There are a staggering number of accidents that occur on properties every day, and many are the fault of the property owner. When injured because of a dangerous property condition that a homeowner should have known about and remedied, it’s imperative to understand what you can do to prove they had knowledge of the hazard. The following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and how Baltimore County slip and fall attorneys can help you prove negligence and recover the compensation you deserve.
What Kind of Hazard on a Property Can Cause Injury?
Unfortunately, there are a number of hazards on commercial and residential properties that can lead to injury. Generally, tenants, employees, and even those walking by can fall victim to dangerous conditions on someone’s property. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Unsafe sidewalks (tree roots lifting the walkway, uncleared snow and ice, etc.)
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken locks or inadequate security
- Damaged stairs
- Structural issues within a building
- Faulty wiring
- Uneven flooring
- Uncleaned spills
- Attractive nuisances
- Loose animals
These accidents can cause a myriad of injuries, from broken bones and brain injuries to electrocutions and infections.
What Steps Can I Take to Hold a Property Owner Liable?
If you try to hold a property owner responsible for their negligence, they will most likely claim they were unaware of the hazard or condition on their property. However, you may be able to prove they were aware or should have been aware of the unsafe conditions.
The first is to prove there was a code violation. For example, if your child was injured due to a swimming pool without a fence, this is not only an attractive nuisance but a code violation as Maryland law requires a barrier around pools deeper than two feet. Similarly, if you are injured because you were walking downstairs in a building that was too steep, you may be able to prove the owner is liable because the stairs were not up to code.
You may also be able to rely on security camera footage and photos taken prior to the accident that shows the hazard was there and existed for a while, further proving that the homeowner knew about or should have known the condition posed a risk. Additionally, witnesses may be able to help prove they also saw or pointed out the conditions to the appropriate party.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me During this Process?
If injured due to the negligence of a property owner refusing to remedy an issue on their land, it’s in your best interest to contact a lawyer. Not only can they help you take the correct steps to file a lawsuit, but they will fight for the compensation you deserve when you’ve sustained injuries at the hands of another.
When you’re hurt, the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi are ready to help. Our Maryland-based firm has helped others across the state recover the compensation they deserve. As such, we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during these challenging times.
