Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—from grocery stores and restaurants to apartment complexes and office buildings—and often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for guests and visitors, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the harm that results. The Baltimore slip and fall lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP help injured victims throughout Maryland recover the compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Premises Liability in Maryland
Slip and fall claims are a type of premises liability case, which arises when someone is injured due to a hazardous condition on another person’s property. To succeed in such a claim, you must prove that the property owner, manager, or another responsible party was negligent in maintaining safe conditions. Examples of negligence include failing to repair known hazards, neglecting to clean spills, or ignoring building code violations that lead to unsafe flooring or stairways.
In Maryland, property owners are required to take reasonable steps to identify and fix dangers that could harm lawful visitors. When they fail to uphold this duty, victims can pursue compensation for their injuries and related damages.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall incidents can occur in countless ways, often due to preventable hazards. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or cleaning
- Uneven or cracked flooring and sidewalks
- Loose carpets or unsecured rugs
- Poor lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways
- Broken handrails or missing guardrails
- Cluttered walkways or debris left in public areas
These conditions can exist in both public and private spaces, from retail stores to residential complexes. Establishing liability requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to correct it in a reasonable amount of time.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause significant harm, especially for older adults or individuals with pre-existing conditions. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially hips, wrists, and ankles
- Spinal cord or neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Soft tissue damage and sprains
- Severe bruising and internal injuries
These injuries can result in long-term physical limitations, costly medical treatment, and lost income. Our firm works with medical professionals to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and ensure that all damages—both current and future—are properly included in your claim.
Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Claim
To recover compensation in a slip and fall case, it must be proven that the property owner or occupier was negligent. Evidence may include photographs of the scene, witness statements, incident reports, and surveillance footage. It is also essential to document the timing of the hazard, as property owners often argue that the danger appeared suddenly or that they did not have sufficient notice to correct it.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling premises liability claims and know how to anticipate these defenses. We will gather the necessary evidence to show that the property owner’s inaction directly led to your injuries.
Compensation Available for Slip and Fall Victims
Slip and fall victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
• Medical expenses, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving particularly reckless or willful misconduct, additional punitive damages may also be available. Our firm evaluates every aspect of your situation to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the hazard and your injuries, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before consulting with an attorney.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even slightly at fault for your accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to have a skilled attorney who can demonstrate that the property owner was fully responsible for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating your case.
Contact Our Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyers
The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP have decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Baltimore and surrounding counties. We understand the complexities of premises liability law and are committed to securing the compensation our clients deserve after serious falls.
Call 410-779-6160 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
