Maryland Accident Law Firm
Let Us Handle Your Slip and Fall Case With Care
A slip and fall accident can be much more severe than a stumble and a few scrapes. Slip and falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in the United States. Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime and can have life-changing consequences. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury, you need skilled and committed representation. Slip and fall injuries can be physically and emotionally painful, as well as financially draining. It is critical to consult with an experienced and passionate slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable lawyer can review your case and discuss your best legal options.
Contact us today to discuss your case with a slip and fall lawyer. We proudly serve clients in the Baltimore metropolitan area, throughout Maryland, and Virginia.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses traction or stumbles, causing a fall to the ground. Slip and falls involve an object or circumstance that caused the fall, such as a slippery floor or broken handrail. Dangerous falls can occur on a single level, from one level to a lower level, or down several floors or flights of stairs. Injuries resulting from slip and falls range from minor to severe and in some cases, can even be fatal.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Residential and commercial property owners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably clear of hazards and safe for visitors. When property owners fail to inspect their premises, repair dangerous conditions, or warn visitors about known risks, it puts pedestrians, workers, shoppers, and other guests on the property at risk of a slip and fall.
The following are parties who may be liable for a slip and fall:
- Private property owners
- Commercial property owners
- Maintenance companies
- Repair shops
- Retail businesses
- Government entities
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur in Baltimore?
Slip and fall accidents can happen in many places throughout the busy Baltimore metropolitan area. Slip and fall accidents commonly occur in the following areas:
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Stairways and steps
- Escalators and elevators
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Retail shops
- Job sites
- Schools
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Baltimore?
Whether a slip and fall occurs at a shopping mall or your neighbor’s house, property owners at any location can be held responsible for resulting injuries. Many hazardous conditions can cause a slip and fall accident in Baltimore, including:
- Accumulated ice or snow
- Wet or slick floors
- Torn or bunched-up carpets
- Uneven floors or tiles
- Broken steps or stairs
- Insufficient lighting
- Debris in aisles or pathways
- Missing or broken handrails
What Are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and falls can result in a wide range of injuries. Many slip and fall injuries require ongoing medical treatment and time missed from work. The following are common slip and fall injuries:
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are examples of soft tissue injuries.
- Brain and head injuries: When a person hits their head on the ground or another hard surface, it can lead to a brain or head injury.
- Cuts and abrasions: Cuts and scrapes on the legs, arms, and head may require cleaning or stitches.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: A serious slip and fall can cause the spinal cord to become severed, stretched, or compressed and result in partial or total paralysis.
- Broken bones: Broken bone injuries range from minor fractures to severe breaks that may require surgery.
What Compensation Can I Recover for Injuries From a Slip and Fall?
Depending on the nature of the accident and the extent of your injuries, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Compensation you may be able to recover for slip and fall injuries include:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Costs for ongoing care
- Rehabilitation and therapies
- Medical devices and home alterations
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
If the slip and fall led to a preventable death, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed on behalf of family members.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall in Baltimore?
Your health and safety are always a priority after a slip and fall accident. First, you should seek immediate medical attention, even without apparent injuries. Some serious injuries do not appear right away or can only be detected by a medical professional.
Other important steps to take include:
- Report the accident: Notify the property owner or occupier of the slip and fall premises. You can also call the police to complete a formal accident report.
- Take photographs: Use your phone to take pictures of where the slip and fall occurred. You should also try to take pictures of your physical injuries.
- Exchange contact information: If there were any witnesses to your slip and fall accident, get their contact information.
- Maintain documentation: Keep copies of police or accident reports and medical records.
- Follow your doctor’s orders: It is crucial to continue going to appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery.
- Contact a lawyer: a Baltimore slip and fall lawyer can explain your legal options and protect your rights.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Slip and Fall Case?
Despite the legal requirement that property owners keep their premises reasonably safe, countless slip and falls accidents with devastating outcomes happen yearly in the Baltimore metropolitan area. It is important to have an experienced slip and fall lawyer to protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, whether someone you know or a business owner, you can pursue compensation to cover your financial and emotional losses. A determined slip and fall lawyer can file claims against the individual, company, or government entity that owns or controls the property on which you were injured.
Other ways a slip and fall lawyer can help with your case include:
- Take care of all details of your slip and fall case from start to finish.
- Investigate the accident.
- Gather evidence, such as video footage, accident scene photos, inspection reports, and eyewitness statements.
- Identify negligent property owners responsible for your slip and fall accident.
- Investigate tenant and other third-party liability.
- Evaluate all available insurance policies.
- Calculate the potential value of your Baltimore slip and fall claim.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
- Face up against opposing counsel.
- Be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Our Maryland Slip and Fall Lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm Fight For Justice and Maximum Compensation
Our Maryland slip and fall lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm are committed to providing experienced representation. We can help you fight for justice and the compensation you need for your losses. If you or someone you love was injured in a slip and fall accident, fill out our online form here. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland and northern Virginia.