You weren’t doing anything risky — just walking to your car. Maybe you had a coffee in one hand and your keys in the other. And then, before you knew what was happening, you hit the ground. Hard. Now you’re wondering, “can you sue for falling in a parking lot?”
Yes, if your fall was caused by a business or property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions. That includes untreated snow, black ice, or poor lighting in the lot. These accidents aren’t always “just bad luck” — sometimes, they’re the result of negligence. And when that’s the case, the law may be on your side.
When Is a Business Liable for a Parking Lot Slip and Fall?
Businesses and commercial property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for anyone who walks through their doors — and that includes their parking lots. This duty is part of what’s called “premises liability.”
If snow or ice is left untreated and causes someone to fall, the business may be liable. This includes:
- Failure to shovel or salt the parking lot
- Neglecting known icy areas like slopes, curbs, or shaded spots
- Not posting warnings or closing off dangerous sections
Whether it’s a national retailer, a local grocery store, or a strip mall owner, you can sue a business if you fall in their parking lot if they failed to meet their responsibility to keep it reasonably safe.
What Role Does “Duty of Care” Play?
Duty of care in premises liability means a business must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. That includes routine parking lot maintenance, snow and ice removal, and prompt attention to any hazardous conditions.
If the business knew (or should have known) about an icy patch and didn’t do anything to fix it, they may be considered negligent. This is where your attorney will focus on proving negligence in slip and fall cases — showing that the hazard existed, the business failed to address it, and that failure caused your injury.
Who Is Actually Responsible for the Parking Lot?
It depends. Sometimes the store itself is responsible for the lot. Other times, it’s the commercial property owner or management company. In some cases, both share responsibility.
Don’t worry — you don’t have to figure that out alone. A slip and fall lawyer can help determine who is liable for ice in a parking lot by reviewing lease agreements, maintenance contracts, and ownership records.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Fall
If you’ve been injured in a parking lot fall, your first priority is safety — but your second is documentation. Here’s what to do:
- Take photos of the icy area, including any visible hazards or lack of warning signs
- Get medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor
- Report the fall to the store or property manager
- Collect contact info from any witnesses
- Contact a slip and fall attorney to evaluate your case
Having this evidence for slip and fall claims can make the difference between a successful settlement and a dismissed case.
Can You Sue Even If You Were Partially at Fault?
Yes — and this is important. Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible (as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault).
So even if you were wearing slick shoes or distracted when you fell, the business may still be held liable for failing to treat the ice. An experienced lawyer can help you understand how comparative negligence might affect your claim.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?
In a successful parking lot injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or diminished earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
Settlement amounts vary depending on the severity of your injury, the clarity of liability, and the insurance policies involved. But don’t underestimate what your case might be worth — especially when icy parking lot injuries can lead to long-term consequences.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Action?
If you delay, you may lose access to important evidence — or even your right to sue. In Colorado, you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim for a fall on ice, but waiting can severely weaken your case.
Worse, the business that allowed the hazard to exist may continue operating without improving safety, putting others at risk. That’s why filing a claim for a parking lot fall isn’t just about compensation — it’s also about accountability.
Don’t Walk Away From This Alone
If you’re wondering, can you sue for falling in a parking lot, the answer is yes — but more importantly, you don’t have to navigate this process on your own. After a painful fall, you’re likely facing more than physical recovery. Medical bills, lost work, and unanswered questions can quickly become overwhelming.
At Schofield & Green Law, our slip and fall attorneys help injury victims in Colorado Springs and beyond get the clarity, support, and compensation they deserve. We understand the nuances of premises liability parking lot cases — and we know how to hold property owners and businesses accountable when they fail to keep their spaces safe.
Whether you’re unsure if you have a case or ready to take action, we’re here to guide you forward with empathy and legal experience. Your consultation is completely free, and you won’t owe anything unless we win your case.
Let us be your advocate. Contact Schofield & Green Law today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Lot Slip and Fall Lawsuits
Can you sue for falling in a parking lot at a place of business?
Yes. If the business failed to properly maintain the parking lot, such as neglecting to salt, shovel, or warn customers about known icy areas, they may be legally liable. This falls under premises liability parking lot laws. A personal injury attorney can help determine if the business breached its duty of care.
What if the parking lot is shared by multiple businesses?
In shared lots, the responsibility may fall on the commercial landlord or property management company rather than individual stores. However, if a particular business had control over the area where the injury occurred, they could still be liable. These cases often require legal review of lease terms and maintenance agreements. Liability can also be shared between multiple parties.
How do I prove the business was at fault for my fall?
Proving negligence involves showing that the business knew (or should have known) about the icy hazard and failed to fix it. This is where evidence for slip and fall claims matters — including photos, witness statements, and medical documentation. An attorney can help investigate timelines and maintenance practices to build your case.
Can I sue if I slipped on black ice that wasn’t visible?
Yes. Courts understand that black ice in parking lots can be hazardous and not easily seen by the public. Property owners are still expected to treat surfaces when conditions make ice likely. Even if you didn’t see the danger, the business may still be liable for not addressing it proactively.
What compensation is available for parking lot slip and fall injuries?
You may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term treatment. Parking lot injury settlements depend on factors like injury severity, negligence, and insurance coverage. Your attorney will help calculate a fair estimate based on your circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer to sue for a slip and fall in a parking lot?
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, working with an experienced slip and fall accident attorney significantly increases your chances of success. These cases often involve complex legal standards, insurance adjusters, and multiple liable parties. Our lawyers work on contingency, so there’s no cost to get started.
