When we think of crowded parking lots for major chains like Walmart, Meijer, Target, CVS or Walgreens, the immediate concern is usually finding an empty space. However, experience has taught our attorneys that store and restaurant parking lots can be ground zero for a devastating injury.
The Lockwood Legal Group has handled several personal injury claims for clients who suffered a traumatic injury as a result of a parking lot fall.
In addition to identifying the appropriate property owner(s), attorney Lockwood also handles all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on his clients’ behalf.
In most cases, insurance companies defending slip and fall cases will deny claims and aggressively represent their insured.
What does Indiana law say about parking lot maintenance?
In short, property owners and stores are required by Indiana law to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If a parking lot is plagued with potholes, ice, or other dangerous condition(s), the property owner and/or store can ultimately be held responsible if it results in a person being injured.
Liability of stores for criminal activity
In addition to ensuring the parking lot is free of physical defects such as spills and other hazards, stores are also required to have measures in place to help ensure guests’ personal safety from criminal activity. In most cases, this means that parking lots have proper lighting during evening hours and, if necessary, active security cameras.
If a property or store is believe to pose increased risk due to its location or past incidents of documented negligence, the duty of care may be especially extensive.
What steps should you take after suffering a parking lot injury?
File a Report – If you are able, making a report with the store is usually recommended. In most cases, a store employee will provide you with a standard “incident report” that will ask for your personal information and a brief description of what happened.
That said, if your injury is severe, getting immediate medical care should always be the first step. A report can be filed later.
Take pictures if possible
Try to take pictures of the parking lot condition that caused your injury. There is no guarantee that a store employee will do this on your behalf, meaning evidence could potentially disappear.
Obtain medical care
Most parking lot injuries will require obvious medical treatment, however, it is important that you continue to follow your doctor’s instructions and not miss future appointments. Your medical care and treatment will play a significant factor in being appropriately compensated for your accident.
Save your bills
It is always recommended that you keep a copy of all related medical expenses. Your attorney will ultimately order official copies of your bills and records, but having a set for yourself can help keep track of your ongoing care.
Common parking lot injuries
Attorney Lockwood has witnessed a wide variety of parking lot injuries, including the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal injuries
- Physical assaults
No matter the type of parking lot injury you suffered, it is critical that you contact an experienced Indiana slip and fall attorney to advise you of your rights and potentially help you seek compensation from the defendant.
Why you need an attorney?
Parking lot cases can be nearly impossible to pursue without legal counsel on your side. Large stores and businesses will have a team of lawyers on their side whose sole focus is to defend and deny claims from guests who were injured on their employer’s property.
The Lockwood Legal Group offers victims of parking lot falls a Zero Fee Guarantee. This means that you will never be charged a fee to speak with attorney Lockwood, and the firm is never owed anything until it makes a recovery on your behalf.
If you believe you might have a case, it is crucial you contact a qualified attorney immediately. Contact The Lockwood Legal Group for a free consultation today! You can call our office phone, cell phone, or send us an email.
Read more about personal injury law in our personal injury section of our legal blog.