If you have suffered a slip and fall due to the negligent actions of another person, it can be incredibly difficult to navigate these circumstances, especially when your injuries are the result of an unavoidable hazard. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the impact that poor lighting can have on a slip and fall case, so if this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Sacramento slip and fall lawyer to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Does Poor Lighting Impact a Premises Liability Claim?
When you are navigating a space that is poorly lit, you may encounter a number of hazards. Unfortunately, the main role that lighting has in a premises liability case is on your hindrance to see these hazards. For example, if you are walking in a dim parking garage, you may not see a chunk of asphalt missing in front of you, meaning you can trip, slip, and fall as a result. Similarly, if walking down a poorly lit stairwell, the dim lighting may prevent you from noticing a missing tread or wires littering the stairs. As such, you may fall and sustain a number of injuries as a result.
It’s important to understand, however, that a slip and fall is not the only injury you may endure due to inadequate lighting in California. Unfortunately, many criminals target poorly lit locations to rob or assault unsuspecting passers-by in the cover of darkness. As such, if you were attacked in a poorly lit parking garage, stairwell, or other location, this can warrant an injury claim. These instances may often result in broken bones, contusions, lacerations, soft tissue injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries.
How Is Liability Determined in These Instances?
Determining who is liable for the injuries you sustained as a result of poor lighting can be difficult, as there are a number of factors that can impact who ultimately faces liability. In some instances, this is relatively straightforward, such as slips and falls that occur in an apartment stairwell or movie theater parking garage, as the property owner will ultimately face liability. This is because it is their responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for those on the property.
However, you should note that in some instances, liability can be shared between multiple parties. For example, if you are walking through your neighborhood, you may trip and fall on a wire left on the sidewalk that you could not see because the streetlight was out. In this instance, both the homeowner and the municipality responsible for maintaining the lights can face shared liability for the damages you’ve endured.
As you can see, a slip and fall caused by poor lighting can be incredibly complicated to navigate. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes to explore your legal options. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
