Chillum, MD Slip & Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are more serious than people realize. They can cause damage that could take years to heal fully.

In such cases, you should seek legal counsel from our skilled lawyers, who can help you develop a strong case and prove the significance of your injuries. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, the property owner might be liable. However, if the property is rented, the tenant responsible for the property will be the party most likely liable for your injuries. It is crucial to understand the legal implications of your situation and to have the support of a reliable team to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

For a free case consultation with our slip and fall attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Parties that Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Chillum, MD

In Chillum, slip and fall accidents bring to light the intricate web of responsibilities and liabilities involving property owners, business owners and tenants, and maintenance staff. Each party has a role in ensuring the safety of the premises to prevent such accidents. When they fail in these duties, our slip and fall attorneys will be here to help you hold them responsible. The following are parties commonly sued for slip and fall injuries in Chillum:

Property Owners

In Chillum, property owners have a legal duty to ensure their property is safe for those who enter it. This duty extends to both public and private properties and covers a wide range of potential hazards, including slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or any condition that could reasonably lead to a slip and fall accident. The principle behind holding property owners liable is grounded in the notion that they have control over the premises and, therefore, should take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.

Property owners’ liability is often determined by the status of the injured party at the time of the accident. Maryland law distinguishes between invitees, licensees, and trespassers, with the highest duty of care owed to invitees, such as customers in a store.

Property owners must not only fix known dangers but also regularly inspect for potential hazards. However, proving negligence on the part of the property owner can be complex, requiring evidence that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it adequately.

Business Owners and Tenants

Business owners and tenants share similar responsibilities to property owners regarding premises safety. In many cases, especially in leased commercial spaces, the tenant, rather than the property owner, has control over the condition of the premises. For instance, a grocery store leasing space in a larger building is responsible for ensuring that aisles are free from spills and obstructions.

The liability of business owners and tenants is closely tied to the concept of foreseeability. If a business operates in a manner that increases the likelihood of spills or other hazards, it must take proactive steps to address these risks.

Failure to do so can result in liability for any injuries that occur as a result. Moreover, businesses must ensure that their employees are adequately trained to handle such situations, further emphasizing the importance of internal policies and procedures to prevent slip and fall accidents.

Maintenance Staff

Maintenance staff, whether employed directly by a property or business owner or contracted from an external company, play a critical role in preventing slip and fall accidents. Their responsibilities include regular cleaning, prompt attention to spills, proper signage around hazardous areas, and maintenance of walkways and parking lots to prevent hazardous conditions.

Liability can extend to maintenance staff or their employers if their negligence contributes to an accident. For example, if a maintenance worker is aware of a spill and fails to clean it up in a reasonable timeframe or neglects to place warning signs around the area, and someone is injured. As a result, this could form the basis for a liability claim. Documentation of maintenance schedules and protocols can be pivotal in such cases, providing evidence of either compliance with or negligence in duties.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries that Individuals Suffer in Chillum, MD

Slip and fall accidents in Chillum often lead to a wide array of injuries, from fractures and ligament damage to spinal cord injuries. The consequences of these injuries extend far beyond the immediate physical pain, affecting victims’ quality of life, financial stability, and long-term health. While they might seem minor, slip and fall accidents can lead to the following injuries:

Knee Fractures

Knee fractures are a frequent outcome of slip and fall accidents, given the natural reflex to attempt to break a fall with one’s legs. The force of impact can fracture the patella (kneecap), leading to significant pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Treatment might involve surgery, physical therapy, and extended periods of rest, impacting victims’ ability to work and perform daily activities.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage in slip and fall accidents can occur because of direct trauma or as a result of other injuries, such as fractures or dislocations that compress nerves. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain, potentially leading to long-term disability. The complexity of nerve damage requires specialized medical intervention and can result in substantial medical expenses.

Ligament Damage

Ligaments, which connect bones to each other, can be stretched or torn during a fall. Commonly affected areas include the ankles, knees, and wrists. Ligament damage can lead to instability, pain, and a prolonged recovery process, often necessitating physical therapy or surgical repair.

Torn ACL/MCL

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) are crucial for knee stability. A slip and fall can cause these ligaments to tear, resulting in severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by rehabilitation, with recovery times that can extend over several months.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are particularly common among older adults who experience slip and fall accidents, often resulting in the need for surgical intervention and lengthy rehabilitation periods. The impact on mobility and independence can be significant, sometimes necessitating long-term care solutions.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries from slip and falls can range from herniated discs to severe damage that results in paralysis. The location and severity of the injury determine the level of impairment, with some victims facing lifelong disabilities. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive technologies to assist with daily living.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Falls can lead to facial injuries, including lacerations, fractures, and dental damage. These injuries not only require medical treatment but can also have psychological impacts, affecting victims’ self-esteem and social interactions.

Our Chillum, MD Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to speak with our slip and fall lawyers and get your free case review.