Parking Lot Slip & Fall Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about $50 billion is spent each year in the US because of non-fatal falls for those aged 65 or older. Accidental falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits for all ages, with over 1 million people visiting the ER each year due to a slip and fall accident.

Whether it’s a retail or shopping lot, an associate parking lot, a restaurant, school, hospital, airport, Americans spend a significant amount of time in parking lots. It may be hard to imagine a public place that doesn’t have a traditional parking lot. As opposed to sidewalks, parking lots see a lot of vehicle traffic too. This opens them up to many more hazards, such as oil and gas leaks from cars, wheel stops, corrals for shopping carts, and other dangers, including maintenance issues.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Slip and Falls

• Wheel Stops: Improperly maintained wheel stops, or curb stops, can become loose. Weather and damage from vehicles can cause the concrete to deteriorate and the rebar pins to become exposed. These damaged concrete blocks create potential pedestrian hazards. 
• Damaged Pavement: Snow, ice, road salt, and time can erode concrete and asphalt paving, creating uneven patches, cracks, and potholes. As a result, pedestrians can easily slip and fall because of improperly maintained pavement.
• Low Lighting: During early morning or evening hours, and in inclement weather, parking lots can be dark places. Property managers should provide adequate lighting in their parking lots and should make sure these lights are in working order.
• Wet and Icy Surfaces: Ice and water can be dangerous for pedestrians on any surface. Parking lots have the potential for black ice, which blends into the pavement and is not easily visible to pedestrians and drivers. Additionally, parking lots may house standing water, oil slicks or spills, and flooding due to heavy rainfall, all creating potential hazards.

• Obstructions and Debris: Parking lots often become the collecting place for litter and debris. Shopping carts or other items may be left haphazardly, and stores should make sure employees work to clean and remove obstacles and things that may become hazards to pedestrians and vehicles.
• Potholes: While problematic for drivers, potholes can be an even greater danger for pedestrians. Property owners have a duty to their customers, tenants, and visitors to maintain their property, including the parking lot. 

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. Additionally, if you are able, snap photos of the scene and your injuries and collect any witness contact information. Once you have been evaluated by a medical professional, you should contact a personal injury attorney with experience in slip-and-fall accidents. 

At Saladino & Schaaf, we have years of experience representing Kentuckians in premises liability claims, including slip & fall lawsuits. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us online or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free consultation.