Slip and fall accidents are a common premises liability case throughout Maryland. Apartment building lobbies, in particular, experience heavy foot traffic. This constant flow increases the risk of an accident. If you have suffered a slip and fall in your apartment lobby, please read this to learn whether you have grounds for a legal claim against your landlord and how a seasoned Prince George’s County Slip and Fall Lawyer can assist you during these difficult times.
What Are Common Slip and Fall Accidents in MD Apartment Lobbies?
Landlords in Maryland have the power to drastically reduce slip and fall incidents through proactive maintenance and careful attention to recurring dangers. Key hazards leading to falls include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, tracked-in rain, or snow often create slippery conditions. Landlords must use warning signs, install floor mats, and regularly inspect the area to prevent these accidents.
- Damaged or Uneven Flooring: Tripping hazards are often created by fundamental maintenance issues like cracked tiles, torn carpeting, or abrupt changes in surface level. Property owners are responsible for correcting these defects.
- Poor Lighting and Obstructed Paths: Inadequate lighting can hide existing dangers, and clutter or misplaced items can block walkways. Both poor visibility and obstructed paths increase the risk of a fall, and it is the landlord’s duty to rectify these dangerous conditions.
When Can You File a Slip and Fall Claim Against Your Landlord?
Under Maryland’s premises liability law, landlords have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment. This obligation extends to common areas such as lobbies, hallways, elevators, and stairwells. If a landlord or property manager is negligent and fails to meet this standard, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
To succeed in a claim, you must show that the landlord knew or reasonably should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to rectify it within a reasonable timeframe. For instance, leaving a spill unaddressed for days could establish the landlord’s negligence. However, a landlord may not be held responsible if your fall was primarily due to your own conduct.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Slip and Fall in an Apartment Lobby?
In premises liability cases involving a fall in an apartment lobby, identifying the responsible party is crucial. While the landlord is often the primary defendant, liability can extend to other entities. If the building’s operations, maintenance, and safety compliance are handled by a third-party, they may share responsibility for hazards. Outside contractors can also be held responsible if their negligence created the hazard or if they failed ot properly address a known dangerous condition that resulted in your injury.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in My Apartment Building’s Lobby?
Following a slip and fall accident in your apartment building’s lobby, it is crucial to understand the steps you must take ot ensure your health and safeguard your rights. Prioritize your well-being by seeing a doctor right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Certain conditions might not manifest fully at first but can deteriorate later. By seeking medical attention, you will establish a medical record that will link your sustained injuries to the incident.
From here, you must contact your landlord or property manager to report the incident. Ensure you receive a copy of the incident report for your records. If you are physically capable, document the scene. Take pictures or videos of the hazard, the lighting conditions, and the absence of any warning signs. If anyone witnesses the fall, make sure to get their contact information. In slip and fall cases, evidence can disappear quickly, so prompt documentation is critical to the success of your claim.
For guidance and skilled representation, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at McCarthy, Winkelman, & Mester, L.L.P.
