Parking Lot Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Slip and fall accidents in parking lots are common in New York, especially during winter months, when snow and ice accumulate. In many cases, these pedestrian hazards can be mitigated with routine care and maintenance. Individuals or companies that own parking garages and parking lots have a legal duty of care to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe. When dangerous conditions go unchecked and injury results, victims have the right to seek compensation.
If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions in a parking lot, a New York City slip and fall lawyer at Douglas & London has the resources to help. We understand the gravity of slip and fall injuries, which can take months, or sometimes years, to heal. Our experienced attorneys bring decades of experience to every slip and fall claim we handle and provide steadfast advocacy through every stage of the legal process.
Slip and Fall in Parking Lot: Can You Sue?
Both private and public parking lot owners in New York have a responsibility to maintain their premises and address potential hazards promptly. This is accomplished by conducting regular inspections and repairing defects or hazards that could cause a slip and fall as soon as they are noticed. In addition, determining liability for a slip and fall in an icy parking lot is best left to your legal team. At Douglas and London, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of New York premises liability laws and the various arguments used in these civil claims.
A parking lot owner who was not aware of an unsafe condition may still be held accountable– if it can be shown they were negligent in general maintenance. Plaintiffs have prevailed in claims where the defendant made insufficient efforts to clear snow and ice regularly. It all boils down to property owners exercising a reasonable duty of care. During cold winter months, when blizzards and freezing rain are common—it means clearing ice and snow more frequently.
Call our experienced slip and fall attorneys for a free consultation!
Duty of Care for Parking Lot Owners
Parking lot owners are not expected to keep the ground cleared during an actual snowstorm but must take action within a “reasonable amount of time” after the weather has passed. This time frame will factor largely in determining liability for a parking lot slip and fall accident. Your attorney must demonstrate that the owner failed to take reasonable care and that this breach of duty caused your fall and resulting injuries.
However, the procedures are slightly different if the space is owned by the municipality. When parking garages are owned and operated by government entities, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days after your slip and fall accident.
Common Causes of Parking Lot Slip and Fall Accidents
Besides slick, icy walkways and stairs, there are many slip and fall hazards in parking lots and garages:
- Potholes
- Uneven and cracked asphalt and cement
- Inadequate lighting
- Damaged stair treads and missing railings
- Poor drainage that causes puddles to form
Accidental falls can lead to serious injuries ranging from broken bones and torn ligaments to spinal cord injuries. Our lawyers will investigate the circumstances to determine liability, appropriate compensation, and the best strategy to optimize your outcome.
NYC Slip and Fall Parking Lot Settlements
The value of a slip and fall settlement or verdict will depend on the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, prognosis, age at the time of injury, and other factors.
In general, claimants can seek money damages to account for:
- Past, current, and anticipated medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Costs for physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
Injured in a slip and fall accident? Tap to call for a FREE consultation!
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If you were injured in a parking lot fall due to ice or another hazard, call Douglas & London to speak with a New York personal injury lawyer about your rights to compensation. The case evaluation is free, and there are no upfront costs.
