Poorly lit stairways and parking lots pose serious safety hazards, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls that can lead to severe injuries. Whether you are walking down a flight of stairs at a Boston sporting event, parking your car at Copley place or walking in the various buildings/parking lots in Boston’s Seaport district, you should be aware of the possibility of poorly lit facility and stairwells. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for over 8 million emergency room visits annually.
Poor lighting can lead to other injuries as well. From strains and sprains to assaults, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim if you’ve been injured due to inadequate lighting in a public or private space. Here’s what you need to know:
The Importance of Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting in stairways and parking lots is critical for several reasons:
- Visibility — Proper lighting ensures that pedestrians and drivers can see potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, obstacles, or changes in elevation.
- Safety — Well-lit areas deter criminal activity and enhance overall safety for everyone using the space.
- Compliance — Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions, including proper lighting, to prevent accidents and injuries.
Common Injuries Caused by Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting in stairways and parking lots can result in various injuries, including:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls — Uneven surfaces or obstacles that are not visible due to poor lighting can cause individuals to slip, trip, or fall. These accidents can lead to sprained ankles, fractured bones (e.g., wrists, arms, hips), head injuries (concussions, traumatic brain injuries), back and spinal injuries, and soft tissue injuries (bruises, strains, sprains).
- Assaults and Robberies — Poorly lit parking lots may attract criminal activity, increasing the risk of assaults or robberies. In addition to physical injury, assaults can result in emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Vehicle Accidents in Parking Lots — Parking lots with inadequate lighting can lead to serious and even deadly accidents involving collisions with other vehicles, collisions with pedestrians, property damage, and personal injuries such as whiplash, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims. If you’ve experienced any of these injuries due to inadequate lighting in a public or private space, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly and consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
Premises Liability and Your Rights
Massachusetts property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors and guests. If you’ve been injured due to poor lighting in a stairway or parking lot, you may be able to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. This type of claim asserts that the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care in ensuring a safe environment.
To establish liability in a premises liability case involving poor lighting, it’s essential to prove:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition (poor lighting).
- The property owner failed to address the issue or provide adequate warning to prevent injuries.
- The injuries were directly caused by the property owner’s negligence.
How Altman & Altman, LLP Can Help
If you’ve suffered injuries due to poorly lit stairways or parking lots in the greater Boston area, don’t hesitate to contact Altman & Altman, LLP for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success in premises liability cases, and we will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.