Injured in a Slip-and-Fall in Gaithersburg? Call Sussman & Simcox
Slip-and-fall injuries are common and account for many personal injury accident claims in the state of Maryland. Although they’re often associated with seniors, slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. What many people also fail to realize is how life-changing such injuries may be, as slip-and-falls account for thousands of visits to hospital emergency rooms every year. As personal injury lawyers with more than 40 years of combined experience, Sussman & Simcox has represented many slip-and-fall clients over the years. Below, we’ve examined several of the environments that frequently see slip-and-fall accidents to increase public awareness about this critical issue. If you’ve been involved in a slip-and-fall accident in Gaithersburg or the surrounding areas, request a free initial consultation today!
Sidewalks and Parking Lots Can Be Especially Dangerous Areas
Sidewalks, parking lots, and parking garages can be dangerous due to accidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians. However, poor sidewalk and parking lot maintenance is often the culprit in slip-and-falls. Property owners should make routine inspections for uneven sidewalks or gaps between the sidewalks and parking lot pavement, as well as treacherous cracks and potholes in the asphalt. Sussman & Simcox recently concluded a successful negligence case against a local shopping center that had designed an area of the parking lot so that customers had to enter and exit their vehicle by stepping in the mouth of an adjacent storm drain, leading to a serious ankle injury. Proper lighting is also critical for customer safety and to prevent unsafe walking conditions in lots and garages.
Stairs, Escalators, and Elevators Need Proper Maintenance
Stairs, escalators, and elevators are also prime places waiting for a slip-and-fall accident to happen. Handrails and floorboards may become loose, steps can become worn, and frayed carpeting can become a tripping hazard for the unsuspecting passersby. An elevator or escalator that isn’t adequately maintained can cause sudden starts or stops, also resulting in numerous injuries. Property owners are responsible for ongoing property maintenance to avoid issues with stairs, escalators, and elevators in need of repair or replacement.
Restaurants & Retail Stores Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Many slip-and-falls happen to shoppers walking around restaurants, grocery stores, malls, and other retail businesses. Unmarked wet floors, slippery surfaces caused by excess floor wax or polish, and frayed carpets are the cause of countless slip-and-falls inside retail stores and restaurants every year. A lack of non-skid mats inside or outside the store during unfavorable weather conditions and scattered clutter or debris also account for people needlessly tripping while they’re shopping. Clothing racks, shelving, and sometimes even stray merchandise can pose a serious safety risk when they’re difficult for shoppers to see in the aisles. Slip-and-fall injuries may also occur at gas stations due to gasoline spills or excess water not mopped up promptly by the gas station attendant after washing down the pumps.
Accidents Also Happen on Job Sites and in Homes Every Year
Thousands of job site slip-and-falls occur every year because of wet floors, damaged or worn flooring, loose handrails, narrow pathways, and unsafe working conditions involving ladders and scaffolding. Some of these cases may fall under workers’ compensation laws instead of personal injury accidents. However, we won’t know until we dig further into your case. Private homes, apartment complexes, nursing homes, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, stadiums, event venues, hotels, resorts, and amusement parks are also common sites of slip-and-fall accidents throughout Maryland.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries Deserve Sussman & Simcox’s Attention
Slip-and-fall injuries may be severe and sometimes even fatal. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you should seek medical attention right away. You could have internal injuries that aren’t always apparent to someone without professional medical training. Negligent property owners may be held liable for personal injury accidents involving severe head, brain, neck, or spinal injuries or broken bones. You may be entitled to compensation for your slip-and-fall injury – talk to Sussman & Simcox!
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Slip and Fall Accident?
If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident , you need to speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Gaithersburg office directly at 301.840.0404 to schedule your free consultation.
