Determining Liability in Maryland Premises Liability Cases in Waldorf, MD

Attempting to determine liability for a Charles County auto accident can be complex, so you can imagine that premises liability cases can be even more difficult. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible for injuries sustained in an incident that falls under the general premises liability header. This is why it is so important to hire the best Maryland personal injury attorney to help. At the Law Offices of Robert R. Castro, we have years of experience helping Charles County residents with all of their personal injury matters, including premises liability cases.

While every case is different, here is a look at some of some potential scenarios and who might be responsible for reimbursing you for your injuries and other damages.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall cases are some of the hardest to prove and get the responsible parties to admit liability. Part of this stems from the theory of assumption of risk. For example, if you walk across a parking lot that is covered in ice and/or snow and you slip and fall, it is believed that you assumed the risk since you know ice and snow are slippery.

However, if there is no reason to believe there is ice on the ground, like inside a grocery store on a sunny day, it could be a different outcome. In this situation, an unforeseen hazard that may have been known by the store could result in a favorable settlement for the plaintiff.

Elevator and Escalator Sudden Stops

While elevators and escalators are typically reliable and safe, incidents can still happen. Perhaps an elevator suddenly stops or jerks in a manner that jars your body. If it can be found that the elevator or escalator was under the exclusive control of the defendant, and you did not cause the malfunction, then they will likely be held responsible.

Code Provisions Not in Compliance

If you are a renter and your landlord is not in compliance with required codes, it could result in liability against them — even in situations involving arson. If the building was not up to code and an intentional fire set by another tenant caused your injuries and damages, then the landlord cannot rely on the defense that it was an intentional act. The landlord owes his or her tennants a duty. If they breach this duty, it can result in a verdict for the plaintiff.

Inadequate Security

Another common type of premises liability case involves inadequate security. This can be secured in an apartment building, shopping center, another type of commercial building, etc. If a business owner is not aware of problems, the question of liability can be debated. However, if the landlord or business owner is aware of a dangerous condition, then they may be held liable for a failure to provide adequate security.

Hiring the Best Waldorf Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring the right personal injury attorney in Maryland is one of the most important steps in a successful premises liability case. It is imperative that you contact someone right away, as your attorney needs to work on preserving evidence and speaking with potential witnesses while memories are still fresh. Every case can have a different outcome due to the complexity of premises liability matters. Please contact the Law Offices of Robert R. Castro today at 301-870-1200 to schedule a consultation.