When premises liability accidents (such as slip and fall accidents) occur, a lack of proper lighting is often cited as a cause. Here are seven ways bad lighting can potentially cause accidental injuries:
- Poorly lit stairwells
- Stairwells and staircases are potentially dangerous at the best of times, but they can become much more dangerous without lighting. Not only can people slip on the stairs, they may not notice broken or damaged steps that will collapse under their weight.
- Darkened hallways
- Darkened hallways are likewise fairly dangerous, even if there are no immediately apparent dangers. People may slip or trip in the hallway where no one is there to assist them, resulting in potential accidents.
- Obscured signs
- It is common for people to post signs to warn of potential hazards, such as the presence of high voltage components or toxic chemicals. Such warnings do not matter if it is too dark to see the signs, however.
- Dark parking lots
- Parking lots are not merely dangerous places where people may slip and fall, they may also be hit by vehicles who do not see them in time. Criminals may also hide in the darkness, waiting for potential victims to rob or assault.
- Concealed hazards
- It is easy enough for people to trip over hazards like potholes or wires even when they can see. Without adequate lighting, however, they may simply stumble over or into these hazards, hurting themselves in the process.
- Hidden assailants
- Criminals like poorly lit areas because it makes it easier for them to target victims without being spotted or identified. Without adequate lighting, many other security measures can become nearly useless in preventing crime.
- Poolside dangers
- Pools can be hazardous even during the daytime, but at night, it can be easy to slip and fall into the pool. This is especially true for drunks or children who may stumble into the pool when no one else is around to rescue them.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.