What Are You Liable For In Your Business Parking Lot?

As a business owner in Green Bay, your parking lot is more than just a place for vehicles—it’s a legal responsibility. From potholes to poor lighting, what happens in your lot can impact your bottom line. Your business could be held responsible if someone slips, trips, or worse.

At American Pavement Solutions, we repair and maintain commercial lots and help businesses understand their potential risks and how to reduce liability.

Is There Liability in a Parking Lot?

Yes—there is significant liability in a parking lot. You are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for both customers and employees. If someone is injured due to poor maintenance (like a pothole, ice, or an uneven surface), your business could be held liable for:

Medical expenses
Legal fees
Lost income claims
Reputation damage

Regular parking lot maintenance, including crack filling, sealcoating, snow removal, and proper striping, helps reduce these risks.

Is a Business Parking Lot Private Property?

Yes, a business parking lot is considered private property—but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Being private property means that you are responsible for what happens there. This includes:

Ensuring ADA compliance
Keeping the surface free of hazards
Installing proper signage and lighting
Providing accessible routes for customers with disabilities

Neglecting these responsibilities can result in fines, lawsuits, or insurance claims.

What Kind of Risk Is a Parking Lot?

Parking lots carry several types of risk that can affect both safety and your business operations. The most common include:

Slip and Fall Hazards – Trip risks include cracks, potholes, snow, and ice.
Vehicle Damage – Uneven pavement, lack of signage, or poor design can lead to accidents.
Poor Visibility – Insufficient lighting creates safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles.
Legal Non-Compliance – Failing to meet ADA or zoning codes opens the door to legal challenges.

A proactive maintenance plan helps reduce these risks before they become liability claims.

Is a Business Responsible for Altercations in the Parking Lot?

It depends, but in some cases, a business can be held partially responsible for altercations or criminal activity in the parking lot—significantly if the environment contributed to the incident. For example:

Poor lighting that allowed someone to be attacked
Lack of security in a known high-risk area
Ignoring previous complaints about dangerous activity

While you can’t control everything, you can reduce risk by keeping your lot well-lit, visible, clearly marked, and professionally maintained.

Protect Your Parking Lot—and Your Business

Don’t wait for an incident before addressing your parking lot’s condition. At American Pavement Solutions, we help businesses throughout Green Bay and the Midwest protect their investment and minimize liability.

Our services include:

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or get a quote. Proactive care is key to a safer, cleaner lot.