A slip and fall can happen anywhere—at a grocery store, in a parking lot, or even on a neighbor’s property. One moment you’re walking, and the next, you’re on the ground, dealing with pain and uncertainty. Falls like these can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their spaces safe, but when they fail to do so, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we can help you hold them accountable.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen for many reasons, but most are caused by hazardous conditions that property owners should have addressed. Whether in a store, apartment complex, office building, or public space, unsafe environments put visitors at risk. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors – Spills, leaks, and recently mopped surfaces without warning signs can lead to dangerous falls.
- Uneven sidewalks and pavement – Cracked concrete, potholes, and lifted sidewalks create serious tripping hazards.
- Poor lighting – Dimly lit stairwells, parking lots, and hallways make it difficult to see potential dangers.
- Loose flooring materials – Torn carpets, unsecured rugs, and broken floorboards can cause sudden trips.
- Unmarked hazards – Missing warning signs for wet floors, construction areas, or sudden steps can put people at risk.
Bad weather can also contribute to falls, especially when business owners fail to clear ice and snow from walkways. When property owners ignore these dangers, the consequences can be serious.
Common Injuries from Slip & Fall Accidents
If you or a family member has been through a slip and fall accident, you may have medical bills to pay after suffering an injury such as:
- Broken bones, especially wrists, hips, and ankles
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage, which can cause chronic pain or paralysis
- Sprains, strains, and deep bruising
Sometimes, what seems like a minor injury at first can become more debilitating than you first expect. A broken bone often triggers reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a condition that causes excruciating pain and is difficult to treat. A prompt investigation into the causes of the slip and fall accident can help prepare you to file a lawsuit if that becomes necessary.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Claim
To hold a property owner responsible for a slip and fall, we must prove they were negligent. This means showing that they knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it. A key part of any claim is demonstrating that the owner’s inaction directly led to your injury.
Some important questions in these cases include:
- Did the owner or employees know about the hazard but fail to correct it?
- Was the dangerous condition present long enough that they should have discovered it?
- Did they fail to put up warning signs or block off the area to prevent accidents?
Maryland follows contributory negligence rules, meaning if you are found even slightly at fault, you may not be able to recover compensation. Additionally, Maryland law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents. If you do not file a claim within this time, you may lose your right to seek compensation. This makes it critical to act quickly. At McGowan & Cecil, we build strong cases backed by evidence and fight back against unfair blame.
What Compensation Can Cover
A slip-and-fall accident can lead to serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. If a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
- Lost wages – Income lost due to missed work, as well as reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your daily life.
- Long-term disability – Compensation for permanent injuries that affect mobility or quality of life.
Our team works to recover the full amount you deserve so you can focus on healing.
How We Can Help
Handling a slip and fall claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. At McGowan & Cecil, we take the burden off your shoulders by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. Our team reviews security footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to prove negligence and liability.
We also calculate the full extent of your damages, ensuring that medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering are properly accounted for. With our experience in Maryland’s personal injury laws, we fight for the financial recovery you deserve after a serious fall.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Slip and Fall Attorneys
A slip and fall accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and ongoing pain. You shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences alone. Contact McGowan & Cecil, LLC today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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.