Unfortunately, everyone has tripped over something before, and a lot of times, you can walk away from the accident with minor embarrassment. However, some people aren’t as lucky, and hazardous conditions result in devastating injuries that prompt legal action against property owners. If you have sustained injuries while on public property as a result of insufficiently maintained premises, you may be eligible for compensation. With slip and fall accidents being among the leading causes of emergency visits in Maryland, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common causes to mitigate the risks. Please continue reading to learn why connecting with a competent Prince George’s County Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer  is critical for the success of your premises liability claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland?

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. However, the most common cause is wet or uneven walking surfaces. From protruding floorboards to giant potholes on sides and in parking lots, these types of faults can be incredibly dangerous for anyone not expecting them to be there. When surfaces are worn down or broken due to a lack of maintenance, a responsible property owner should immediately address them to keep visitors out of harm’s way. When spills are discovered, it’s imperative to erect proper warning signage to apprise guests of a potentially dangerous situation and mitigate the risk of accidents.

Although it may be a less obvious hazard, property owners must inspect and maintain their property following inclement weather conditions. A puddle of standing water or a patch of untreated ice can result in serious slip-and-fall injuries. Nevertheless, even if a walking surface is in relatively good condition, if someone is unable to see the surface due to poor or no lighting, there is a high risk of slipping or tripping on something hidden. Ultimately, a property owner’s failure to fulfill their basic obligation to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition could potentially result in serious slip-and-fall accidents.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability claim. However, there are exceptions to this time frame, including cases involving minors or when an injury is not immediately discovered. In addition, if you were injured on government property, you will have a much shorter period to file your claim as you are required to inform the municipality that they may be subject to a claim for damages. If you miss the strict legal deadline of three years, you will face the absolute bar of recovery.

At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we understand how complex these matters can be. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined Prince George’s County slip-and-fall accident lawyer who can help you fight for the funds you deserve and need to get your life back on track.