Improperly Maintained Parking Lots
October 3, 2018
It may not be something you give much thought, but a parking lot could be hazardous to your health. Owners of parking lots or parking decks can be liable for neglecting obvious hazards, which could be the cause of slip and fall accidents and injuries. On parking decks, where the hazards may not be as apparent, the owner still has a duty to periodically view all areas of the deck and maintain the deck in a safe condition or notify customers if there is a dangerous condition present.
In 2017, about 500 pedestrians were fatally injured because of accidents caused on parking lots or decks in the United States. Parking lots may be easier to maintain than parking decks given that there is less space to contend with and less traffic flow issues.
Concrete Parking Stops
Maintenance of concrete parking stops is an ongoing issue for parking lots. Because of the arrangement of outdoor parking lots, the concrete parking stops are more likely to be in the walking path of pedestrians. If they are not designed or maintained properly, they can become a tripping or injury hazard for pedestrians.
Concrete parking stops are placed in parking lots to ensure that cars do not overrun the parking spot, or they may be protecting another structure from a driver that is not paying attention or forgets to put the car in park. If the concrete parking stop is hit, it could end up crumbling, leaving pieces of concrete on the ground and create a situation where pedestrians can trip and strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers may unexpectedly get stuck in the pile of debris. This could cause an accident to a child or disabled person, in addition to more able-bodied pedestrians.
End bars in concrete parking stops can start to come out of their position after time. If it protrudes out of the parking stop, it can create a tripping hazard, snag a person’s clothing, or cut their leg. If it is rusty, then another liability can be created.
Alternative to Concrete Parking Stops
A parking lot owner has the responsibility to maintain these parking stops and all other features of the parking lot. Installing rubber parking stops made with recycled rubber is one potential solution to fix accidents associated with concrete parking stops. These require less maintenance and may go for longer periods of time without needing to be replaced. Additionally, rubber parking stops can maintain a bright color, which will be easier for pedestrians to see and alert them of a potential object in their walking path.
Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates Assist Victims Injured in Parking Lots Due to Hazardous Conditions
If you or someone you know has been in an accident in a parking lot, the owner could be liable for any injuries you suffered. The Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates can evaluate the situation and assess your legal claims. With an office in Philadelphia, we serve clients from the surrounding areas. Please contact us online or call us at 215-569-9100 for a free consultation today.
