Severna Park, MD Slip & Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are quite common in the Severna Park area. While some might underestimate the severity of these accidents, they can lead to devastating injuries that can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s life.

Often, slip and fall accidents occur because of the negligence of the property owner, who fails to maintain a safe environment for visitors. These accidents can take place in various locations, including restaurants, retail stores, private residences, or even a friend’s house. However, they are responsible for anyz hazardous conditions that lead to your injuries. Our team knows how complicated these cases can be and what it takes to succeed. We can help you gather the evidence you need to show that you were the victim of the property owner or manager’s negligence.

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

How to Establish Fault for a Slip and Fall Accident in Severna Park, MD

Proving fault in a slip and fall accident in Severna Park requires a comprehensive approach that combines various types of evidence. Past violations can indicate a history of negligence, while medical records can document the extent of the injuries suffered. Our slip and fall attorneys know where to find this evidence and can help you obtain it. The following are documents that are useful in proving a slip and fall claim in Severna Park:

Incident Reports

When a slip and fall accident occurs, especially within a business setting, it is standard procedure for the establishment to create an incident report. This document serves as an initial record of the event, detailing when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and any immediate observations about the cause. Bringing any documentation in possession regarding the incident, like an incident report, to the first consultation with our attorneys can prove to be very helpful.

The value of an incident report lies in its immediacy to the event. It captures details that might later be forgotten or overlooked. For instance, if a witness mentioned seeing water on the floor before the accident, this detail should appear in the report and can significantly bolster a claim of negligence.

Business Records

Business records play a pivotal role in establishing fault in slip and fall cases. These documents can include cleaning schedules, repair logs, and correspondence regarding the premises’ upkeep. The presence or absence of such records can shed light on the regularity and thoroughness of the business’s maintenance practices.

For example, if a business claims that it conducts daily cleaning of its floors but lacks the records to prove this routine, this discrepancy can be used to argue negligence. Conversely, if records show that a hazard was reported but not addressed promptly, this can directly establish fault.

Maintenance Records

Closely related to business records, maintenance records provide a detailed account of the care the property receives. Proving that the property where the injury occurred was negligently maintained is often our attorney’s primary goal in slip and fall cases. These records can include contracts with cleaning companies, receipts for maintenance supplies, or logs of repair work.

In cases where a slip and fall was caused by a structural defect, such as a loose floor tile or a broken handrail, maintenance records, or the lack thereof, can be damning evidence. They can demonstrate whether the property owner was aware of the defect and whether they took appropriate steps to fix it.

Surveillance Footage

Perhaps one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in slip and fall cases is surveillance footage. Video evidence can conclusively show the conditions that led to the accident and counter any claims that the victim was at fault. Reviewing settlement amounts in slip and fall cases highlights the importance of concrete evidence in achieving compensation.

However, obtaining surveillance footage can be challenging. Businesses might be reluctant to release video evidence that could incriminate them. Thus, acting quickly is essential, as many businesses overwrite their surveillance footage within days or weeks.

Past Violations

A property owner’s history of violations can be a powerful indicator of negligence. For instance, if a business in Severna Park has been cited for safety violations by the Anne Arundel County Police Department or has faced complaints or legal action for similar issues, this history can establish a pattern of neglect.

In slip and fall cases, demonstrating that a property owner was aware of potential hazards but failed to address them can significantly strengthen a claim. Legal professionals often search public records and news sources to uncover any past violations that could support their client’s case.

Medical Records

Medical records serve as a cornerstone of evidence in slip and fall cases. These documents provide a detailed account of the injuries sustained, the treatment required, and the prognosis for recovery. They not only substantiate the occurrence of the accident but also quantify the physical and financial toll on the victim.

Obtaining comprehensive medical documentation, from initial emergency services reports to ongoing rehabilitation records, is essential. These records help illustrate the direct link between the fall and the injuries claimed, a crucial element in establishing fault and securing compensation.

Witness Statements

Eyewitness accounts can offer invaluable insights into the circumstances surrounding a slip and fall accident. Witnesses might provide details about the conditions that led to the incident, such as the presence of unmarked hazards or the failure of the property owner to address dangerous conditions.

In Severna Park, gathering statements from individuals who were present at the time of the accident, including customers, employees, or passersby, can bolster a victim’s claim by corroborating their account of events. The credibility and relevance of witness statements often depend on their immediacy to the incident and their impartiality.

Photo and Video Evidence

Today, photo and video evidence have become increasingly critical in legal proceedings. Such evidence can capture the exact conditions that contributed to a slip and fall accident, providing undeniable proof of hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.

For incidents occurring in areas with surveillance systems, such as shopping centers or public buildings in Severna Park, security footage can be pivotal. However, it is important to act quickly to secure this type of evidence before it is erased or recorded. Photographs taken by the victim or witnesses immediately following the incident can also serve as crucial evidence, documenting the scene before any changes are made.

Expert Witness Statements

Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or safety engineers, can offer professional insights that illuminate how and why a slip and fall accident occurred. These experts can analyze the available evidence, including photos, videos, and property maintenance records, to determine whether the property owner adhered to industry standards and regulations.

In Severna Park, expert testimony might address issues like the adequacy of lighting, the slip resistance of flooring materials, or the visibility of warning signs. By providing an authoritative assessment of the conditions that led to the accident, expert witnesses can help establish the property owner’s liability.

Our Severna Park, MD Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help

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