Sidewalk accidents can cause serious injuries. If you were hurt in one, it is in your best interest to reach out to McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. today to discuss the details of your case and your legal options. 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 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. 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 it is crucial that you 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.
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 taking the following steps:
- 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.
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 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.
