Slip and fall accidents can happen when and where you least expect them. Unfortunately, one significant cause of these preventable accidents is potholes in parking lots, sidewalks, and roads. These seemingly innocuous gaps in the pavement can lead to serious injuries and life-altering consequences for victims. If you fell because of a pothole and suffered injuries, you need the help of an experienced Norfolk premises liability lawyer at Tavss Fletcher to hold the property owner or other liable parties responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
Causes of Pothole-Related Slip and Fall Accidents in Norfolk
You could suffer a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, fractures, or other long-term injuries if you trip and fall on a pothole. Here are some primary causes of slip and fall accidents related to potholes.
Uneven Surfaces
Potholes create uneven surfaces that can catch unsuspecting individuals off guard. Stepping into a pothole can cause a sudden loss of balance, leading to a fall and potential injuries.
Hidden Hazards
Potholes can be camouflaged by water, leaves, or other debris, making them difficult to spot when property owners fail to remove the hazards. This hidden hazard can easily cause someone to trip and fall unexpectedly.
Poor Lighting
Insufficient lighting in parking lots or walkways can obscure potholes, making it impossible for pedestrians to identify these hazards in dimly lit areas.
Lack of Warning Signs
Property owners are responsible for warning individuals about potential dangers on their premises. Failure to place warning signs near potholes increases the risk of slip and fall accidents.
Negligent Maintenance
Property owners and municipalities have a duty to maintain safe conditions for those using their sidewalks and parking lots. Neglecting to repair or fill potholes promptly can contribute to accidents and injuries.
Parties Liable in Norfolk Pothole Slip and Fall Cases
Determining liability in slip and fall accidents involving potholes in Norfolk and Virginia Beach can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. A knowledgeable premises liability attorney would investigate the accident and determine who caused the victim’s fall. Here are the potential parties that could be liable in a pothole-related slip and fall case.
Property and Business Owners
If the pothole is located on private or business property, such as a commercial parking lot, sidewalk, or residential driveway, the property or business owner may be held accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Municipalities
When potholes appear on public sidewalks or roads maintained by local governments, the municipality may be responsible for the accident due to negligence in repairing or maintaining these areas. There is often a shorter time period to file a claim, so it is vital to consult with a skilled lawyer immediately if you fall on municipal property.
Maintenance Company
Sometimes, a contracted maintenance company may be in charge of maintaining the parking lot and sidewalks. They could be held liable if their negligence or inadequate repair work contributed to the pothole-related accident.