If you were hurt in a Maryland sidewalk accident, liability will depend on a number of circumstances, including who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety of the property. In most instances, this is generally the home or business owner whose property is adjacent to the sidewalk, not the city, contrary to popular belief. As such, it is in your best interest to reach out to McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. today to discuss the details of your case, including the compensation you may be entitled to as a victim of a negligent property owner. A Prince George’s County personal injury attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For Sidewalk Accidents in Maryland?
In most cases, people may think that their city or municipality is responsible for keeping the sidewalks maintained. However, this responsibility typically falls on the property owner in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland. For example, if you slip and fall on the sidewalk in front of another person’s home, the homeowner may be held liable. The same can be said for stores, restaurants, municipal buildings, etc.
With that being said, it is not always apparent who is responsible for a sidewalk accident, which is why you must reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Additionally, if a weather event occurs, property owners have a specific amount of time to clear the snow and ice from their property for the safety of walkers. If an accident occurs after this allocated time frame, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries.
In Maryland, liability for sidewalk accidents is often dependent on local ordinances, meaning responsibility can and will vary depending on the county or municipality where the incident occurred.
Liability Overview
- Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property
- Local governments are generally only liable under limited circumstances, like public sidewalks without assigned maintenance or sidewalks in front of municipal buildings
- Businesses are required to maintain safe walkways for both pedestrians and customers
- Snow and ice removal laws will change depending on local ordinances
Liability Elements
In order to establish liability for a Maryland sidewalk accident claim, you must show the following:
- A property owner or other responsible entity has a legal duty to maintain safe sidewalk conditions
- A dangerous condition (cracked, lifted, or missing slab) existed
- The property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard
- The hazard was not repaired or addressed within a reasonable timeframe
- The unsafe condition directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a direct result of the injuries
What Steps Should I Take When Pursuing Legal Action?
The injured party is responsible for meeting the burden of proof. Basically, this means that you are liable for providing proof of the negligence that resulted in your accident and injuries. The best way to do this is by remaining as calm as possible and taking the appropriate steps.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Sidewalk Accident
- Call 911. The police can dispatch an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, interview witnesses, keep the premises safe, and more.
- Seek medical attention. It is essential to visit the hospital, your doctor, or a local urgent care facility directly after an accident occurs. This is because you could have sustained a serious injury without realizing it. Also, some injuries do not begin to show symptoms until days or even weeks later. By seeking medical attention, you can also obtain important documentation outlining the origin and extent of your injuries. It is important to ask your doctor for this information.
- Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the dangerous conditions that caused your accident. If someone saw the accident occur, you will want to ask for their name and contact information, so that they can verify your version of events at a later time.
Additional Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
- Surveillance footage of the incident from local homes or businesses
- Maintenance and inspection records of the property
- Weather reports showing the conditions at the time of the accident
- Medical records linking injuries to the accident
- Personal journals detailing symptoms, pain levels, and hindrances in daily life
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Sidewalk Accident in Maryland?
If you are the victim of a sidewalk accident in Prince George’s County or the surrounding area, you may be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of the injuries you face.
Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For
- Medical expenses
- Medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Our firm can help our clients impacted by sidewalk accidents. Do not wait to reach out to a Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer today to discuss your options.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Injury Firm
At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P., our legal team has a strong focus on litigation that seeks just and fair compensation for victims of another party’s negligence. If you need a Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer that handles cases in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, our firm has the resources and knowledge needed to take a case as far as necessary, including to the U.S. Supreme Court. If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact us today.
