Proving Liability For Winter Slip and Fall Accidents In Maryland
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland pose a significant threat during the winter months and can leave victims suffering potentially debilitating personal injuries. Unfortunately, they often happen in public places and negligence on the part of the property owner is frequently to blame.
Our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys hold negligent property owners liable for medical bills, lost earnings, and other costs associated with slip and fall injuries. Find out more about how these accidents happen and how to prove the property owner is liable.
Slip and Fall Accidents In Maryland Common During Winter Months
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, falls are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They send close to 25,000 Maryland residents to hospital emergency rooms each year and cause personal injuries that impact them and their loved ones for years after.
Snow, ice, and other common yet treacherous conditions increase the likelihood of slips and falls in Maryland over the winter. They often happen due to:
- Icy sidewalks and parking lots;
- Wet, slippery floors;
- Lack of non-slip mats at entrances and exits;
- Lack of warning signs, alerting visitors to potential risks.
Fall injuries in Maryland often occur in public places, such as stores, restaurants, office buildings, and apartment complexes. When a negligent property owner is to blame, you have the right to hold them liable for losses you suffer as a result.
Proving Liability in Maryland Slip and Fall Accident Claims
Property owners are legally required to maintain and ensure the safety of the premises, which includes addressing hazards like winter snow and ice. Not doing so and failing to warn visitors to the property of potentially dangerous conditions can leave them liable for personal injuries that happen as a result.
Under the Maryland Code, you have up to three years to file a claim. This may seem like a long time, but it allows for the often lengthy process of gathering evidence and negotiating with property insurers before filing a lawsuit. Common types of evidence that can help prove liability include:
- Accident reports, which provide details about what happened and the accident scene;
- Any photographs and videos you took in the aftermath, documenting hazardous conditions and the extent of your injuries;
- Statements from witnesses who can confirm what happened;
- Footage from nearby surveillance cameras;
- Maintenance records, providing documentation of the property owner’s failure to provide proper upkeep;
- Medical records documenting your injuries and detailing your prognosis for recovery.
To Get Compensation For Winter Slip and Fall Accidents, Contact Our Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents in Maryland that happen during the winter months can leave you suffering personal injuries that impact you long afterward. While you focus on recovery, Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP gathers the evidence needed to hold property owners liable in a claim. To get the compensation you are entitled to, give us a call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with our Maryland personal injury attorneys.
Sources:
umms.org/ummc/-/media/files/ummc/health-services/shock-trauma/center-injury-prevention-policy/monthly-message/2019-fall-prevention-fact-sheet.pdf?upd=20190419165151&la=en&hash=7FC5C4E9AF513FF1BCF4A97DFCAB9E5F9307BB8E
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-101
