Most sidewalk slip and fall accidents do not result in significant injury. But if you are not so lucky and you are wrongfully harmed in one, you must take action to hold the at-fault party accountable. Continue reading to see how an experienced Howard County sidewalk accident attorney from Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can walk you through the proper steps after encountering a dangerous sidewalk.
Who is the responsible party for a dangerous sidewalk?
Any time an issue arises on a sidewalk that could cause a pedestrian to become injured, the owner of the adjacent property is responsible for rectifying it as soon as they can. The owner could be a private citizen, a business owner, or a government entity. Some of the various conditions that can create a dangerous sidewalk and thus cause a pedestrian to become injured include the following:
- Uncleared weather-related hazards, such as snow or ice.
- Uncleared standing water.
- Uncleared loose debris.
- Unattended hazardous materials.
- Unattended surface issues, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or exposed tree roots.
What steps should I take after encountering a dangerous sidewalk?
If you sustained injuries and damages due to dangerous sidewalk conditions, you are likely entitled to compensation via a premises liability claim. To satisfy this burden of proof, you must take the below steps immediately after your accident:
- Call 911: the police will dispatch an ambulance and conduct an accident report. You should obtain this report later on.
- Capture the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and dangerous conditions that contributed to your accident.
- Collect witness contact information: ask if they have any photos and videos and if they can provide witness testimony later on.
- Seek medical treatment: get treated at the scene and at follow-up appointments. You should obtain all medical documentation and bills later on.
- Contact our firm: reach out to one of the skilled Howard County slip and fall accident attorneys. We should be able to obtain any remaining evidence, such as surveillance footage.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit after a sidewalk accident?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for premises liability claims in Maryland is three years from the date of your accident. However, in some cases, such as when a sidewalk is owned by the state or a municipality, you will only have one year from the date your injury occurred to file a Notice of Claim. Waiting longer than one year will most likely result in you permanently losing your right to sue. For this reason, it is best to speak with one of our attorneys as soon as you can.
Contact Our Howard County, Maryland Firm
If you or a family member has sustained severe injuries in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
