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Property owners must maintain a reasonably safe space for customers, tenants, and invited guests. Part of creating safe premises is providing adequate lighting around various surfaces.
Learn how a dim environment may heighten safety concerns and affect a property owner’s liability.
How Inadequate Illumination Creates Safety Hazards
Residential and commercial property owners must consider the potential dangers of low visibility and take steps to prevent foreseeable injury. Anyone who steps onto the property could risk injury in the following ways:
- Tripping over debris: Large branches, construction materials, or other debris could create a tripping hazard exacerbated by insufficient lighting.
- Missing slippery patches: Icy, wet, or slippery surfaces are difficult to navigate without proper visibility. Someone could slip and hurt themselves on these surfaces.
- Misjudging steps: Outdoor steps along storefronts or decks could be the site of an accidental fall.
- Failing to see signage: There may be signs warning people of certain conditions. However, flickering lights or burnt-out bulbs make it difficult to heed the warning.
When a property has poor lighting, accidents, falls, and injuries become a concern.
Determining Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
If someone slips and falls on another person’s property, they may have the grounds to pursue legal action. Personal injury attorneys may agree to take on the case after reviewing the details. They must gather evidence highlighting the unsafe conditions to build a compelling claim against the property owner.
When determining liability, legal professionals recommend:
- Taking photos of the dark area
- Collecting witness statements
- Requesting property maintenance records
A claimant’s medical records may also be used as evidence. A personal injury lawyer can use testimony from treating physicians and healthcare professionals to show that the injury stems from an accident on the defendant’s premises.
Evaluating the Risks of Violent Crime in Poorly Lit Areas
If a property owner ignores lighting conditions, accidents might not be the only safety issues that arise. Violent crime could be more prevalent in open areas with insufficient lighting. Commercial property owners, in particular, should illuminate their spaces properly and use additional security measures to deter crimes like:
- Robbery
- Assault
- Stabbings
- Homicide
A victim of violent crime may be able to seek justice through criminal and civil court proceedings. Law enforcement officers will work to find and charge the perpetrator, while the victim may also explore a civil suit against the property owner.
Poor lighting and security measures could support the claim that the property owner allegedly did not maintain reasonably safe conditions. Depending on the case’s unique circumstances, a victim may be able to file a lawsuit alleging negligent security.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Fall or Accident
Slip-and-fall incidents can be dangerous and potentially cause serious injuries like fractures or traumatic brain injuries. If a property owner’s negligence contributes to the accident, victims may wish to consult a personal injury attorney. Lawyers in this area understand how to assess liability using evidence.
If they take on a client’s case, they will develop a strategy to settle an insurance claim or file a lawsuit. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so clients don’t pay any legal fees up front. If the attorney successfully recovers damages, their fee is usually a percentage of the settlement.
Contact Bryan Garrett PLLC About Your Premises Liability Case
On a property with poor lighting, accidents, falls, and injuries may occur. If you’re hurt due to a fall or other accident on someone else’s property, speak with an attorney about your claim. Contact Bryan Garrett PLLC at (405) 369-4498 to request a consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What are the dangers of poor lighting on a property?
Poor lighting can lead to tripping over debris, slipping on wet surfaces, misjudging steps, and missing important signage, causing accidents and injuries.
Can a property owner be liable for injuries caused by poor lighting?
Yes, if a property owner fails to provide adequate lighting and someone is injured, they may be held liable for negligence.
What should I do if I fall due to poor lighting?
Document the scene, collect witness statements, seek medical attention, and consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
