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Slipping in a grocery store might seem like just an unfortunate accident, but when it results in a serious injury, the financial and physical toll can be overwhelming. We frequently hear from Maryland residents who’ve been hurt in stores like Safeway, Giant, or ALDI and want to know: Can I sue for a slip and fall?
In many cases, the answer is yes. If the store’s negligence caused the dangerous condition that led to your fall, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and more. Here’s what you need to know.
When Is a Grocery Store Legally Responsible?
Grocery stores have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. That includes checking for hazards, cleaning up spills promptly, and warning shoppers of known dangers. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, the store can be held liable under Maryland’s premises liability laws.
Common causes of grocery store falls include:
- Spilled liquids in aisles (milk, soda, oil, etc.)
- Recently mopped floors with no warning signs
- Leaking refrigeration units or produce misting systems
- Loose floor mats or damaged tiles
- Items that have fallen into walkways
If store staff knew—or should have known—about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn you, you may have a valid claim.
What Do I Need to Prove?
Slip and fall cases aren’t always simple, even when the injury is serious. Under Maryland law, you must prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed in the store
- The store knew about it (or should have known)
- The store failed to fix the issue or warn customers
- That failure caused your injury
This is where timing matters. For example, if a bottle of olive oil was spilled moments before you turned the corner and fell, the store may not have had a reasonable opportunity to clean it up. But if it sat for 30 minutes while employees walked by, that’s a different story.
A Word About Contributory Negligence
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If the injured person is even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly, preserve evidence, and speak with an attorney before accepting blame or settling with an insurance company.
What Should I Do After a Grocery Store Fall?
What you do immediately after a fall can affect the outcome of your case. Here are a few steps to protect your rights:
- Get medical care – Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like concussions or soft tissue damage) show up later.
- Report the incident – Tell the store manager what happened and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos – Document the hazard, the scene, and any visible injuries.
- Get witness info – If anyone saw you fall, ask for their name and contact details.
- Avoid giving statements – Don’t speak to the store’s insurer without legal advice.
You don’t need to prove anything in the moment. Just make sure key details are recorded and evidence is preserved.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for both financial and non-financial losses, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Permanent disability or disfigurement (if applicable)
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your life. For example, a fractured hip or traumatic brain injury may require long-term care and support.
Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer Early
Slip and fall claims in Maryland are subject to a strict three-year statute of limitations, but waiting too long can hurt your chances even sooner. Evidence gets lost. Witnesses forget details. The store may clean up the hazard and erase any record of the incident.
An experienced injury attorney can:
- Preserve surveillance footage before it’s deleted
- Obtain internal store records or inspection logs
- Help you avoid common insurance pitfalls
- File a lawsuit if the store refuses to settle fairly
At McGowan & Cecil, we’ve helped injury victims throughout Maryland for decades. We know how grocery store chains and their insurers operate—and we know how to hold them accountable. Contact us today to get started.