Slip and Falls in Parking Lots

Parking lots see a high volume of foot traffic as people visit various locations multiple times a day. Unfortunately, these areas may feature hidden hazards to the hurrying pedestrians who are most likely not paying attention to their steps. This makes parking lots a prime location for slip-and-fall incidents. Fall accidents are alarmingly common, accounting for over a million hospital visits annually. In fact, they are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits, representing 12% of all falls.

If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall injury in a parking lot, you have legal options. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz we have handled several premise liability cases for our clients in Ohio. Our slip and fall injury attorneys are dedicated to assisting you in pursuing the legal compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners in Indiana, Kentucky, or Ohio are obligated to exercise reasonable care in ensuring the safety of individuals on their premises. This is called premise liability, which requires them to take appropriate measures to prevent injuries.

Some of the factors that contribute to slip and fall incidents include:

• Potholes and uneven pavement: When property owners don’t repair potholes or address uneven pavement, it can lead to accidents. This constitutes negligence since they are expected to provide a safe environment for visitors.
• Adverse weather conditions: During adverse weather conditions like snow or ice, property owners must take proactive measures to prevent slippery surfaces. Failure to clear snow and ice or provide adequate traction can result in slip-and-fall accidents.
• Inadequate design for pedestrians: Properties should feature proper signage, ramps, and handrails, especially for individuals with mobility challenges. When property owners don’t implement these features, it is considered negligent design.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting hampers visibility and makes it difficult for people to identify potential hazards. Property owners must ensure adequate lighting to prevent accidents. Neglecting this duty is a form of negligence as it knowingly puts visitors at risk.

When duty and negligence are established, slip and fall accident victims have the legal right to seek compensation for losses. A slip-and-fall injury attorney will help determine liability and build a strong case to pursue rightful compensation.

The liability for slip and fall accident may fall on one or more of the following parties:

• The property owner has a duty to ensure the safety of the premises for workers and visitors
• Business or property operators who are occupying the premises for commercial purposes
• Apartment block owners will be liable for the safety of the shared facilities on the premises
• The government entity responsible for the maintenance of the parking lot

What Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?

The worth of a slip and fall varies based on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Your lawyer will determine the settlement based on recoverable damages.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses due to falls can build up, especially for older adults. For instance, medical costs for fall injuries for older adults amount to around $50 billion annually. This includes all costs related to the injury, such as ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation or physical therapy expenses. It’s essential to keep all medical records and bills as evidence for future claims.

Lost Wages

Mostly, slip and fall injuries cause the victim to miss work. Thus, they are entitled to recover lost wages. This includes the wages lost during the recovery period and any future income that may be affected due to the injury’s long-term consequences.

Pain and Suffering

These are part of noneconomic damages and can be hard to quantify. These damages denote the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. Attorneys calculate them based on the severity of the injury and the impact on the victim’s life.

Loss of Consortium

In cases where the injury affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family, the spouse or family members may be able to claim loss of consortium damages. These damages compensate for the loss of companionship and support.

To determine the value of a case, it often requires a thorough assessment by a premise liability attorney. They will evaluate the evidence, medical records, and the impact of the injury on the victim’s life to determine a fair and just compensation amount.

What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident?

After a slip and fall accident, take immediate and appropriate actions to protect your well-being and potential legal rights. We recommend following these steps:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and prompt medical care can prevent complications later. Additionally, medical records will serve as valuable evidence in your case.
• Report the incident to the property owner or the appropriate party. Ask for a written incident report, and ensure you keep a copy for your records. This report should detail the circumstances of the accident, any hazardous conditions, and any witnesses present.
• Take photos or videos of the location. Capture the hazard that caused the fall, the lighting conditions, and any relevant signage or lack thereof. This visual documentation can be valuable evidence later on.
• Contact a slip-and-fall accident attorney. They will guide you, assess the merits of your case, and help you understand your rights and potential for compensation. They will also negotiate a fair settlement.

Taking these steps immediately after your fall accident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. This will help your lawyer file lawsuits on time as per the statute of limitations so as to increase the chances of obtaining compensation.

Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney Today

A successful claim for a slip and fall in a parking lot requires robust legal representation. A lawyer will help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we are dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Our legal team is ready to assess the details of your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.