Everybody falls down at some point. Thankfully, most of us escape with nothing more than a bruise and some embarrassment. Others suffer serious slip-and-fall injuries that result in expensive medical bills, time away from work, permanent disabilities, and even death. When someone else is responsible for a slip-and-fall accident in Frederick, Maryland law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for their losses.
At Trollinger Law LLC, we know just how devastating a slip-and-fall accident can be. Whether you fell while walking in Downtown Frederick, dining at the Westview Promenade, or shopping at your neighborhood grocery store, our legal team can help you seek compensation and accountability for the injuries, medical expenses, and other hardships caused by the incident.
For nearly a decade, our firm has provided dedicated legal representation to the wrongfully injured in Maryland. We focus exclusively on injury cases, with millions recovered for individuals harmed in a range of personal injury matters, including slip-and-fall and premises liability claims. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about the legal options available to you.
Overview of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Frederick
Frederick County is home to many busy shopping centers, as well as popular outdoor areas like Baker Park and the C&O Canal towpath. With so many people moving through these spaces every day, hazardous property conditions can lead to dangerous falls and serious injuries.
Some slip-and-fall accidents occur at private homes, but most of these cases involve claims against negligent businesses, property managers or property management companies, maintenance or cleaning companies, contractors, and public government entities.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Some of the most common causes of slips and falls we see include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks and parking lots
- Loose or torn carpeting
- Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking garages
- Missing or broken handrails on stairs and ramps
- Ice and snow that have not been cleared from walkways
- Cluttered aisles or debris left in walking paths
How Maryland Premises Liability Laws Apply to Slip-and-Fall Cases
Maryland law requires property owners to take steps to keep their premises reasonably safe. Most slip-and-fall accident cases are based on negligence, with injury victims claiming that an owner or another responsible party failed to fulfill their duty to address a dangerous condition or warn others of known hazards.
One of the most challenging parts of a slip-and-fall claim is identifying the liable party. You canāt automatically assume the property owner is at fault. Itās possible that someone other than the owner, such as a landlord or tenant, could be responsible. A slip-and-fall accident attorney in Frederick can review the evidence to determine the liable party(s).
The Importance of Timely Action After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Acting quickly after a slip-and-fall injury can make a real difference in the strength of your case. Unlike a car accident case, where vehicle damage often remains obvious, the evidence in a slip-and-fall injury claim can disappear fast. Spills get mopped up, ice melts, and loose steps get repaired. Video footage may be overwritten, and witnesses may forget key details over time. Weāve seen how important these details can be in the outcome of a legal claim. Reaching out to a slip-and-fall injury lawyer early can preserve critical evidence so that your claim has a solid foundation.
How the Contributory Negligence Rule Could Affect Your Compensation
Recovering compensation in a Frederick slip-and-fall claim hinges on proving that another party is responsible for your injury. However, the state doesnāt let you off the hook easily. Under Marylandās contributory negligence law, you can only obtain compensation if you show that an at-fault party is 100 percent responsible for your injury.
Letās say you were checking a text message while shopping and didnāt notice a recently waxed floor with no warning sign. In this situation, the insurance company might argue that the distraction of using your phone contributed to your injury. If their argument succeeds, you would not recover compensation based on the contributory negligence rule.
Because the stakes are so high, having an experienced slip-and-fall accident attorney on your side is essential. Your lawyer will work to counter unfair arguments and protect your right to recovery.
Types of Compensation Available for Slip-and-Fall Victims
At Trollinger Law LLC, we help Frederick clients pursue compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Ā§ 5-101, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely lose your right to seek compensation entirely. Starting the process early gives your attorney the time needed to thoroughly investigate your claim and pursue a fair outcome on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Injury
What you do after a fall can protect both your health and your legal rights. Follow these tips:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries take days or even weeks to show symptoms.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager. Ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Photograph the scene, including whatever caused your fall, the lighting, and any warning signs or lack of warning signs.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact a Frederick slip-and-fall injury lawyer before speaking with any insurance adjusters.
Why Choose Trollinger Law LLC for Your Slip-and-Fall Case?
At Trollinger Law LLC, our attorneys understand how overwhelming a serious injury can be. Our law firm serves slip-and-fall victims across Frederick and Frederick County with meticulous attention to detail and aggressive advocacy.
Because of our exclusive focus on injury cases, we bring targeted experience, insight, and resources to every claim we take on. We also charge no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case.
When you contact us, firm founder Matt Trollinger will meet with you directly to discuss the details of your situation. You will never be handed off to a case manager, and we maintain an open line of communication from case open to case closed.
With over 300 five-star Google reviews, clients praise us for our personal approach, prompt responses, and compassion. As one client shared: āTrollinger Law is truly a voice for the voiceless and will fight tooth and nail to ensure justice is served! They deserve more than five stars and will recommend them a million times.ā
Contact a Frederick Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Slip-and-Fall Case
If you or a loved one suffered a slip-and-fall injury in Frederick, Trollinger Law LLC is ready to help. Call our law firm today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
