If you were injured on a sidewalk as a result of another’s negligence, you may want to consider your legal options. Give our firm a call today to discuss your case with a skilled Prince George’s County personal injury attorney. We are on your side.
Who can be held liable for sidewalk accidents?
Most of the time, people may think that their city or municipality is responsible for keeping the sidewalks maintained. However, this burden generally falls on the property owner. For instance, if you slip and fall on the sidewalk in front of another person’s home, the homeowner may be held responsible. The same can be said for stores, restaurants, municipal buildings, etc. Because of this, it is not always clear who is responsible for a sidewalk accident, which is why it is important that you reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney right away. Furthermore, if a weather event happens, property owners have a clear amount of time to remove the snow and ice from their property for the safety of walkers. If an accident occurs after this allocated time frame, you may be qualified to retrieve compensation for your injuries.
What steps should I take when pursuing legal action?
If you would like to pursue legal action after a sidewalk injury, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, the injured party is responsible for meeting the burden of proof. Essentially, this means that you are liable for providing proof of the negligence that resulted in your accident and injuries. You can best accomplish this 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 assist our clients affected by sidewalk accidents. Do not hesitate to reach out to a Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer today to discuss your options.
Contact Our Firm
If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, L.L.P. today.
