Should You File a Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawsuit?

If you’ve been severely injured in a slip-and-fall accident, your biggest concern immediately following the incident will likely be your health and recovery.

As the personal and financial impact of your injuries starts to become apparent, however, you might wonder how you’ll pay the medical bills, recoup lost wages, and deal with the other after-effects of the incident. If the negligence of a property owner, property occupant, business, government agency, or someone else caused your injury, you could be eligible to take legal action to seek fair compensation. Contact us today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Cohen & Dwin, P.A., is here to guide you.

What Is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident happens when you slip, trip, or fall due to a hazard, such as a patch of ice or spilled liquids on the floor. It may take place in a store, at work, in a private home, on the sidewalk, or on other property types.

Slip-and-fall accidents can result in severe injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Injury to the neck, back, and spinal cord
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Abrasions and contusions
• Hip, leg, and knee injuries
• Wrist and hand injuries

Elements of a Maryland Slip-and-Fall Claim

To prove a slip-and-fall accident claim in Maryland, first, you have to show that the owner of the property where the accident occurred owed you a duty of care. If you were on the property legally, the owner can be held liable for your injuries if you meet certain legal standards. In certain circumstances, trespassing children may be able to bring a claim.

The next step is to establish that the property owner is liable for your injuries. To do that, you’ll need evidence demonstrating that the owner was negligent in some way. This is a bit easier for accidents at commercial properties, as property owners owe a higher duty of care to customers. Commercial property owners must be aware of hazards on their property and either promptly rectify them or make sure all guests are adequately warned of the potential danger.

For accidents that occur on private property, the standard is somewhat harder. In these cases, the owner is only liable if they knew about the hazard or reasonably should have known about it and failed to provide adequate warning. Just because this is a more demanding standard to meet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue compensation, but it’s something you’ll want to discuss with your lawyer.

Finally, you’ll need to demonstrate that you suffered a physical or financial injury due to the slip-and-fall accident. This is where medical records and other evidence can be used to show what the accident has cost you.

How to Tell If You Have a Slip-and-Fall Claim

The best way to tell if you might have a case for a slip-and-fall accident lawsuit is to determine what caused the accident and who might be responsible. If you slipped and fell because of the property owner, manager, or other party’s negligence, you might have a valid legal claim.

Types of Slip-and-Fall Cases

Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Spilled food or liquids
• Wet bathroom floors
• Uneven or poorly maintained sidewalks
• Rain, snow, or ice on sidewalks, parking lots, or entryways
• Uneven flooring
• Loose carpeting
• Stray cords

Compensation for Your Slip-and-Fall Case

With help from the right legal team, you can potentially claim compensation for things like:

• Medical bills
• Missed wages and diminished ability to work
• Replacement of damaged or destroyed property
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and reduced quality of life

What to Do After a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident

• File a written report with the property owner or manager.
• Save whatever evidence you can from the scene (photos, contact information for potential witnesses, etc.).
• Preserve your shoes and other clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident. Do not wash or clean them off. Store them in a safe place.
• Seek prompt medical treatment.
• Talk to a slip-and-fall accident lawyer.

If you have additional questions about slip-and-fall accidents and your rights, the Maryland injury attorneys at Cohen & Dwin, P.A., are ready to answer them. Call our office or fill out our contact form to get a free case review.