How Can I Hold A Property Owner Liable for My Slip and Fall?

If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, you’ll need to prove that they were negligent in some way. Not every slip and fall is the property owner’s fault. You’re unlikely to get compensation if you don’t have proof that the individual or business somehow caused your injuries. A property owner can be held responsible if they created the circumstances that caused the accident. They may also be liable if they knew about a dangerous condition but failed to rectify it. If the situation existed for so long that they should have known about it, they may also be made to pay damages. Your slip and fall accident lawyer in Maryland will use the available evidence to show that one of these situations led to your injuries. There are two ways in which you can seek to recover your losses. One is to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. The other is to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will advise you on what’s the best option in your case. It’s possible that they may recommend filing a lawsuit but trying to settle the matter out of the court at the same time. Most slip and fall cases are settled without the matter ever going to trial. This is usually in the best interest of all the parties involved. No wants to endure a lengthy court case so a lawsuit is usually the last resort.

What Do to After a Slip and Fall Accident

Your Maryland slip and fall attorney will play a major role in the success of your claim. However, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself. In the immediate aftermath of your fall, there won’t be a lawyer around so you need to know the steps to take. You may be hurt and embarrassed after your fall, but you need to keep your wits about you. That way, you can gather the evidence you’ll need to support your claim. If you suffer a slip and fall accident, you must:
  • Ascertain why you fell. Identify spills, loose tiles, uneven pavements or any other dangers.
  • Look for eyewitnesses. If you fell at the grocery store or in a parking lot, someone may have seen what happened. Ask them for their contact details so they can give their account of the incident.
  • Take photos and videos of the conditions that led to your fall. Someone usually comes to rectify the situation or place cones around the area so you should move quickly.
  • Report the fall to the person in charge of the property. If they give you a form to fill out, be sure you get a copy for your records. Similarly, if they ask you to write an account of the incident, make a copy for yourself.
  • Go to the doctor immediately. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, you need to seek medical attention. Otherwise, you won’t have any proof that the fall caused your injuries. The doctor’s report will be an important part of your claim, so you need to ensure you get one.

Things That May Impact Your Slip and Fall Case

Two factors that will influence your case are the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits and the contributory negligence principle. In Maryland, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t act within the time limit, you won’t be able to seek damages through the courts. It may seem like you have lots of time, but you need to allow time for negotiations. As noted earlier, the lawsuit will be a last resort. Meanwhile, the contributory negligence doctrine will bar you from getting compensation if you were in any way responsible for your injuries. You can, therefore, expect the other party to shift the blame on you. They may say you fell because you weren’t paying attention or you were trespassing. They may also argue that you should have known the conditions were dangerous. You will need an experienced lawyer to help you prove that you had no role to play in what happened. This isn’t always easy.

Reach out to Pinder Plotkin LLC Today for A Free Consultation

If you want the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve, reach out to our slip and fall law firm in Maryland. We’ll quantify your losses and help you to fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today and get an expert opinion on your case.
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