Did you slip and fall because of a dangerous condition on somebody else’s property in Silver Spring, MD? If so, you may have a claim to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
For over a century, Marks & Harrison has stood up for injury victims across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Our Silver Spring slip and fall attorneys have the experience to tackle challenging accident claims, backed by a team of former claims adjusters and investigators who help us thoroughly review cases and build compelling arguments for our client’s right to compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Silver Spring slip and fall lawyer, and we’ll tell you what we can do for you at no upfront cost or obligation.
What Are the Common Causes of a Slip and Fall Injury?
Slip and fall accidents typically occur when a property or business owner leaves a hazardous condition on the floor that can cause someone to lose their footing and fall.
Some of the top causes of slips and falls in Silver Spring include:
- Leaking water
- Spilled foods or liquids
- Ice, snow, or rainwater
- Mud or plant debris
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Torn or loose carpeting, rugs, or flooring
- Abrupt transitions between flooring surfaces
- Uneven flooring
- Cords or wires strewn across walking paths
- Potholes
- Broken or missing steps or handrails
What Are Frequent Injuries Resulting from a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall can cause far worse injuries than cuts and bruises. Falling from heights, hitting something while falling, or bumping your head can cause severe injuries like the following:
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle or tendon strains and tears
- Nerve damage
- Spinal disc injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Silver Spring Slip and Fall Accident?
In most cases, a property owner who allows a hazardous condition to develop on their premises will be liable for any injuries a visitor suffers as a result. However, they are not the only parties who could be responsible for slip and fall injuries.
Parties who might bear liability in a Silver Springs slip and fall accident include:
- Residential property owners – A homeowner might bear liability when a person slips and falls due to a dangerous condition on their premises.
- Residential tenants – A tenant may be held responsible for their visitor’s slip and fall within their leased premises.
- Residential and commercial landlords – Building landlords may be liable for a slip and fall accident that occurs in common areas.
- Business owners – Business owners may bear responsibility for a customer’s slip and fall, regardless of whether the business owns or leases its premises, as commercial leases typically make business tenants responsible for maintenance and repairs.
- Government entities – In limited circumstances, a government agency may be held accountable for a slip and fall accident on government-controlled premises, such as a courthouse, post office, town hall, or office building.
- Third-party contractors – Property owners often hire a third-party company, such as a landscaping or janitorial services company, to maintain their property. The contractor may be liable for a slip and fall accident due to the contractor’s negligent maintenance or repair work.
Are Slip and Fall Cases Difficult to Win?
To recover compensation in a slip and fall case, you must prove that someone’s negligence caused the accident. A property or business owner might be responsible for a slip and fall accident if you were injured because they created a hazardous condition or breached their duty to locate and fix hazards. Talk to our Silver Spring personal injury lawyer today.
Your slip and fall case will need compelling evidence to prove their negligence, such as:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Staffing records
- Repair and maintenance records
- Published maintenance policies
- Weather records
- Accident reconstruction expert reports or testimony
How Much Is a Silver Spring Slip and Fall Case Worth?
If you can prove that a property owner or occupier caused you to slip and fall on their premises, you can demand that they compensate you for the harm you suffered.
Compensation for a slip and fall injury may cover the following:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and physical rehab
- Costs of long-term care if you suffer prolonged or permanent severe disabilities
- Lost wages and other income due to missed time from work
- Lost future earning capacity and employment benefits if you become disabled from your job and other forms of work
- Physical pain from your injuries and treatment
- Emotional trauma and distress, including due to reduced quality of life
How Long Do I Have to File a Silver Spring Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit?
Under Maryland’s statute of limitations, you typically have three years to file a lawsuit against a property or business owner responsible for injuring you. However, different deadlines may apply in certain cases. You have limited time to start your slip-and-fall claim, so don’t put your rights at risk by delaying filing. Instead, assert your rights by getting in touch with an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Silver Spring as soon as possible.
Contact a Silver Spring Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, you have the right to seek financial recovery for the harm you’ve suffered. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Silver Spring slip and fall attorney to discuss your legal options. The sooner you do, the sooner we can get started on your claim at no upfront cost to you.
