Is A Store Or Office Liable For Falls On Improperly Lighted Stairways?
A store or office has a duty of ordinary care to keep steps and stairs in reasonably safe condition to prevent harm. Failure to warn or take precaution from dangers has been held to be a breach of ordinary care. A breach of this duty which causes injury may result in the store or office being liable for negligence. Proof of a fall, without more, will not result in the store or office being held liable. Generally, the store or office need not have notice of the improper lighting to be liable for injuries, as long as it is a permanent condition. However, notice is required when the inadequacy of the lighting was a temporary condition, and when it is claimed that the stairway was dangerous, not only because it was improperly lighted, but also because of other defects. For example, a store was held liable for injuries that occurred on an improperly lighted stairway which was used by a customer. The customer was injured when she tripped down the stairs which had no lights and only dirty win
