Property owners have a responsibility to keep their property safe from all kinds of hazards, and they can be legally liable if they don’t. At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our attorneys have had significant success prosecuting these hard-fought cases, in Baltimore and throughout the State of Maryland.
Our Maryland premises liability lawyers can help you understand your rights if you are injured on someone else’s property. Premises liability cases are often complex, requiring in-depth knowledge of the law. Without the help of an attorney, you may not get the recovery you deserve. Contact our office today at (410) 685-2022 for a free consultation.
Slip & Fall Injuries
Premises liability cases often involve slip and fall accidents. Injuries from these accidents can range in severity and may be life-threatening. If you slip and fall at a store, on the sidewalk, or on another person’s property, you might be entitled to compensation.
Common slip & fall injuries:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
In some instances, you may be unsure of the extent of your injuries. It is always in your best interest to be seen by a medical professional immediately after your fall. While fractures and lacerations may be obvious, other injuries may be less apparent. Getting checked out by a doctor can help ensure that you make a full recovery.
Do I Have A Premises Liability Case?
A variety of injuries fall under the umbrella of premises liability. The scenarios we encounter most frequently include:
- Shopping mall and retail store accidents: These often involve severe slip-and-fall cases caused by an unmarked wet floor or walkways that have not been cleared. Broken bones, concussions and other significant injuries can result.
- Animal attacks: An attack involving someone else’s animal is technically a matter of unsafe property. Unfortunately, these incidents often involve children.
- Negligent security: When you are attacked or assaulted, or sexually assaulted in a public space, you may have a claim against the property owner if there weren’t adequate security measures in place.
- Amusement parks: Broken bones, concussions and other injuries can result if you’re hurt on a roller coaster, water slide or another theme-park ride.
This list is not comprehensive, so please contact our lawyers if you have specific questions about your case. We have advocated for clients’ interests after construction site injuries, amusement park incidents, and many other accidents as well.
What to Do if You Were Injured on Someone Else’s Property
If you are injured on another person’s property, you may have a premises liability case. However, without the help of an experienced attorney, you may not get the compensation you deserve. It is important to discuss your case with a Maryland premises liability attorney as early as possible to ensure you understand all of your legal options.
What to do after being injured on another person’s property:
- Notify the property owner or manager of the accident
- Take pictures and videos at the scene
- Seek medical attention
- If you are able, obtain contact information for any eye-witnesses
- Consult with an attorney
You should never sign anything or make any statements without first speaking with a Maryland premises liability attorney. Our lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and determine whether you should pursue a claim for damages.
Obtaining the Largest Slip & Fall Settlement or Verdict
What many people do not realize is that the property owner’s liability will depend on whether you were invited on the property and for what purpose. Just because you were injured on someone else’s property, does not mean that you will receive compensation. For instance, a property owner is generally not legally responsible for injuries to a trespasser unless the harm was intentional.
Furthermore, the amount of compensation can vary depending on the facts of the case. Individuals who were invited onto the property as a social guest (licensee) or as a customer (invitee) will still have to show that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to remedy it or warn people.
The best way to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery allowed by law is by hiring a Maryland premises liability attorney.
Contributory Negligence Laws in Maryland
Maryland is one of only a handful of states that still follows a pure contributory negligence law. What this means is that a person who is found to have acted negligently and thus contributed to their injuries may not recover damages. The law is harsh, stripping victims of their right to receive compensation if they are found to be even 1% at fault.
Insurance companies and negligent property owners may try to blame you for the accident and your injuries. If successful, your claim may be denied. It is imperative that you consult with an attorney as early as possible to determine how to overcome this obstacle and prove your case.
Why You Need an Attorney in a Premises Liability Case
Premises liability cases are notoriously difficult to win without a skilled attorney. Every case is different with unique facts and circumstances that can easily affect the outcome of the claim. An attorney can help you prove your case, including the defenses that a negligent property owner may use to try to limit your compensation.
Damages you may be able to recover in a premises liability case:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A., our lawyers have recovered over $200 million on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and nationwide. We can help you get the justice you deserve if you were injured in a slip and fall or an accident on someone else’s property. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations and will work with you to get the best possible outcome on your case.
Get The Help You Need To Win
Property owners have a lot at stake in cases like these, so they tend to mount incredibly strong defenses against any claims. To win, you will need a seasoned legal team that can convincingly demonstrate the truth of your story.
Contact us as soon as you can to discuss the details. You can reach us through our online form or by email at our Baltimore office: (410) 685-2022.