A slip and fall accident can lead to severe injuries, hospital bills, and missed work. When an accident occurs because a property owner or possessor failed to maintain the property or warn visitors of potential risks, the injured party may have legal grounds to pursue a settlement.
Slip and fall accidents fall under an area of civil law known as premises liability. If you were injured on another person’s property due to negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for damages to cover your injuries and losses.
An Upper Marlboro slip and fall lawyer could guide you through the claims process and advocate for maximum compensation. With the help of an accomplished personal injury attorney at Langford Law, you could secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Accidents
A person may file a premises liability lawsuit on various legal grounds. Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Loose or frayed carpeting
- Broken steps or handrails
- Clutter and obstacles, such as boxes or cords
- Slippery conditions caused by liquids, ice, or snow
- Poor lighting in areas like stairwells, parking lots, or garages
- Defective walking surfaces, such as potholes or damaged walkways, parking lots, or sidewalks
An Upper Marlboro attorney could investigate the property to determine the cause of the slip and fall accident, gather crucial evidence to establish fault, and work toward securing a favorable settlement.
What Is Visitor Status?
Property owners and possessors have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to maintain their property. As highlighted in Davis v. Regency Lane, LLC, No. 1747, when the person responsible for the premises is aware of hazards or potential risks, they must take steps to protect visitors by minimizing the threat. Visitor status guidelines classify people entering properties into three categories: invitee, licensee, and trespasser.
Invitee
People in this category enter commercial properties for business purposes that benefit the property owner or manager. Therefore, the owner owes them the highest level of care and must maintain the area and warn them of any dangerous conditions. Examples include customers visiting convenience stores or malls.
Licensee
Under premises liability statutes, likenesses are individuals who enter a property with permission but for their own benefit. Social guests are an example, and the owner owes them the second-highest level of care. This includes warning them of potential hazards to reduce the risk of injury.
Trespasser
Trespassers are individuals who enter a premises for their own purposes without the land possessor’s permission. While property owners have no legal obligation to protect or warn them of risks, they cannot intentionally create hazardous conditions to harm them.
A proficient slip and fall lawyer in Upper Marlboro could help determine which visitor status applies to an injured individual.
Recoverable Damages After a Slip and Fall Injury
The amount of compensation available to a person depends on the specifics of a case, such as the severity of the injuries, including long-term disabilities. After satisfying the legal requirements to prove liability, the court may award damages for the following:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and ongoing healthcare services
A slip and fall attorney could answer any questions about potential damages and help a person in Upper Marlboro seek total compensation for their losses.
Contact a Seasoned Upper Marlboro Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Tripping, slipping, and falling are common. In most cases, the individual only sustains minor injuries. However, when severe injuries occur because of property owner or possessor negligence, state law allows you to pursue legal action against the responsible party to recover your damages and losses.
A hard-working Upper Marlboro slip and fall lawyer could provide guidance throughout the process and fight for a fair settlement. As a graduate of Howard Law School, Eddie Langford will fiercely advocate for you. Get in touch with Langford Law today to schedule a consultation.
