Even if walking for pleasure or exercise is not a preferred activity, most everyone who is able will walk at some point during an average day. This may include heading to the bus stop, walking from the car to the grocery store or crossing the parking lot to get to work. Florida residents know that sidewalks and parking lots can be dangerous places for tripping hazards, and the injuries that result can be quite severe.
Perhaps the most obvious danger in a parking lot is traffic. Drivers are often looking for a prime parking spot rather than being alert to pedestrians. However, an unexpected trip can result in severe injuries, including the potential for broken bones, brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Parking lots do not always receive adequate attention from property owners, resulting in the following or other hazards:
- Wheel stops that are hard to see because they are the same color as the pavement, are misplaced or are too long
- Potholes, cracks and other evidence of deterioration
- Ruts, depressions and sudden slopes in the pavement
- Manhole covers that are below the level of the pavement surface
- Parking islands that attract or encourage shortcuts but are not designed for pedestrian travel
Of course, it is possible for someone to fall when there are no tripping hazards, such as if the pedestrian is looking at a cellphone, wearing inappropriate shoes or ignoring warning signs. These and other factors will be important during a premises liability claim. Having legal assistance while pursuing such a claim may improve the chances of obtaining one’s goals of fair compensation for injuries suffered in a Florida parking lot fall.