Maryland Slip and Fall Accidents: How Property Owners Can Be Held Liable
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland might seem minor, but they can lead to painful injuries, resulting in steep medical expenses and weeks or even months away from work.
When a property owner is responsible, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Our experienced Maryland slip, trip, and fall attorneys explain how these accidents often happen and how to protect your rights in holding the property owner liable in a claim.
Negligent Property Owners Increase The Risk of Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
The Partnership for a Safer Maryland reports that one in four older adults suffers from a fall accident yearly. However, falls can happen to people of all ages, causing broken bones, torn ligaments, concussions, and other severe injuries.
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland often occur in public places, such as office buildings, grocery stores, restaurants, and apartment complexes. Negligent property owners are frequently to blame.
“Negligence” is a legal term that means taking actions that put others at risk or failing to take necessary precautions to prevent injuries. Examples of negligence in Maryland slip and fall accident claims include:
- Wet floors and lack of warning signs;
- Uneven sidewalks, torn carpet, and damaged floor tiles;
- Lack of proper lighting on stairwells or parking garages;
- Loose handrails or broken steps in apartment buildings or businesses;
- Cluttered aisles and walkways in stores and warehouses;
- Failing to maintain landscaping in outdoor areas.
While slip and fall accidents in Maryland may seem minor initially, the injuries that result can impact you for long afterward. When a property owner is responsible, you can hold them liable for your losses in a premises liability claim.
How To Protect Your Rights in a Maryland Slip and Fall Accident Claim
Slip and fall victims in Maryland must prove that the owner of the property or the manager was negligent. But there’s a catch: Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means you can be denied compensation if you’re even partially at fault.
To protect your rights in a Maryland slip and fall accident claim and get the total compensation needed to cover your losses, take these steps:
- Report any fall immediately to the property owner or manager.
- Take photos or videos of the scene.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
- Keep copies of medical records and lost wages.
- Get legal help before giving statements to insurers or accepting any settlements.
Insurance adjusters often downplay slip and fall injuries. To protect your rights to compensation in a claim, contact our experienced Maryland slip, trip, and fall accident attorneys today.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Slip and Fall Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland can result in severe injuries. Berman Sobin Gross LLP helps victims hold negligent property owners liable and fight for the maximum compensation in a claim.
To protect your rights, give us a call or contact our office online today. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland slip, trip, and fall attorneys.
Sources:
safermaryland.org/falls
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
