Am I Liable for Injuries Caused by Cracks in My Parking Lot?

Am I Liable for Injuries Caused by Cracks in My Parking Lot?

Imagine there’s a large crack in your parking lot pavement but you didn’t do anything to fix it, despite the fact that you knew about it for a while. One day, your customer or guest doesn’t notice the crack so they trip, fall, and injure themselves. Chances are you are liable for this accident.

This is because you, as the owner, have a legal obligation to adhere to certain protocols for parking lot safety. If you fail to do so, you may be responsible for any injuries that arise as a result of your negligence. Let’s dive deeper into parking lot injuries and the legalities that come with them.

Why Do Injuries Happen in Parking Lots?

Businesses and property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe and warn guests of any potential dangers. This duty extends to their parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways. In order to fulfill it, it’s their job to perform regular inspections, identify dangerous conditions, resolve hazards in a timely manner, and invest in maintenance and repairs as needed.

A breach of this duty can cause customers and guests to sustain injuries when they slip or trip on asphalt or concrete. Oftentimes, these accidents occur because of defects in the pavement like cracks and potholes. They may also be the result of ice, snow, sleet, puddles, spills, and poor lighting.

How the Claim Process Works

If a guest does face an injury on your parking lot, they can file a claim and attempt to collect compensation for your negligence. In the event their claim is valid and they gather the evidence they need to prove your wrongdoing, you (or your insurance company) may owe them a great deal of money. They may use your compensation to cover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How to Prevent Parking Lot Injuries

The best way to prevent parking lot injuries is to keep your asphalt or concrete in optimal shape at all times. Since both surfaces require routine inspections and maintenance, it’s in your best interest to partner with an experienced, trustworthy company like NYS Enterprises. You can count on our specialized knowledge, cutting-edge equipment, and advanced techniques to keep your parking lot safe and free of accidents year-round.