Inadequate lighting in a corridor, stairwell or parking lot or other area is a common reason for someone to be injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in New York City. Inadequate lighting accidents occur all too frequently.
Property owners have the responsibility to provide a safe environment for anyone who enters their premises. They are obligated to inspect their property with frequency for any unsafe conditions and to repair these conditions. If a hazardous condition causes someone to slip and fall, he or she may be able to sue the property owner for damages.
This includes situations in which poor lighting or a lack of lighting contributed to the fall. Neglecting this hazard may make a property owner liable for the accident victim’s injuries.
If you have been hurt in a fall caused by inadequate lighting on someone else’s property in New York City, contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C., for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to learn how we can help you.
Proper Lighting Prevents Slip and Fall Accidents
It stands to reason that when you cannot see where you are walking, you have a better chance of stumbling, tripping or falling. Insufficient light can make it difficult to see obstacles or to notice changes in the walking surface. Moving between light and dark areas can cause temporary vision problems that may result in tripping and falling.
Inadequate Lighting Accidents
Consider the following scenarios where inadequate lighting or a poorly lit area could lead to a fall accident:
- A poorly lit stairway causes a victim to miss the first step and fall down the stairs.
- Inadequate lighting in a parking lot causes a victim to trip over a concrete barrier.
- Poor lighting in a bathroom causes a restaurant patron to stumble over the threshold.
- A burnt-out bulb outside a store makes it impossible for customers to see ice by the doorway.
- Failure to maintain backup generators leaves patrons of a mall to find their way in the dark during a power outage.
- Inadequate or burnt-out lighting at a hotel leads to a guest stumbling over luggage or a room service tray left in a hallway.
Liability for Falls Caused by Inadequate Lighting
There are some basic elements to slip and fall accident claims, including those caused by poor lighting.
First, your accident must have taken place while you were on the property of another person, including a private homeowner, or entity – a business, local government, school, civic organization, etc. If you were injured on your own property, then your medical or homeowner’s policy may provide coverage, but you probably do not have a premises liability case.
Second, a property owner in New York may be liable for injuries suffered by someone while on the property if the property owner’s negligent conduct caused the injuries. A renter or other party in control of a property may also be liable under certain circumstances.
Negligence is determined by looking at the duty of care owed by the property owner to the victim. The law sets a standard of reasonableness that the property owner must meet when trying to prevent harm from befalling a victim. If the owner or renter failed to meet that level of care, then he or she may be liable for any injuries a victim sustains in an accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney can properly evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident to determine whether your injuries were caused by the negligent conduct of a property owner, renter or other party.
At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., we believe that installing and maintaining proper lighting, including replacing burnt-out bulbs in a timely manner, is a reasonable duty of care for most property owners. This is particularly true of businesses, which invite people to their properties.
Ask an NYC Attorney about Falls Caused by Bad Lighting
The lawyers at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., understand how inadequate lighting can cause falls that lead to devastating injuries. Injuries from falls can result in a tremendous financial burden for victims and their families. Not only can victims face medical costs and lost wages, but future earnings may also be in jeopardy.
Our lawyers evaluate slip and fall accident claims involving poorly lit areas in the New York City metro area, and we have a record of positive results for our clients. Call our firm today or use our online contact form to set up a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.