Parking Garage Owner Not Liable for Fall Caused by Gravel on Stairwell Steps

The 8th District Court of Appeals ruled that a parking garage owner was not liable for injuries caused to a patron who slipped while she was descending the stairwell servicing the parking garage. The plaintiff claimed that she slipped due to loose stones or gravel on a step. She had an unobstructed view, but did not see any stones. She had seen stones on prior occasions.

The court was troubled that the plaintiff was speculating as to the cause of her fall. Even if she did fall because of loose stones, the court found that this was not a substantial defect. It was something that people need to guard against for themselves. The full case can be found at this link.