Most people know to be careful when walking on snowy and icy streets but fallen autumn leaves also pose considerable hazards. This is especially true when they are wet, as this can increase the risk for slip and fall accidents. Certain slip and falls do not cause injuries but others do, leading to serious, long-term consequences.
Outside and Inside Accidents
Sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and outdoor recreation areas can become covered with leaves this time of year, and though they may look lovely, it is important to be careful. Aside from being slick, they can cover up potholes, uneven pavements, and obstacles. This is made even worse at night, when it is harder to see the leaves and what is under them.
Leaves can also be tracked indoors when they are stuck to people’s feet or blown in through doorways and windows. Combined with slush, mud, and other debris, this can present real dangers. If a place of business has people going in and out frequently, it can turn into a mess that might not be cleaned up fast enough to prevent slip and falls.
Slip and Fall Lawsuits
Many slip and fall accidents are caused by situations that could have been prevented, and victims may wish to receive compensation for their injuries. Questions regarding liability and how the damages will be covered are important, and the answers are found once fault is determined.
Many slip and fall accidents result from negligence by property owners, so proving that a defendant did not take reasonable steps to keep their property safe and prevent the accident is paramount. For example, if a driveway or grocery store aisle is not cleared of leaves, a victim could easily get hurt. Owners have certain responsibilities to keep their premises safe for those that use or walk on them. This includes providing enough outdoor lighting or repairing a deteriorating parking lot.
Slip and Fall Laws in Maryland
Slip and fall accident victims may wish to file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, and it is helpful to understand any applicable state laws that might come into play. Maryland follows contributory negligence statutes, meaning that if a plaintiff is found to have contributed to the accident, they cannot receive any compensation from the other party. Common defenses include claims that the victim was not paying attention, was trespassing, or that the hazard was obvious and should have been avoided. It is essential to have solid evidence that the plaintiff was not negligent in any way. Plaintiffs have three years from the date of the accident to file an initial complaint, although there may be some exceptions.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Advocate for Victims Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, the Towson personal injury lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us at 443-589-0150 or complete our online form for a free consultation today. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
