A lot of parking lots and parking garages are poorly maintained. When parking lot and garage owners cut corners by skimping on regular upkeep and maintenance, it leaves people at risk for serious injuries.
Oklahoma premises liability laws require property owners and those responsible for maintaining commercial or residential properties to address dangerous conditions and provide adequate safety warnings for visitors.
If you were injured while walking in a parking lot or parking garage, the OKC pedestrian accident lawyers at Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC can review your claim and advise you on your options for pursuing maximum compensation
Common Hazards That Cause Parking Lot Injuries
Parking lots and garages experience heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic every day. When owners fail to perform essential inspections and maintenance, dangerous property conditions can be left uncorrected.
Potholes
Large potholes can cause pedestrians to trip, twist an ankle, or suffer serious falls. Property owners should repair potholes promptly to reduce the risk of preventable injuries.
Uneven Pavement
Cracked sidewalks, raised concrete, or deteriorated asphalt create dangerous walking surfaces. Even small elevation changes can create significant tripping hazards for pedestrians.
Broken Curbs
Damaged curbs or unexpected elevation changes frequently cause trip-and-fall accidents. Clearly maintained and properly marked curbs help visitors navigate parking areas safely.
Poor Lighting
Dim or burned-out lighting makes it difficult to identify hazards and may increase the risk of criminal activity. Adequate lighting improves visibility and allows pedestrians to avoid potential dangers.
Poor Drainage
Standing water may conceal holes or create slippery walking conditions. Drainage issues should be addressed quickly to prevent water from accumulating in pedestrian areas.
Oil and Grease Spills
Vehicle leaks often leave slick surfaces that become especially hazardous during rainy weather. Regular inspections and prompt cleanup can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
Loose Concrete
Broken concrete or shifting pavement may create unstable walking areas. Repairs should be completed before the damage worsens and creates a greater risk of injury.
Missing Handrails
Parking garages with ramps or stairways should provide secure handrails where appropriate. Properly installed handrails offer important support and may help prevent serious falls.
Falling Debris
Loose ceiling materials, concrete fragments, or damaged structural components can create serious hazards. Regular inspections can identify structural problems before they cause injuries.
Inadequate Security
Poor security may contribute to assaults, robberies, or other foreseeable criminal acts in certain circumstances. Property owners may need to implement reasonable security measures when they are aware of ongoing safety concerns.
Deferred Maintenance
Ignoring known hazards often leads to preventable injuries that could have been avoided with routine maintenance. Maintenance records and prior complaints may demonstrate that the dangerous condition existed long before the accident occurred.
Who Is Responsible for Parking Lot Injuries?
Liability depends on who owned, occupied, or maintained the property where the accident occurred. Determining liability may require investigating ownership records, maintenance agreements, inspection logs, and repair histories.
Responsible parties may include:
- Commercial property owners
- Shopping centers
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Hospitals
- Office building owners
- Parking garage operators
- Property management companies
- Maintenance contractors
- Municipalities responsible for certain public properties
Understanding Oklahoma Premises Liability Law
Oklahoma premises liability law generally requires property owners and others responsible for maintaining property to use reasonable care to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors.
To establish negligence, an injured person generally must prove that a dangerous condition existed, the property owner or responsible party knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard, and they failed to repair or adequately address it. They must also demonstrate that the dangerous condition caused their injury and that they suffered damages as a result.
Your Attorney Will Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Your attorney can help preserve it.
- Photographs can document the hazard, the surrounding area, lighting conditions, warning signs or the lack of them, and your injuries, providing important evidence to support your claim.
- Surveillance Footage. Many parking lots and garages have security cameras. Your lawyer will take steps to preserve surveillance footage immediately before it is deleted.
- Incident Reports. You will want to notify property management about the accident and request a copy of any incident report right away.
- Maintenance Records. Inspection logs, repair records, maintenance requests, and work orders often reveal whether management knew about the dangerous condition before the accident.
- Witness Statements may confirm the existence of the dangerous condition, explain how the accident occurred, describe previous complaints about the hazard, and identify poor maintenance practices that contributed to the incident.
- Medical Records. This documentation links your injuries directly to the accident and demonstrates the full extent of your injuries.
Compensation That May Be Available
The compensation available after a parking lot or parking garage accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the financial losses you have experienced. Depending on your circumstances, it may include damages for:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Mobility equipment
- Home modifications
- Ongoing medical care
Speak With an Experienced Pedestrian Injury Lawyer in OKC
If you were injured while walking in a parking lot or parking garage, you don’t have to face it alone! The experienced attorneys at Maples Harrison Zeaman PLLC have been helping injury victims since 2002, and we have won millions for our clients.
Call (405) 705-5050 to schedule your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Lot and Parking Garage Injuries
Can I file a claim if I was injured while walking in a parking lot or garage?
Yes, if you were injured while walking in a parking lot or garage because of a dangerous condition that the property owner knew about or should have repaired, you may have a premises liability claim.
What is an unsafe parking garage injury claim?
An unsafe parking garage injury claim involves injuries caused by hazardous conditions such as broken stairs, missing handrails, poor lighting, falling debris, water accumulation, loose concrete, or inadequate security. If a property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe premises or ignored known dangers, you may have grounds to pursue a premises liability claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
