People do not usually think of parking lots as a dangerous place. However, it is fairly common for accidents to happen in a normal, everyday place, such as these. Property owners have an obligation to care for their premises so that it is safe for those who come onto it. When property owners fail to keep their grounds safe, they can put others at risk of becoming seriously injured. This standard of care is true for parking lots as well. If a parking lot is not inspected regularly and kept in good condition, it can become a dangerous place where accidents happen.
Causes of Accidents
There are many different ways an individual could find themselves injured as the result of being in a parking lot. This typically occurs due to dangerous conditions that are present in the lot. Some conditions may include but are not limited to:
- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, standing water, etc.)
- Potholes, uneven surfaces, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate security
Whenever a person is seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Once these injuries are taken care of, the injured person may want to hold the property owner responsible for their suffering. In the event of this, it is important to file a claim within a reasonable period of time. This is because evidence of the hazardous condition may be covered up if too much time passes. The statute of limitations for a personal injury case in New York allows an injured person 3 years to file a claim before they are no longer legally able to.
Liability
In New York, all property owners are responsible for providing the public with a safe premises. This requires the property owners to keep their grounds in good condition so people do not get hurt. They must handle any hazards such as loose debris, inadequate lighting, snow or ice, dangerous spills, or other conditions within a reasonable period of time. If the property owner fails to do this, they may be held liable for any injuries that happen their parking lot as a result.
Proving Negligence
If an individual wants to hold a property owner responsible for their injuries, they must prove the owner was negligent. To do so, they must satisfy the “burden of proof.” The burden of proof requires the injured person to collect evidence that proves the property owner was negligent. This evidence must show the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazardous conditions that caused the injury. Evidence that may be helpful in court may include medical documentation of the injury, security footage of the parking lot during the accident, pictures of the property, and any witnesses to the incident.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of poor parking lot conditions and seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of Hausman & Pendzick today.
Hausman & Pendzick effectively represents victims of neglect in Westchester County and across the state of New York. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.