Slip and Fall Risks in Effingham County Parking Lots
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere at any time if the individual responsible for maintaining the property fails to take reasonable steps to care for the property and prevent safety hazards. One of the most common places that slip and fall accidents can occur in Georgia is parking lots, where slippery conditions and tripping hazards can cause pedestrians to suffer injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones and serious head injuries.
Parking lots can present several slip and fall hazards, particularly if the property owner neglects this area of the property or fails to address hazards that have been brought to their attention. The following are examples of safety hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents in parking lots:
- Snow and Ice: The owner or manager of the property is responsible for clearing snow and ice that can create dangerous, slippery conditions. Failure to do so can cause people to slip and fall on their way to or from their vehicles.
- Wheel Stops: These are the long concrete barriers at the end of parking spaces. While they prevent vehicles from rolling too far forward into a parking spot, they can pose a safety hazard when the spot is empty. For example, if the concrete starts to crumble, it can become a tripping hazard. In addition, if the parking lot is poorly lit, pedestrians can trip over the wheel stop, particularly if it is not painted a bright color.
- Potholes: Just as potholes on streets can cause car accidents, potholes in parking lots can cause slip and fall accidents. If a pedestrian is walking to their vehicle and there is a pothole that is filled with water, this can cause a slip and fall accident, particularly if the pothole is large and deep.
- Cracked Walkways: If the sidewalk or walkways approaching the parking lot have deep cracks, missing chunks of concrete, or uneven areas, this can create a tripping hazard.
- Poor Lighting: Whether the parking lot is a multilevel parking garage or an outdoor lot behind a building, there should be sufficient lighting for pedestrians to see where they are going, particularly at night. If a parking lot is poorly lit or lacks functioning lights, it creates a serious safety hazard for pedestrians.
How Can I Prove That the Property Owner Was Negligent?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a parking lot and intend to file a personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the property owner was negligent. The following are the four elements of negligence that you will need to establish:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care, meaning they had a responsibility to ensure that the parking lot environment was safe and free of hazards that could increase the risk of a slip and fall accident.
- The property owner breached the duty of care by failing to maintain the property or make any necessary repairs. For example, if the property owner failed to take steps to fill a large pothole that caused the slip and fall accident, this is a breach of duty.
- The breach of the duty of care was directly responsible for your injuries.
- You suffered financial damages as a result of your injuries.
To prove the above elements of negligence, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced slip and fall lawyer who will protect your legal rights and help you collect the evidence necessary to prove negligence, including the following:
- Photos of the slip and fall hazard that caused your injuries
- Photos of your injuries
- Security camera or dash-cam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness statements
- Copies of your medical records
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Effingham County?
If you intend to file a personal injury claim after suffering an injury in a slip and fall accident, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident. If your claim is filed after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. Your slip and fall lawyers will assist you with every step of the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the deadline.
Effingham County Slip and Fall Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Clients Injured in Parking Lot Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident in a parking lot, it is highly recommended that you contact the Effingham County slip and fall lawyers at Kicklighter Law at your earliest convenience. Our skilled legal team will help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout the state.