Slip and fall accidents are the second most common kind of accident in the United States. They happen so frequently that they are barely given a second thought. And while slip and fall accidents rarely result in fatalities, they can cause painful or life-altering injuries.
One reason slip and fall accidents are so common is that they can happen almost anywhere, under many different circumstances. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere the ground is wet, slippery, or uneven. Those words could potentially describe many parking lots.
Parking lots experience a great deal of wear and tear and don’t always get the attention necessary to keep them safe and in good repair. Parking lot owners have a duty to make sure that the surface is flat, even, and free of tripping hazards.
If you have been injured after a trip or slip and fall in a parking lot, it may not be your fault. Read on to find out more about the responsibilities of parking lot owners.
Responsibilities of Parking Lot Owners
Owners of parking lots are responsible for maintaining the parking lot so that it is reasonably safe for people to use. This maintenance can include patching cracks and filling potholes. If there are any differences in height from one part of the lot to another, the change should be gradual to help prevent tripping or slip and fall accidents.
The following are some of the slip and fall dangers that are frequently found in parking lots:
- Unnecessary speed bumps
- Cracks in the surface
- Potholes
- Tire stops
- Loose gratings or open drainage holes
- Accumulated rainwater, snow, or ice
- Slick spots from oil or antifreeze spills
Further Reading: Catastrophic Motorcycle Accidents Are Still Increasingly Common
Parking Lot Slip and Fall Injuries
Typically, a slip and fall accident is unexpected and will cause you to fall awkwardly. You may injure your arms or wrists as you try to break your fall. Ankles can also be easily twisted or wrenched. Even more serious injuries can result if you hit your head or fall on your back.
While cuts, scrapes, bruises, and broken bones can heal relatively quickly, brain, back, and spinal injuries are much more serious, and require more time to heal. If you receive one of these types of injuries as a result of a slip and fall in a parking lot, you could end up missing work for an extended period of time while medical bills accumulate.
Proving Fault in a Parking Lot Slip and Fall
If you have been injured in a parking lot slip and fall accident, the burden of proof will be on you to establish the fault of the parking lot owner. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you do this, however, there are some things you can do to begin building a successful claim from the beginning.
Be sure to document the accident scene by taking pictures. Note the date and time, and try to identify any witnesses and get their contact information.
Contact Our Experienced Broomfield Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.
