Property owners on Long Island and throughout New York have a responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment for people lawfully on their premises. They have a duty to perform inspections on a regular basis and repair or warn about any unsafe conditions, including inadequate lighting.
If you have been hurt in a fall caused by inadequate lighting on someone else’s property, you may have a claim for compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and help you pursue your claim for damages. The owner of the property or another party, such as a business that leases the space, may be responsible for your injuries.
At Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, our experienced premises liability lawyers understand the law and how to properly document and argue this type of claim. Our practice has been dedicated to injury matters since 2003. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients who have been injured through the negligence of others.
Call us now or fill out our simple contact form for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case and advice about your legal options.
How Inadequate Lighting Causes Falls and Other Accidents
Poor lighting can cause accidents. Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents, causing injuries or death, are a common occurrence in poorly lit or unlit parking lots, stairways, hallways and rooms. Without adequate lighting, it is difficult to see where you are going, and changes in the pavement, obstacles in your way, and even stairway steps can be easily missed.
Inadequate lighting in a parking lot could cause a victim to slip on ice or trip on broken pavement or uneven concrete. Burnt-out bulbs in hallways can cause victims to trip over obstacles lying on the floor. A victim could miss a step or and fall down the stairs, or fail to see debris on the steps and slip as a result of poor lighting in a staircase.
Common Injuries Suffered in Accidents Related to Poor Lighting
Falls, from either tripping or slipping, are among the most common accidents caused by inadequate lighting. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental death worldwide.
Injuries suffered because of falls caused by poor lighting may include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Spinal cord injury.
- Hip fractures.
- Back and neck injuries.
- Facial injuries.
- Sprains and strains.
- Lacerations.
- Bruises.
- Broken bones.
Although falls are the most common, other types of accidents and injuries can also result from poorly lit or unlit premises. For example, collisions with objects or other individuals can occur when visibility is limited.
Who is Responsible for Inadequate Lighting Accidents?
If your accident was caused by negligence, and if it occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable for your injuries. In some cases, a tenant renting or leasing the property or another party other than the owner may be the negligent party responsible for your injuries.
In an inadequate lighting premises liability claim, you must show that:
- You were on the property lawfully (or the owner knew you were trespassing).
- An unsafe condition of inadequate lighting existed, and the owner knew or should have known about it and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning.
- Your injuries were caused by the owner’s negligence.
Private and commercial property owners and government entities have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If your injuries were caused by a property owner or other responsible party’s negligence in maintaining adequate lighting, the negligent party may be held accountable.
Talk to Our Lawyers About your Inadequate Lighting Claim
At Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we offer a free case evaluation. Our Long Island accident attorneys can examine the facts surrounding your accident and injuries and advise you as to whether you may have a case and what damages you may be entitled to recover. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the extent of your injuries and other factors.
If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by poor lighting on someone else’s property, it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible. If your accident occurred on government property, a notice of your intent to file a claim must be filed within 90 days of the date of the accident.
When you work with our firm, we will give you the personal attention your case deserves. Our attorneys have a positive record of case results and more than 100 years of combined experience. We were recently honored with the Long Island Press “Best of Long Island” award.
You can have confidence that your case is in good hands with our firm. Contact our office today.
Source:
- World Health Organization: Falls
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
