Spring has arrived in Baltimore, and it brings the typical rainy trends that support growth and renewal for the next couple of months. Fox Baltimore predicts mild temperatures and sprinkles over the first official week of spring. However, the wet conditions also increase the potential for dangerous slip and fall accidents.
If you suffered injuries through a slip and fall, the failure to manage weather conditions may play a role in your case. It’s crucial to retain a Maryland slip and fall lawyer who can assist, but read on for a helpful overview.
Common Weather-Related Slip and Fall Hazards in Maryland
Maryland experiences various weather conditions that increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.
· Ice and snow create hazardous sidewalks and parking lots, especially when property owners fail to clear them.
· Rain can leave surfaces slick, making outdoor stairs and entryways dangerous.
· Fallen leaves, when wet, pose a slipping hazard.
· Poorly maintained walkways with accumulated ice, puddles, or debris further increase the risk of injury.
How Rain and Wet Surfaces Contribute to Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
Rainy conditions can make both indoor and outdoor surfaces hazardous. Store entrances, sidewalks, and parking lots become slick, leading to a higher risk of falls. Businesses and property owners are responsible for keeping floors dry and providing warning signs for wet areas.
Inadequate drainage or clogged gutters can also create standing water, increasing danger. Victims injured due to wet and slippery conditions may have legal options to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Liability for Weather-Related Slip and Fall Accidents in Maryland
Determining liability in a slip and fall case depends on the property owner’s responsibility to maintain safe conditions. Maryland law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to remove hazards, such as ice, snow, and standing water. If they fail to address dangerous conditions in a timely manner, they may be held liable for injuries.
However, proving liability can be challenging, as weather-related accidents often involve assessing whether the property owner acted negligently. They may have tried to remedy the situation, but their carelessness only made the hazard worse.
How to Prove Negligence in a Weather-Related Slip and Fall Case in Maryland
To establish negligence, the injured party must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take action. Evidence to help demonstrate negligence may include:
· Security footage
· Witness statements
· Maintenance records
· Prior accidents involving slip and fall
Victims should also document the conditions immediately after the fall to gather physical evidence, so take photos and video.
A Baltimore County Slip and Fall Lawyer Will Advise You
Weather may be a factor in a premises liability case, but accidents are always more common when the property owner is negligent. The Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman has decades of experience handling personal injury claims in Maryland, so we understand how to fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call 410.363.6848 or check out our website to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie, MD.
