Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury claims—and they can happen anywhere. From grocery stores and apartment buildings to public sidewalks and hospitals, unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries that disrupt your life.
At The Bishop Law Group, our Baltimore slip and fall lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a fall can take. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers fight for victims of negligence and help them recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Where Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen?
Slip-and-fall injuries can occur in virtually any setting. Some of the most common locations include:
Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
Spills, wet floors, cluttered aisles, and poor lighting are frequent hazards in high-traffic commercial spaces. If store employees fail to clean up or warn customers, the business may be liable.
Apartment Complexes and Rental Properties
Broken stairs, icy walkways, and loose handrails are common in residential buildings. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain safe common areas. If they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for injuries.
Office Buildings and Schools
Slip hazards in these environments include torn carpeting, exposed cords, and crowded hallways. In schools, children are especially vulnerable due to running or playing in unsafe areas.
Hospitals and Nursing Homes
These facilities serve vulnerable populations, especially older adults. Falls may result from slippery bathroom floors, cluttered hallways, or inadequate supervision. Nursing homes are particularly high-risk due to mobility issues among residents.
Public Sidewalks and Parks
Uneven pavement, potholes, ice, and debris can cause falls in outdoor public spaces. Municipalities may be responsible for maintaining sidewalks and park paths, and failure to do so can result in injury claims.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Baltimore, call (410) 390-3101
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents are often preventable. They typically result from hazardous conditions that property owners or managers fail to address. Common causes include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, and tracked-in rain or snow can create dangerous conditions.
- Uneven Flooring or Pavement: Cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, and abrupt changes in flooring can cause trips and falls.
- Poor Lighting: Dim or flickering lights in stairwells, basements, or hallways make it hard to see obstacles.
- Loose Rugs or Mats: Unsecured rugs or mats can slide or bunch up, creating trip hazards.
- Cluttered Walkways: Boxes, cords, and furniture left in walking paths can obstruct movement.
- Broken Steps or Missing Handrails: These hazards are especially dangerous for older adults or those with mobility issues.
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Who Is Legally Responsible for a Slip-and-Fall Injury?
Determining liability in a slip-and-fall case depends on who owns, controls, or maintains the property where the accident occurred.
Property Owners
Owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If someone falls due to a dangerous condition that the owner knew—or should have known—about, they may be held liable.
Business Operators
In commercial settings, the operator (such as a store manager or franchisee) may be responsible for maintaining safe conditions, even if they don’t own the property.
Landlords
Landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas in rental properties. If a tenant or guest is injured due to poor maintenance in these areas, the landlord may be liable.
Tenants
Tenants may be responsible for injuries that occur inside their rented space or on property they control. For example, if a tenant leaves clutter on their porch and someone trips, the tenant—not the landlord—may be liable.
Government Entities
If a fall occurs on public property, such as a city sidewalk or government building, a government agency may be responsible. However, claims against government entities require special procedures, including filing a notice of claim within a specific time frame.
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Maryland Law and Slip-and-Fall Claims
Maryland law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. This includes inspecting their property, fixing hazards, and warning visitors about dangers. The level of responsibility depends on the type of visitor:
- Invitees (e.g., customers): Owed the highest duty of care.
- Licensees (e.g., social guests): Owed a moderate duty of care.
- Trespassers: Owed minimal duty, except in cases involving children.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. If the injured person is even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes slip-and-fall cases especially challenging.
For example, if you were distracted by your phone and didn’t notice a warning sign, a court may say you contributed to your own injury—even if the property owner was mostly at fault.
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What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a fall, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
- Take photos of the area where you fell, including any hazards.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Save your shoes and clothing as evidence.
- Contact a Baltimore slip and fall attorney to discuss your options.
Slip-and-Fall Statistics
Slip-and-fall accidents are a serious public health issue:
- Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the U.S., with over 8 million visits annually.
- According to the CDC’s Facts About Falls, 1 in 5 falls causes serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma.
- Older adults are especially at risk: Over 300,000 seniors are hospitalized each year for hip fractures caused by falls.
- The total medical cost for fall injuries in the U.S. exceeds $50 billion annually.
Why Choose The Bishop Law Group for Your Slip-and-Fall Case?
At The Bishop Law Group, we understand how a sudden fall can change your life. Our slip and fall lawyers in Baltimore have extensive experience handling slip-and-fall cases and navigating Maryland’s complex contributory negligence laws.
What We Offer:
- Free consultations to evaluate your case
- No fees unless we win
- Aggressive representation against property owners, businesses, and insurers
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation
- Local experience in Baltimore courts and Maryland law
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Emotional distress
Contact The Bishop Law Group’s Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with a slip and fall attorney in Baltimore, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
