Lighting is one of the most overlooked hazards in retail and hospitality environments. As a Retail Expert Witness, I frequently discover that slip and falls, trip hazards, and missteps occur because the lighting failed—not because the customer was “careless,” as defendants often claim.
Lighting issues can be subtle but powerful in a legal case. Here are the most common failures I identify during inspections:
- Burned-out overhead fixtures leaving floor hazards unseen
- Improper color temperature distorting depth perception
- Glare from windows or polished surfaces
- Poorly lit transitions between flooring materials
- Emergency lighting that doesn’t activate during outages
- Dim corners where customers cannot see obstacles
Lighting also affects security: shadows, blind spots, and inadequate exterior illumination can contribute to assault cases in parking lots and walkways.
Documentation matters. I use light meters, photometrics, and evidence-based retail standards to evaluate whether lighting levels were safe at the time of the incident—or whether the property was negligent in its maintenance obligations.
If your law firm is analyzing a fall, visibility issue, or poor-lighting injury, I would be happy to review the details and offer a preliminary opinion. You can call me at 1-917-691-4853 or fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch within a few hours.
Leave a Reply