Often times, people do not think of parking lots as dangerous places. However, it is more common than people think for an accident to happen in such an everyday place. All property owners have an obligation to make sure their premises are safe, including those who own parking lots. This includes regular inspections. If they fail to do this, the area can become hazardous for those who come through it, thus leading to accidents and significant injuries.
Causes of Accidents
There are many ways a person could find themselves injured as a result of parking lot conditions. This typically occurs due to different hazards that are present in the lot. 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
As property owners in Pennsylvania are required to maintain their property. This requires them to take care of any loose debris, inadequate lighting, snow or ice, dangerous spills, and any other hazards within a reasonable period of time. If they fail to do so, the property owner may be held liable for any injuries that happen on their parking lot as a result.
Proving Negligence
After sustaining an injury, a person usually wants to hold the property owner responsible for their suffering. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit that exists to prove negligence. It is important to know that, during this time, the injured party is required to satisfy the “burden of proof.” This means that the individual must prove, with evidence, that the property owner knew, or should have reasonably known, about the hazard that caused their injuries and did not fix it. Evidence that can be used 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.
It is understandable that some victims of an accident may hesitate afterward when deciding to pursue legal action. However, it is important to not wait too long to do so, as there is a statute of limitations in place. Simply put, this is a deadline the injured party must meet to file their claim. Otherwise, they 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
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
