If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, can they blame the weather for your accident and your injuries? They can try to, but a Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer will not make it that easy. We do not care what the weather looked like that day. If you were injured and you believe that the negligence of a property owner was to blame, we are ready to help you hold them accountable.
What Are Some Common Slip and Fall Hazards?
A property owner is supposed to keep their property free from hazards that could hurt people. Not all of them take the time and effort needed to maintain a safe environment for everyone. When someone gets hurt due to an issue or danger that the property owner should have known about, they need to be held accountable. Common slip and fall hazards include:
- Wet floors
- Icy sidewalks
- Broken walkways or stairs
- Exposed wiring
- Poorly lit entryways, exits, or stairways
- Stairs without handrails
Any of these hazards can easily cause someone to fall and hurt themselves. Many of them can also be made worse by poor weather conditions.
Can Weather Make a Property Even More Dangerous?
Inclement weather, like rain storms and snow, can easily make a dangerous walkway or stairwell even more dangerous. People come into a store or business, tracking water with them the entire way. Maybe a ceiling leaks due to the rain, causing a puddle and slipping hazard to form. A property owner might try to argue that they did their best, but there was no fixing these dangerous situations and they are not to blame for any customers who got hurt.
Is a Property Owner Still Responsible if Weather Contributes to a Slip and Fall?
The property owner is still likely to be seen as responsible if someone gets hurt on their property though. If they know that the ceiling leaks when it rains, then they should set up a wet floor sign and a bucket in the aisle so that customers do not have to avoid a puddle. They can put extra door mats near the entrances and exits, making it easier for customers to dry their feet and making it less likely that they will track water through the store. Doing nothing and blaming the weather just is not acceptable.
How Can an Attorney Help?
You do not have to pursue compensation on your own. A personal injury lawyer from our team can do a lot to help you with your case, including:
- Gathering evidence
- Handling all communications on your behalf
- Calculating fair compensation
- Reminding you about important dates and deadlines
- Answering your questions
- Preparing you for testimony
Talk to Our Legal Team
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should get the legal process started as soon as you can. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, L.L.P. to schedule a free consultation. We can tell you more about your legal options and what your case might be worth.
