If you have slipped in a store because of inadequate lighting due to ownership negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. This is because whoever is responsible for the premises is required by law to keep it maintained in an adequate condition that should prevent a slip and fall accident from taking place. This includes providing suitable lighting for all publicly accessible areas of the store.
Inadequate Lighting
Slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of injuries nationwide and can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Most of these injuries are expensive to treat and need ongoing medical treatment. If you have been a victim of a slip and fall in a store and it wasn’t your fault because it was due to poor lighting, it’s important to gather the right evidence that supports your accident.
Before you can claim compensation for a slip and fall in a store due to inadequate lighting you have to be able to prove that the slip and fall could have been prevented if adequate lighting had been present. As soon as you have suitable evidence and you have a good case for claiming compensation you may be able to claim compensation for the following:
- medical bills;
- compensation for pain and suffering;
- loss of wages while unable to work.
Gathering Evidence
There are several types of evidence that are likely to be useful when submitting a claim for compensation. These include any of the following.
- Photos and videos taken at the scene of the slip and fall, including the object you slipped and fell on. The darkness of the photo should show the bad lighting. Make sure the camera’s flash is turned off.
- Report the slip and fall to the store owner but do not say anything to make it seem like it was your fault.
- Get medical help and documentation from your doctor of your injuries as you will need this for a calculation of your medical costs for your compensation.
Examples of Places With Inadequate Lighting
Common places where poor lighting may be present include:
- parking lots;
- stairs and stairwells;
- elevators;
- places where management/ ownership don’t complete maintenance in a timely manner potentially leaving burned-out light bulbs that lead to poor or no lighting and the chance a slip and fall could take place.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
It is never easy winning compensation for a slip and fall as you have to prove the owner/manager was aware of the poor lighting but failed to fix the problem. A lawyer can help gather evidence and build your case so that you have a higher chance of winning the compensation you deserve for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
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