Unfortunately, poor lighting on premises can result in serious injuries. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with experienced Baltimore County slip and fall attorneys to help you navigate these difficult times. The following blog explores what you should know about the impact of inadequate lighting on the likelihood of injuries, as well as who can face liability for the damages you have sustained as a result.
How Does Inadequate Lighting Lead to Injuries?
In general, the biggest hazard related to poor lighting on properties in Maryland is slips, trips, and falls when you are unable to see and evade hazards on the ground. As such, if you are walking through a dimly lit parking lot, you may not be able to see a curb in front of you, subsequently leading to a slip and fall. Similarly, if you are traversing a dark staircase, you may be unable to see that a handrail is missing or a wet spot on the stairs. As a result, you may slip and fall, sustaining serious injuries as a result.
You may also find that locations with inadequate lighting can lead to an increase in criminal activity, like assaults and robberies. Because the lighting is dim, many criminals feel emboldened by the fact that their crimes may go unnoticed. As such, you can sustain serious injuries if you are a victim of an assault.
Unfortunately, accidents caused by inadequate lighting can happen anywhere, from grocery stores and shopping malls to hospitals and residential sidewalks. Typically, a slip and fall will be the primary injury caused by poor lighting. This can result in several serious injuries, like neck and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even facial and dental damage should you trip and fall forward.
Who Can Face Liability for My Damages?
Determining liability can be overwhelming if you have been injured due to poor lighting on a property, as there are a number of factors that can influence the outcome of your case. For example, if you slip and fall in a mall parking lot as a result of inadequate lighting, you may assume that only the property owner can face liability. However, you may also be able to bring a claim against the mall management company, as it is generally their responsibility to ensure the premises is safe, though the property owner can still face liability as they are liable for the actions of those hired on their behalf.
In some instances, such as a slip and fall on an unlit sidewalk due to defects with the street lights, a municipality may face liability. Unfortunately, suing a town or county can be difficult, as you’ll generally need to file a notice of claim first. This essentially informs the government that you intend to sue them. While most personal injuries have a three-year statute of limitations from the date on which the injuries occurred, you’ll find that this process is significantly shorter for filing a notice of claim against the government, as you’ll only have 180 days. If you do not file within this timeframe, you can lose the right to pursue a lawsuit.
As you can see, poor lighting can cause a considerable number of issues for victims. That is why it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi to explore your legal options. Our team understands that the fight for the compensation you deserve can be overwhelming, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you. Contact us today to learn more.