Most people do not consider a parking lot a dangerous place. However, it is actually a common place for accidents to occur. This may be the case if the grounds are not maintained and safe. Property owners are obligated to care for these premises in order to ensure their safety for others. If they fail to do so, they can become hazardous and cause dangerous accidents that lead to significant injuries.
Causes of Accidents
There are several different ways that a person could become injured as a result of poor parking lot conditions. This can include but is not limited to:
- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, standing water, etc.)
- Potholes, uneven surfaces, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate security
Liability
In the state of Pennsylvania, all property owners have a legal obligation to take care of their premises. This can include taking care of any snow or ice, dangerous spills, loose debris, inadequate lighting, and any other hazards. This must be done within a reasonable period of time so that people do not become harmed as a result. If the property owner fails to do so and an injury happens, they may be held liable.
Proving Negligence
Often times, a person wants to hold a property owner responsible for causing their injuries. This can be accomplished with a personal injury lawsuit in which the injured party must prove negligence. This can be done by satisfying the burden of proof. To do this, the individual must provide evidence that shows the property owner knew, or should have reasonably known, about the hazard that injured them and failed to fix it. Evidence that can be beneficial can include medical documentation, security footage of the parking lot during the time of the accident, pictures of the property, and witnesses to the incident.
Sometimes after an accident, victims may hesitate when deciding to pursue legal action. While this is understandable, it is important to not wait too long to do so, as there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline that must be met to file a claim, otherwise, the injured party may lose their opportunity to do so. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury accidents is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
