By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Personal Injury Attorney | Shin Law Office
MacArthur Center sits in the heart of downtown Norfolk, surrounded by busy streets, packed sidewalks, and three connected parking garages that serve thousands of visitors every week.
These multi-level structures are used by shoppers, workers, tourists, and military families traveling through Hampton Roads.
With dim lighting, aging concrete, confusing layouts, and high weekend and event foot traffic, the parking garages pose serious hazards when not properly maintained.
A single fall inside these structures can cause a violent impact that results in spinal fractures, herniated discs, or long-term nerve damage.
I represent individuals who suffered spinal trauma in the MacArthur Center garages, and I understand exactly how unsafe conditions lead to these avoidable and life-altering injuries.
Why MacArthur Center Parking Garages Create High Risk Fall Conditions
The MacArthur Center parking decks include concrete ramps, stair towers, pedestrian bridges, and narrow walkways between parked vehicles.
Many areas rely on outdated lighting that casts shadows, making hazards difficult to see.
Railings along stairwells and elevated walkways may become loose or corroded over time.
Cracked concrete, uneven steps, and chipped stair edges also create hazardous trip hazards.
During peak hours, visitors move quickly as they look for open spaces.
Drivers focus on finding a parking spot. Pedestrians carry bags or assist children.
This fast-moving environment makes it even harder to notice unsafe conditions.
When a person falls in a concrete structure like this, the force travels directly into the spine, often causing fractures that require months of treatment.
How Spinal Fractures Happen in MacArthur Center Parking Garages
I have handled cases involving:
• Broken railings that failed when a person leaned or held on for support
• Poorly lit stair towers where visitors could not see cracked or uneven steps
• Loose concrete on stair edges that caused sudden missteps
• Wet or slick surfaces near pedestrian entrances during rain
• Debris or broken tiles left unattended on stair landings
• Unexpected elevation changes or unmarked step downs
• Handicap ramps with deteriorating surfaces that created tripping hazards
When a person falls on concrete, the spine absorbs tremendous force.
Even a fall from standing height can fracture vertebrae, compress discs, or injure the spinal cord.
Where Spinal Injuries Commonly Occur in the MacArthur Center Garage System
Based on prior cases and known hazards, serious falls often happen in:
• The stair towers connecting each parking level
• The pedestrian bridges that lead into the mall
• Dimly lit corners between parked cars
• Elevator lobbies with cracked tile or loose floor edges
• Ramp transitions between levels where the concrete surface has deteriorated
• Exit walkways leading to City Hall Avenue and Freemason Street
Visitors often use these areas quickly and do not expect sudden hazards. When lighting is poor or maintenance is neglected, falls are much more likely.
Recognizing the Severity of a Spinal Injury After a Fall
Spinal injuries may not feel severe at the moment of the fall. Many clients initially experience sharp pain, stiffness, or shock and try to walk it off. Hours later, symptoms worsen. These may include:
• Sudden back pain
• Shooting pain into the legs or arms
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty standing or sitting
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness in the limbs
• Loss of mobility
Spinal fractures require immediate medical evaluation. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent nerve damage or long-term mobility issues.
How I Investigate Parking Garage Falls at MacArthur Center
MacArthur Center garages have multiple surveillance cameras, but footage does not remain available for long. I request it immediately.
I also obtain maintenance logs, lighting repair records, structural inspection documents, and prior safety complaints.
Photos of the staircase, railing, or walkway where the fall occurred often reveal long-standing defects that were ignored.
I consult medical specialists, spine surgeons, and orthopedic experts to establish the full extent of your injury and how it affects your daily life and future earning ability.
Who May Be Responsible for the Injury
Responsibility may fall on:
• MacArthur Center management
• The property owner
• The maintenance contractor responsible for lighting and repairs
• Security personnel who failed to report known hazards
• Construction or repair companies that performed faulty work
I determine which party allowed the dangerous condition to exist and whether they failed to correct it despite clear warning signs.
Compensation for Spinal Fractures from Parking Garage Falls
A spinal fracture can change a person’s life. I pursue compensation for:
• Emergency medical care
• Imaging such as CT or MRI scans
• Surgery if required
• Physical therapy and long term rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and physical limitations
• Long term mobility issues
Severe cases may require long term treatment, spinal injections, or permanent lifestyle adjustments.
What You Should Do After a Fall in a MacArthur Center Garage
Seek emergency care immediately. Report the incident to mall security.
Request that an incident report be completed. If you are able, take photos of the area and identify any witnesses.
Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies until you speak with me.
My Commitment to Injured Visitors at MacArthur Center
Parking garages must be safe for the public. Broken railings, poor lighting, and damaged stairways are dangers that property managers should never ignore.
When these hazards cause spinal fractures, I move quickly to secure evidence, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue full compensation.
If you were injured in a MacArthur Center parking garage, I will stand with you and protect your rights.
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
