Did you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence in Bethesda, Maryland? The consequences of these accidents can be severe, impacting your health, finances, and quality of life. You deserve to know your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
A Bethesda slip and fall lawyer from Marks & Harrison can help you take the necessary steps to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward with your claim.
What Are the Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Bethesda?
If you got hurt in a Bethesda slip and fall accident, you’re not alone. These accidents are more common than many people realize and can lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences. Below are some typical causes of slip and falls so you can better understand what might have contributed to your injury:
- Wet or slippery floors – If property owners fail to put up warning signs for spills, leaks, or recently cleaned floors or address these hazards promptly, the risk of falls increases significantly.
- Uneven surfaces – Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards, or uneven tiles can easily trip someone. These hazards often appear in older buildings or poorly maintained public areas.
- Bad lighting – Insufficient lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking lots can make it difficult for people to see potential hazards in their path. Poor visibility often leads to missteps or slips.
- Loose rugs or mats – Improperly secured rugs and mats can bunch up or slip, causing someone to lose their balance. This problem is common in entryways and other high-traffic areas.
- Cluttered walkways – Objects left in hallways, on stairs, or in other walkways can easily cause someone to trip, especially in places like office buildings or stores.
- Weather-related hazards – Rain, snow, or ice can create slippery conditions outdoors and in building entryways. Since winter weather can be severe in Bethesda, property owners must take extra care to remove ice and snow promptly to prevent accidents.
- Worn or broken stairs – Stairs in disrepair due to broken steps, loose handrails, or missing anti-slip treads pose a significant risk of slip and fall accidents.
What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging in severity from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. If you recently suffered a slip and fall, you might be dealing with one or more of the following injuries:
- Sprained ankle
- Broken wrist
- Fractured hip
- Torn ligament
- Dislocated shoulder
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Herniated disc
- Broken collarbone
- Knee injury
- Fractured pelvis
- Bruised ribs
- Deep cuts
- Broken arm
- Whiplash
- Facial injury
- Internal bleeding
- Fractured vertebrae
- Dental injury
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a slip and fall accident can be challenging. However, identifying the liable party is a crucial step in pursuing compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several different parties could bear responsibility, such as:
- The property owner – Whether the accident occurs on residential, commercial, or public property, the owner is often responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors and guests.
- A business owner – If a slip and fall occurs in a store, restaurant, or other commercial establishment, the business owner could be accountable.
- A landlord – When an accident happens in a rental property, the landlord could bear responsibility if they neglected to maintain the property appropriately.
- A property management company – A management company that handles day-to-day operations and maintenance could share liability if it fails to keep the property safe.
- A government entity – Government entities could be liable parties in slip and fall accident cases when the accident occurred on public property, such as sidewalks, parks, or government buildings.
- A maintenance contractor – If a third-party contractor responsible for cleaning or maintaining the property does not perform their duties adequately, they could be liable.
- A tenant – In some cases, the tenant of a property could be responsible for maintaining safe conditions in areas under their control, such as inside an apartment or business space.
- An event organizer – If you slip and fall at an event, such as a concert, fair, or conference, the organizers of the event could be liable.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Slip and Fall Accident in Bethesda?
If you get hurt in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, taking the right steps after the incident can make a big difference in your ability to pursue a claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Follow up on all medical treatments and attend all doctor appointments related to your injury. Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses you incur during your recovery.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the area where you fell, including any hazards. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Save any clothing or shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident as evidence.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. Avoid making statements or signing anything from the owner or their insurance company without legal advice.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
What Types of Compensation Could I Receive from a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
Compensation from a slip and fall lawsuit can cover the costs of your injuries and address the other impacts the accident has had on your life. With a successful claim, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Income losses
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of a slip and fall accident to file a premises liability lawsuit. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you could lose the right to take legal action and seek compensation. This strict filing deadline means you should contact a Bethesda personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a slip and fall injures you. They can start working on your claim right away by gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and building a strong case.
Contact a Bethesda Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Ready to take the next step after a slip and fall accident in Bethesda? Contact Marks & Harrison now for a free case evaluation. We’re here to discuss your situation and explain how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
