What you cannot see can hurt you. Darkness can hide all types of hazards, which is why adequate lighting is necessary for safety and security. Property owners are responsible for ensuring safety for anyone on their property. If inadequate lighting causes a safety or security hazard that results in injury, the property owner may be liable for damages.

Safety Issues Caused by Inadequate Lighting

Indoor and outdoor lighting is needed for safety. When there is no lighting or the lighting is dim, injury accidents can occur. Some common safety issues caused by poor lighting inside and outside of buildings include:

• Tripping hazards on sidewalks and parking lots
• Tripping hazards on floors and stairs
• Slipping on icy, oily or wet surfaces concealed by darkness
• Touching sharp or dangerous objects

Lighting for all areas used by people coming or going from a building is necessary for safety. When an injury accident is caused by poor lighting, the property owner may be liable for damages. This can include covering costs of medical care, lost wages and pain and suffering, depending on the extent of the injury.

Security Issues Caused by Poor Lighting

Lighting is not only to prevent falls and accidents; it is the first line of defense against security issues. Criminal activities like attacks or rapes are rarely attempted in well-lit, exposed areas. Dark parking garages, stairways, hallways and entrances in commercial buildings can attract criminal behavior. If a person is attacked on commercial property that has poor lighting, the property owner may be liable for injuries due the lack of security provided.

Serious injuries can occur from inadequate lighting. If you were injured in an attack or accident that could have been prevented with better lighting, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our legal team at Race Law Firm in Atlanta to schedule a free assessment of your injury claim. We can advise you on your legal options, and if we handle your case, we will fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.