Can You File a Lawsuit for Injuries Caused by Inadequate Lighting
In New Jersey, as in other states, owners or persons in control of residential or commercial property have a duty to maintain the premises in such a way as to minimize the risk of injury to persons legally visiting the property. These claims are commonly referred to as premises liability lawsuits.
Most premises liability actions involve injuries caused by slippery surfaces; dangerous tile, carpet or other flooring; or poorly maintained sidewalks, steps, stairs, ramps, and other thoroughfares. But what if poor lighting, or the absence of lighting, causes a visitor to stumble, trip, and fall? Can the injured person file a claim for damages?
Poor Lighting as the Basis of a Premises Liability Claim
Most premises liability claims, like other personal injury lawsuits, are based on a legal theory of negligence. To succeed with a claim of negligence, you must prove the following by the weight of the evidence:
- The defendant failed to act as a reasonable person would under the circumstances;
- The failure to act reasonably caused an accident; and
- You suffered actual injury as a consequence of the accident.
A jury will decide whether or not a property owner should be liable for failure to maintain reasonably safe lighting conditions, based on the facts presented at trial.
Let Attorney David J. Karbasian Help You After a New Jersey Slip and Fall Accident
You have the right to seek full and fair compensation when you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property because of a slip and fall in poor lighting conditions. We can help. Send us an email today or call us at 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request. We can come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary.
We take all premises liability claims on a contingency basis. We charge legal fees only if we recover compensation for your losses.