
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland make up some of the most common types of personal injury claims. Whether you trip on an uneven sidewalk, slip on a wet floor in a grocery store, or fall due to poor lighting in a parking lot, these accidents can lead to serious injuries and unexpected medical expenses. Understanding how liability works and what steps you should take to pursue damages is critical in the aftermath of your slip and fall accident.
What Are the Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland can occur in a broad range of places, from shopping malls to office buildings. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors without proper warning signs
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Poorly maintained staircases
- Loose rugs or rugs that aren’t properly secured
- Insufficient lighting in walkways or parking lots
- Snow and ice accumulation that wasn’t properly cleared
Property owners and managers are required to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone gets injured as a result, they may be held liable.
How Do You Demonstrate Liability?
To successfully pursue compensation for slip and fall accidents in Maryland, you must be able to show that the property owner was negligent. This typically involves demonstrating the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The property owner had a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of Duty: The owner failed to meet this obligation through something they did or didn’t do.
- Causation: The breach of duty led to the accident.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm that led to things like medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
One of the most important factors in slip and fall cases is being able to show that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous conditions and didn’t address them in a timely fashion. For example, a store employee mopped the floor but didn’t put out a wet floor sign. 20 minutes later, the floor is still damp, so a customer slipped and fell. In a case like this, the employee should have placed out a sign to warn customers about the floor. They didn’t do so in a timely fashion, which directly led to the accident. As a result, they might be held liable for the slip and fall accident.
How Does Contributory Negligence Complicate Things?
Maryland has a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your accident, you can’t recover damages. This makes it especially important to document the scene thoroughly and avoid statements that might suggest fault on your part after the accident. In many cases, the defense may argue that the hazard was “open and obvious,” so a reasonable person would have avoided it. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help counter this with evidence and expert testimony.
Why Is Legal Representation So Important for Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland?
Slip and fall cases in Maryland can be complex because of the strict contributory negligence laws. An experienced attorney can help with your case by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Organizing and preserving crucial evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if necessary
Having knowledgeable legal counsel increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Partner with an Experienced Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultations are both available to clients.