According to a letter by Muriel Tuteur published in the Laguna Woods Globe, her friend Helene Press tripped and fell, breaking her right femur on the evening of October 27, because of there was inadequate lighting in the parking lot in United Mutual. Press had to be confined in the hospital for at least four weeks. She has needed about 10 weeks to heal so can walk again.
Press was walking out of a jewelry class when she tripped over a concrete parking barrier close to her car. She says that due to the poor lighting, she didn't see the bumper, which was painted blue. Press says that after her Orange County, California trip and fall accident, paramedics had to come and her because she felt paralyzed.
Press is reportedly not the only one who has gotten hurt in this parking lot. Over the years, others have reportedly complained about the lighting. Let There Be Light coordinator Margaret Pearlman says lawsuits have been filed over the lighting in the senior community.
Trip and fall injuries can lead to broken bones, neck injuries, back injuries, hip injuries, arm injuries, knee injuries, and other physical injuries. Trip accident injuries can be excruciatingly painful and may leave a person immobile for weeks if not months or permanently.
Recovery and rehabilitation can take a long time, and the medical costs can start to rack up. Older people, whose bones are more fragile, can take longer to recover from fall accidents. Fall accidents have also been known to cause lead to deteriorating health, bedsores, and other complications for the aged.
Premise owners are supposed to make sure there is sufficient lighting on the property. Proper lighting can prevent fall accidents and violent crimes. Poor lighting can be grounds for an Orange County, California premises liability lawsuit.
Resident broke leg in dark parking lot, OC Register, December 16, 2009
Falls - Older Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Web Resources:
Laguna Woods Village
Slip and Fall Accidents, Nolo
Our Laguna, California trip and fall law firm represents injury clients throughout Orange County, California.
