If you have ever slipped and fallen, you know how painful this can be. Accident or not, injuries can happen, and they can be rather serious. This can be the result of slipping on ice outside on a sidewalk that has not been properly maintained, or from tripping on debris left sitting around on the walkway. There are a host of other reasons why people in Baltimore slip and fall, but when you have been injured you need to have your rights protected.
In some cases, the owner of the building or business will do everything they can to make sure you are taken care of. In other cases, however, the other party may refuse to accept responsibility, so you will need to act to make sure that your legal rights are protected. Consider the following questions to help determine if you need professional help in filing your claim.
Who Is Responsible in a Slip and Fall Case?
When injured in such a way, it might be difficult at first to ascertain who is at fault. In many cases, it will come down to specific laws in your state related to liability, while in other situations fault will be much easier to determine. In some instances, there may be multiple parties at fault, such as injuries that occur in an office that is leased from a third party. Often times, the tenant will have the responsibility to protect all people inside the building, while in other situations it might be the building owner’s fault. Regardless, if fault cannot be easily established, or everyone is passing the blame, it might be time to get some legal advice from an attorney in Baltimore.
What Obligations Does a Business Owner Have to Remove Snow and Ice?
One of the more common injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident is caused by ice and snow. Many individuals question if the business is liable in such a situation, and the answer varies by situation. Most laws do not require the owner of a property to remove snow and ice outside the building on a continual basis. Not only would that be impractical, but it would cause an undue burden on the business owner, as well. It is a part of nature, and individuals outside have a reasonable expectation to encounter such conditions wherever they go. If, however, the ice and snow creates an issue unique to the outside of a building, then the owner would have the obligation to get it taken care of before an injury results.
Do I Need To Consult With a Lawyer If I Have Been Injured?
This is best answered on a case-by-case basis, but it is never a bad idea to at least run the situation by a lawyer in Baltimore to determine what possible claims you are entitled to. It is often difficult to prove liability in a slip and fall case, but an experienced attorney can help guide you on this issue.
