People in Las Vegas may suffer unexpected accidents and injuries in the most unlikely of locations, including the parking lot of their workplace, shopping center or entertainment destination. Business owners have a responsibility to create a safe environment for their employees, customers and guests, and that responsibility extends to their parking lots and garages as well. Every year, over 50,000 car accidents take place in parking areas. These are not all small fender-benders; they are linked to over 500 annual deaths and 60,000 injuries.
There are a number of factors that can lead to unexpected danger in a parking lot. The danger of auto accidents is exacerbated when a parking lot is poorly planned and maintained. When businesses fail to post signage, paint arrows or define spaces, customers and employees are left to drive around looking for a space. Motor vehicle accidents are the predictable outcome of this type of mismanaged, poorly maintained lot. However, crashes are not the only serious risk to safety found in a parking lot. Guests may be at risk of criminal activity, including robbery or assault, if businesses fail to maintain proper lighting in their parking lots. Poorly lit areas or burned-out lights can attract dangerous activity to the lot.
In addition, some parking lot injuries take place due to damaged, dangerous pavement. When businesses fail to repair cracks or leave obstacles in place, customers and employees may suffer serious slip-and-fall accidents. This danger only escalates in inclement weather conditions. Snow and ice are particularly linked to a number of serious incidents every year.
Parking lots can present a surprising danger to many, especially when businesses fail to maintain them or keep them safe for guests. A personal injury attorney might be able to help victims of parking lot injuries to pursue compensation from the business under premises liability.
