The Liability of Property Owners for Parking Lot Injuries

Owners of apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, service offices, and other profit and nonprofit businesses owe visitors a duty to keep their premises safe. Our Chicago premises liability owners work to show the property owner:

• Knew or should have known about an unsafe condition
• Failed to make necessary repairs or failed to warn visitors and guests about the danger
• Breached its duty of care and the breach caused your injuries

We have been holding property owner to their duty of care for more than 20 years.

Why parking lot accidents happen

The property owner and any maintenance or repairs crews responsible for the parking lots should consider the following risks to anyone who parks their vehicle or walks through their parking lot:

• Bad lighting. Most stores and businesses are open after it gets dark. Some companies and organizations even open before it gets light in the morning. Insufficient or poor lighting contributes to slips and falls. Many lots have cracks and uneven surfaces that make it easy to stumble. Dark settings also make it easier for criminals and attackers to strike visitors in the hope of getting their money or their merchandise. Property owners must protect against falls and must provide adequate security.
• Damaged surfaces. The constant use of cars and the constant carrying of merchandise makes it easy for asphalt to become uneven and full of potholes. Customers and shoppers are focused on what they want to buy and getting into the car. Property owners should understand that consumers and guests typically don’t look down at the ground. Routine inspections and repairs should be made so that falls which can cause broken bones and other harms don’t occur.
• Negligent security. Owners of parking lots should understand their neighborhoods and the services they provide. Banks, for example, should anticipate that most users will be carrying money. Areas that have a history of crime should be a red-flag to the owner to look out for the safety of their customers. Security measures should include video cameras, alarms, locks, gates, fencing, and other precautions – in addition to good lighting. Security guards can help prevent many attacks.
• Proper markings and signs. It should be clear where visitors can and cannot park. Lanes should allow for travel in both directions.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Chicago lawyers review the records of any prior accidents at a property site. We have people visually inspect the property for defects and to understand what steps should have been taken. We investigate whether the owners of the premises complied with local building codes. For help with your premises liability case, please phone us 312-600-9585 or use our contact form to reach us.