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What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses balance due to unsafe property conditions and sustains an injury. These cases fall under Maryland’s premises liability laws, which require property owners to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
Slip and fall accidents often result from hazards that property owners failed to fix or warn visitors about.
Common causes include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors
- Uneven Sidewalks or Parking Lot Surfaces
- Poor Lighting in Stairwells or Walkways
- Torn Carpets or Loose Floorboards
- Unmarked Hazards or Missing Warning Signs
- Ice or Snow Not Cleared in a Timely Manner
Bad weather and neglected maintenance are among the leading causes of preventable falls across Maryland.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls can cause both visible and hidden injuries that may take time to appear.
Frequent injuries include:
- Broken Bones (especially wrists, hips, and ankles)
- Head Injuries and Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
- Sprains, Strains, and Severe Bruising
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) or Chronic Pain
Prompt medical attention and documentation help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Understanding Property Owner Responsibility in Maryland
Property owners have a legal duty of care to maintain safe premises for guests, tenants, and customers. When they fail to correct known hazards or warn about potential dangers, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Maryland law distinguishes between:
- Invitees: Customers or visitors on a property for business purposes.
- Licensees: Social guests or visitors with permission.
- Trespassers: Individuals without permission (limited rights).
The level of duty owed depends on your status at the time of the accident.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Claim
To succeed in a slip and fall case, you must show that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
Key factors include:
- The owner or employees knew about the hazard but failed to fix it.
- The dangerous condition existed long enough that they should have discovered it.
- No warning signs or barriers were used to prevent accidents.
Maryland follows contributory negligence, meaning you cannot recover damages if you are found even slightly at fault. Acting quickly helps preserve your right to compensation.
Evidence That Strengthens a Slip and Fall Case
Building a strong case requires gathering clear and credible evidence.
Helpful documentation includes:
- Photos or videos of the hazard
- Incident or accident reports
- Medical records and doctor statements
- Witness names and contact information
- Maintenance or inspection logs
- Security footage from the property
The sooner evidence is collected, the stronger your claim will be under Maryland’s premises liability laws.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?
Slip and fall victims in Maryland may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages.
Available compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment Costs
- Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Long-Term Disability or Loss of Mobility
A skilled attorney can calculate your full losses and pursue fair recovery through negotiation or litigation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Maryland?
Most slip and fall injury claims in Maryland must be filed within three years from the accident date under the state’s statute of limitations. Some cases, such as those involving government property, may have shorter notice periods. Failing to meet these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Understanding what happens after you file a claim can help ease the stress of pursuing compensation.
Typical steps include:
- Initial Consultation and Case Review
- Investigation and Evidence Collection
- Filing the Claim and Notifying Insurers
- Settlement Negotiations
- Trial Preparation if Needed
Your attorney will handle each stage while keeping you informed and supported throughout the process.
Contact Our Maryland Slip and Fall Attorneys
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere in Maryland, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. The Maryland slip and fall lawyers at McGowan & Cecil, LLC help clients recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today for your free consultation to learn how we can help you pursue justice and accountability.
McGowan & Cecil, LLC is based in Laurel, Maryland, and proudly serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.