes;
- Posting warnings about hazards, like uneven pavement or potholes while waiting for repairs;
- Repairing defects in the asphalt when identified;
- Ensuring that the parking lot is constructed in such a way that water can drain properly;
- Painting the curbs and parking spot lines regularly;
- De-icing the lot if necessary during cold snaps;
- Cleaning up any leaking oil or other spills; and
- Keeping the area clean of trash, debris, and shopping carts, all of which can prove to be tripping hazards for guests.
Property owners who fail to fulfill these responsibilities can be held liable if a patron falls and hurts him or herself in the parking lot. Recoverable damages include reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as compensation for property damage and pain and suffering.
Contact Boone & Davis Today
Slip and fall injuries, especially those that occur in parking lots, can result in painful and debilitating injuries. If you were recently injured in such a fall, don’t wait to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer about your legal options. Generally, the longer you wait, the more difficulty you will face when collecting evidence and proving your claim. Your lawsuit could even be dismissed if you miss the statute of limitations. To learn more about the ins and outs of navigating premises liability claims in Florida, call 954-566-9919 and speak with the Florida slip and fall lawyers at Boone & Davis today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.0755.html
forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/slip-and-fall-lawsuit/
