Injuries can happen at any time.
A slip-and-fall in a retail store or an accidental injury stemming from poorly maintained elevators or stairs can leave you with a disability – preventing you from returning to work.
If you or your loved one is facing this type of personal injury, you may be entitled to benefits under Maryland’s premises liability laws. To receive the best compensation, you need legal representation from an experienced and devoted premises liability attorney in Maryland.
I will fight to hold the appropriate person or entity responsible and get the right compensation to lessen your physical, emotional, and financial distress.
Premises Liability Cases Explained
Under Maryland premises liability laws, you are entitled to file a premises liability claim if you have suffered an injury on another person or entity’s property. In other words, all property owners must keep their premises safe and free of hazards at all times.
The following three elements must be determined to file for compensation in most Premises Liability cases:
- The defendant must possess the land and be aware of conditions that can compromise its safety.
- The plaintiff has to be a licensee or invitee, which means, the defendant must invite you or willfully allow you to be on their premises. Trespassers are not protected under Maryland Premises Liability laws.
- The defendant must commit negligence, an act of wrongful conduct, or fail to warn the invitees about unsafe conditions – resulting in the injury. This must be proven in a court of law to receive compensation.
Types of Premise Liability Claims in Maryland
In the state of Maryland, the premises liability law covers a wide range of claims arising from the property owner’s negligence, lack of maintenance, or any other dangerous condition.
The most common type of premises liability lawsuits includes the following:
- Slip-and-Fall: As a leading premises liability lawyer in Prince George’s County, I believe slip-and-fall is the most prevalent premise liability claim. It can occur anywhere like a restaurant, supermarket, retail store, etc.
One or more of the following factors may act as a catalyst for the accident.
- Falling or moving objects.
- Uneven or under construction floor surfaces.
- Poorly marked elevation changes.
- Poor lighting and safety tools – like railings and handles.
- Poorly maintained elevators, stairs, and drainage systems.
- Wet and slippery surfaces, both indoors and outdoors.
- Damaged sidewalks and steps.
- Unsafe or poorly maintained rugs, floor mats, tiles, and wooden flooring.
- Any other tripping hazard resulting from the negligence of the property owners or their agents.
- Careless Security: The lack of proper security can lead to theft and violent crimes – like mugging or even rape. As the property owner’s negligence led to these attacks, they can be held responsible for the injuries sustained by you or your loved ones.
- Animal Attacks – Animal attacks can lead to physical and mental trauma, especially for children. If you or your loved one were attacked by someone else’s pet, you can file a claim for rightful compensation.
- Lack of Maintenance – Premises Liability law also extends to injuries resulting from falling debris, poorly maintained elevators, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, shoddy wiring, and more.
- Negligent Supervision – Sometimes property owners and their agents are also required to supervise an activity. For example, the lack of proper supervision in schools, on a playground, or a swimming pool may lead to serious injuries.
What to Do after an Accident or Injury
If you or your loved one was injured on someone else’s property, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately – irrespective of the size of the injury.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, like a store manager or supervisor, if necessary.
- Gather as much information, notes, and eye witness accounts as possible.
- Take pictures and document the accident in detail.
- Call an experienced premises liability lawyer right away.
Call a Prince George’s County Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation Today
Once you have gathered as many details as possible about the accident, call me as soon as you can.
As one of the few Prince George’s County Premises Liability lawyers with real trial experience, I am available 24/7.
You can reach me at 301.377.2158 or via email to schedule a free consultation.
Call me today to learn about your legal options.