Were you injured in a slip and fall accident in Lanham, MD? Slip and fall accidents are among the most common reasons for filing personal injury claims. Falls can happen anywhere to anyone. If a property owner or other party is responsible for the fall, you may have a claim against them for your injuries and damages.
The victim has the burden of proof in a premises liability claim. If you cannot prove all the required legal elements, you cannot recover compensation for your damages.
Our injury attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers have over 125 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. We have recovered millions for our clients in trial verdicts and negotiated settlements. Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with our Lanham slip and fall accident lawyers. We are available 24/7 to take your call at (301) 936-0011.
How Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers Can Help You With a Slip and Fall Claim in Lanham
Maryland property owners have a legal duty of care to maintain their property in a safe condition for guests and invitees. They must ensure their property meets state and local safety ordinances. Additionally, they may have a duty to ensure they correct problems and/or warn people about the hazards that exist on the property.
Premises liability claims are complex personal injury cases. Proving liability in Lanham, Maryland can be challenging. You need experienced attorneys who understand that law to handle your case.
When you hire our top-rated Lanham premises liability attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, you can trust we have the skills, resources, and knowledge to handle your case. You can expect us to:
- Investigate your slip and fall accident to determine how you were injured
- Identify all parties who could be liable for your damages
- File claims and handle all matters related to your claims
- Document damages to determine how much your slip and fall claim is worth
- Work with leading expert witnesses as necessary to build a strong case
- Defend you against allegations of contributory fault
- Aggressively pursue fair settlement agreements
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if that is the best way to protect your interests
Numerous companies have given our attorneys awards and recognition for their legal services, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. We have also received recognition from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction, and Expertise.
Call Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Lanham personal injury lawyers.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Lanham, MD?
At Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, we do not want you to worry about how to pay an attorney for a slip and fall case. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any upfront fees to hire our law firm. Instead, we are only paid after we win your case and recover money for your damages.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
People slip, trip, and fall for many reasons. Our attorneys handle all types of claims, including falls on government, commercial, residential, and business property. Reasons for slip and fall accidents include:
- Uneven surfaces
- Exposed wiring and cords
- Clutter and debris in walkways
- Liquid and spills on the floor
- Broken and damaged flooring
- Snow or ice on surfaces
- Defective or faulty design
- Slick and slippery floors
- Poor construction quality
- Lack of warning and signage
- Broken and cracked sidewalks and pavement
After a fall, report the accident to the property owner or other party responsible for the property. If possible, take photographs and make a video of the accident scene, including what caused your fall. Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information to give to your attorney.
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries and Impairments
Insurance companies often treat slip and fall cases as “minor” injury claims. However, falls can cause traumatic injuries. Common injuries from a slip and fall include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Paralysis
- Joint damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
It is crucial that you seek prompt medical treatment after a slip and fall accident. You need to document your injuries to prove the fall caused them. Delays in medical care could cause problems in a personal injury case. The insurance company may allege that you were not injured or your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Proving Liability for a Slip and Fall Accident in Lanham, MD
If you fall on another party’s property, you must prove the legal elements required for liability in a slip and fall case. You must be able to prove:
- Duty of Care: The property owner or other party responsible for the property had a duty to maintain safe premises, including correcting hazards and posting warnings.
- Hazardous Condition: A hazardous condition existed on the property, and the owner knew or should have known about the condition.
- Breach of Duty: The owner failed to correct the hazard or post adequate warnings to prevent injuries.
- Causation: The dangerous condition was the direct and proximate cause of your injuries.
- Damages: You sustained injuries and incurred losses and other damages because of the slip and fall accident.
Evidence used to prove a slip and fall accident claim includes medical records, the victim’s statement, eyewitness testimony, photographs, videos, and physical evidence from the accident scene. Your attorney can investigate the accident to gather evidence proving your claim. They may sometimes work with experts to obtain additional evidence supporting your claim.
How Much Is My Lanham Slip and Fall Accident Case Worth?
The courts cannot undo the harm caused by a slip and fall accident. However, they can hold a property owner liable for damages if the owner was negligent in causing the victim’s injuries. Damages are the remedy the court offers to make the victim “whole again” after a slip and fall accident.
Economic damages reimburse victims for monetary losses and expenses associated with the slip and fall. Examples of these damages include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitative therapy and care
- Lost wages and benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Nursing and/or personal care
In addition to financial losses, victims can seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. Examples of these damages include:
- Impairments and disabilities
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
The value of your damages depends on the factors in your case. For instance, the type and severity of the injuries caused by the slip and fall affect the value of damages. Catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities generally increase the value of damages. Likewise, the cost of medical treatment and the time out of work increase how much your case is worth.
Our accident attorneys carefully analyze each factor in your case to determine how it impacts the value of damages. We work to maximize your settlement amount to put as much money in your pocket as possible.
Can I File a Slip and Fall Accident Claim if I’m Partially to Blame?
Unfortunately, Maryland is one of the four states that apply a pure contributory negligence standard in personal injury cases. Even if the other party in a personal injury case is 99% at fault, the victim is barred from receiving damages because they are 1% at fault.
Therefore, never admit fault for a slip and fall accident without speaking to an attorney. Do not make assumptions about fault for the accident or say things that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Generally, it is best to allow your attorney to handle all communications with insurance adjusters and other parties.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. You must file a lawsuit within three years of the date of your slip and fall accident. If you do not file a lawsuit before the deadline, you could lose the right to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your injuries.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations and the circumstances of your case could change the statute of limitations for a slip and fall lawsuit. Call our office today to speak with an attorney to avoid missing filing deadlines.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lanham Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Slips, trips, and falls are serious personal injuries. A fall can cause permanent impairment and long-lasting complications. If you were injured in a fall, call Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers to schedule a free case review with a Lanham slip and fall accident lawyer.