Premises Liability And Winter Hazards In Snow-Prone Maryland
Winter snow can be aesthetically pleasing, but when slow and ice blankets the walkways of Maryland, injuries can follow. For instance, individuals may slip and fall in accidents on icy sidewalks during the cold months. If you believe your injury is a direct result of a property owner failing to remove snow and ice, you may have a premises liability case.
Property owners in Maryland have legal responsibilities when it comes to snow and ice removal. If you would like to learn more about how to protect your rights after a winter-related slip, trip, or fall, have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Timely Care of Hazardous Conditions
Maryland law states that property owners carry certain responsibilities when it comes to visitor safety. This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent hazards and accidents, including the following.
- Timely removal of snow and ice. Both residential and commercial property owners are expected to remove snow and ice in a timely manner, and failing to do so could result in dangerous conditions and potential liability.
- Exercise reasonable care. Property owners need to be diligent when it comes to clearing snow and ice, including salting or sanding walkways to prevent slippery surfaces to minimize accident risks.
- Minimizing hazards. Beyond snow removal, other reasonable steps to minimize hazardous conditions, such as ensuring that downspouts do not contribute to ice buildup and that gutters are maintained, is expected.
- Having adequate lighting. Proper lighting, during winter months and throughout the year, helps people to identify and mitigate accident risks.
Whatever the reason for your winter-related injury, seek immediate medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment ensures your own well-being and also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident should you need to file a premise liability claim.
Property Owner’s Insurance Company
After an injury, you may be contacted by a property owner’s insurance company. Be cautious in these interactions or simply have your attorney handle these conversations. When a lawyer speaks on your behalf, you will avoid making statements that may be used against you at a later date. It is also recommended that you take photos of the area where you were injured and identify witnesses, as these forms of evidence can support your fight for recovery.
Maryland has a statute of limitations for injury cases, including those that move to hold property owners accountable for dangerous conditions, so being aware of the time limits. A Baltimore personal injury lawyer who has experience in premises liability cases will represent your interests without delay, including taking your case to court if necessary.
Were you hurt due to snowy or icy conditions that should have been taken care of by a property owner? When wintery conditions are present, property owners have a responsibility to clear snow and ice. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on an icy walkway, you may have a valid premises liability claim. Book a no-cost consultation with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to learn more. Contact us today.
