Slip and Fall Injuries in Baltimore Apartment Buildings: What Tenants Need to Know
This winter has brought heavy snowstorms across the entire East Coast and left Baltimore blanketed in a mix of ice and slush. These conditions can prove dangerous, particularly for apartment dwellers. Unfortunately, landlords often overlook maintenance and fail to clear snow, ice, and other hazards, increasing the risk of falls among residents and visitors.
These accidents can cause devastating harm. Our experienced Maryland slip and fall accident lawyers help tenants across Baltimore understand their rights and hold property owners accountable when their neglect causes harm to others.
How Unsafe Conditions Cause Apartment Falls in Baltimore
Slips and falls are among the most common and potentially dangerous types of accidents. According to the Maryland Department of Health, they are a leading cause of personal injuries in Baltimore and throughout the state. Homes and apartment complexes are among the most likely places for them to occur, and winter weather only increases the risks.
Unfortunately, while rain, ice, and snow can make sidewalks and parking lots more dangerous, landlord negligence is often ultimately to blame. In addition to slippery walkways, common hazards that make slip and fall accidents in Baltimore that are more likely to happen at rental properties include:
- Loose railings or broken steps in stairwells and entryways.
- Wet floors or leaks near laundry rooms or plumbing lines.
- Poor lighting makes hazards harder to see.
- Uneven pavement or cracked flooring in lobbies and walkways.
Under the Maryland Statutes, landlords must take reasonable care to protect the safety of tenants and guests. When they don’t, they can be held legally responsible.
What to Do After a Fall in a Baltimore Apartment Building or Rental Property
Slip and fall accidents in Baltimore can cause broken bones, torn muscles and tendons, or severe back, neck, and head injuries. When they happen, your top priority is getting medical care. However, it is also important to document the situation to protect your rights to compensation in a claim.
The minutes after a fall occurs can prove critical. Our experienced Maryland slip and fall accident lawyers advise taking these steps:
- Notify your landlord, property manager, or onsite security immediately and request that they complete an incident report.
- Take photos and videos of any hazards before it’s fixed or cleaned up.
- Collect witness names and statements if neighbors saw what happened.
- Get medical care, explain what happened, and save every medical record, bill, and correspondence related to your injury.
- Notify the property owner in writing.
- If contacted by their insurer, avoid giving statements without getting legal guidance first.
These details can make a major difference in proving how and why your injury occurred.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today to Schedule a Consultation
Winter weather increases the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents in Baltimore. Negligent landlords and property managers only increase the risk.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help you hold them liable. To get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries, call or contact us online today. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland slip and fall accident lawyers.
Source:
health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/Injury/pages/eip_falls.aspx
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-401&enactments=false
