Lighting may not make the list of most notable or obvious safety concerns, but poor or inadequate lighting can cause a serious accident. In New York, property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors, which includes ensuring proper lighting. If you’re wondering about the role that lighting plays in a premises liability case, continue reading here for more information. Contact a knowledgeable Rockland County slip and fall lawyer to obtain skilled legal counsel and representation during your case.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe for people who enter it. If someone is injured because of unsafe conditions, like broken staircases, icy walkways, or faulty electrical wiring, the property owner may be legally responsible.
The duty of care that the property owner owes the visitor depends on their status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser and whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
What Role Does Lighting Play in an NY Premises Liability Case?
Inadequate lighting is a serious safety concern and can cause people to trip, slip, or fall on unseen hazards like uneven flooring, spills, or debris. It can also increase the risk of assault or criminal acts in dimly lit stairwells, parking lots, or public areas by making it easier for perpetrators to go unnoticed and more difficult for an individual to identify the danger.
Lighting is considered part of a property owner’s duty to maintain safe conditions. Courts assess whether the lighting meets reasonable safety standards based on the location, purpose, and foreseeable use of the property.
If an individual is injured on your property and poor lighting contributed to or created the hazardous condition that caused the accident, you can be held liable through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Any violations of local building or safety codes involving lighting can also strengthen a negligence claim.
What Lighting Problems Can Lead to Liability?
Premises liability law is complex, so understanding your legal obligations as a property owner or occupant is crucial in preventing accidents and protecting yourself from liability. Common examples of negligent lighting conditions can include the following.
- Burned out or missing bulbs in stairwells or hallways
- Dim exterior lighting in parking lots of walkways
- Broken motion sensors or automatic lights that fail to turn on
- Improperly placed fixtures that create glare or shadows
- Lack of emergency lighting in exit routes or common areas
For example, if a shopper trips on an unlit stair in a department store or a tenant falls down an apartment staircase after a light fixture fails, the property owner can be held responsible for the resulting damages.
For more information and to secure skilled legal representation, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
