What Happens When You Slip and Fall in Maryland?

Slip and fall accidents are an incredible problem throughout the country. Here’s what you need to know if you’re injured.

Whether you’re a young athlete or a busy retiree, there’s never a good time to get hurt. Becoming injured is always a stressful experience, and unfortunately, it’s one that can have a long-lasting impact on your life. Becoming injured can take days, weeks, or even months to recover from. If you’re injured in a public place, such as a grocery store or a public sidewalk, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to help you move forward after the accident. You may be swamped with medical bills and unplanned expenses related to your injury. In some cases, you may struggle to deal with the emotional fallout caused by the accident. If you have been hurt, it’s important to understand exactly what your next steps should be. Here’s what you need to know.

First off, remember that the accident was not your fault. In some cases, store managers or owners may react aggressively when they discover you were injured. They may try to get you to accept blame or guilt for the accident; however, remember that you have the right to shop safely and to be in public without becoming injured. If you slipped on a wet floor, fell because of a damaged sidewalk, or tripped over obstacles in the middle of a grocery store aisle, you may be entitled to compensation because of your injuries. The store is obligated to ensure you have a safe way to shop, so make sure you don’t accept personal blame for the injury. The other party may try to argue that you are responsible for the accident; however, your attorney will help argue that the accident was not your fault. A picture is worth a thousand words, be sure you get pictures of the scene so we can properly evaluate your claim. It is also important to look for video cameras to see if the accident may have been recorded or ask the other party if there are cameras present. Make sure you get the names and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed what happened.

It’s important that you seek medical help after you’re injured. Always meet with your doctor as soon as possible. This is one of the first things you should do after the accident happens. Meeting with your physician ensures that your injuries are properly documented. Remember that sometimes, symptoms of an injury don’t appear for a few days or even a few weeks after the accident. This makes visiting your doctor promptly even more important. If your pain levels get worse, your doctor will have a baseline of comparison. You’ll also have legal records showing when the accident occurred.

Additionally, make sure you are completely up-front with your attorney, especially about the timeline regarding the accident. If you don’t know the specific date the accident occurred, for example, don’t guess. Instead, talk with your attorney about ways you can pinpoint the exact date. In Maryland, you generally have three years after an accident occurs to report it. After this time has passed, you will be unable to seek compensation for your injuries due to the accident you experienced. Keep in mind that as time passes, memories fade and evidence tends to become lost, so prompt reporting is essential.

Dealing with an injury isn’t something you need to do alone. Contact our office today for a free consultation.