Slip, Trip, And Fall Accidents in Maryland Stores: Who’s Liable?
The holidays are right around the corner, which means Maryland residents will be making more trips to retail and grocery stores. Whether shopping for gifts or stocking up on items for holiday meals, slip, trip, and fall accidents pose increased risks.
Wet floors, cluttered aisles, and other hazards increase the likelihood of accidental injuries. Our experienced Maryland slip, trip, and fall attorneys explain how they occur, the serious harm they can cause, and how to get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Store Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland Common Over Holiday Months
Despite concerns about the high cost of living, the National Retail Federation predicts that consumers are still likely to spend more than $1 trillion celebrating the holiday season. Stores see heavy foot traffic at this time of year, and between trying to keep up with seasonal demands and worker shortages, it is easy to overlook hazards.
Store slip, trip, and fall accidents in Maryland are common at this time of year and often happen as a result of:
- Wet, slippery floors.
- Damaged flooring or carpeting.
- Narrow aisles and excess clutter.
- Electrical cords or other obstacles in walkways.
- Poor lighting in back aisles, stairways, or parking lots.
These and other hazards increase the risk of slip, trip, and fall accidents. These can cause broken bones, pulled muscles, herniated discs, and other serious injuries that impact you and your loved ones long after the holidays are over.
Who’s Liable For Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in Stores in Maryland?
When slip, trip, and fall accidents in Maryland happen due to the negligence of others, you have the right to hold them liable for your losses. However, determining fault is not always straightforward or easy. Those who may be responsible include:
- The store owner or manager, for failing to inspect or clean hazardous areas.
- An employee, for failing to report or correct dangerous conditions.
- A property management company if they’re responsible for maintenance.
- A cleaning or refrigeration contractor, when faulty work or equipment causes the hazard.
- Other customers, if their actions played a role in causing the accident.
To make matters more complex, Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you’re found even somewhat to blame, such as for entering roped-off areas or ignoring posted warning signs, it can jeopardize your rights to compensation.
Protect Your Rights to Compensation. Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Slip, Trip, and Fall Attorneys Today
Retail and grocery store owners struggle to keep up with the demands of the holiday season, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in Maryland. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we protect the rights of injured victims, providing the caring support and skilled legal representation needed to get compensation.
We understand how overwhelming recovery can feel after a serious fall. While you focus on healing, we fight to get you the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim. Request a consultation with our experienced Maryland slip, trip, and fall attorneys today.
Sources:
nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays
mdcourts.gov/data/opinions/cosa/2021/1747s19.pdf
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
