Trip and fall accidents are often dismissed as minor mishaps, yet they regularly lead to serious injuries that disrupt lives, careers, and families. Unfortunately, these accidents can happen anywhere, and they are typically a result of hazardous conditions that should never have existed or should have been fixed before someone was hurt. Here at Miller Berman, our Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers represent people who were injured in trip & fall accidents because a property owner or manager failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. If you’re a victim, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation today.
Common Causes of Trip & Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents usually involve unexpected changes in walking surfaces or objects that create a tripping hazard. These conditions are often easy to prevent when property owners conduct routine inspections and timely repairs.
- Uneven sidewalks or walkways caused by cracked concrete, lifted slabs, or erosion that creates sudden height differences
- Loose carpeting or torn floor mats in commercial buildings, hotels, and apartment complexes
- Poorly maintained staircases, including broken steps, inconsistent stair heights, or missing handrails
- Exposed cords, cables, or wires running across walkways in offices, stores, or event spaces
- Raised thresholds or transitions between rooms that are not clearly marked or properly leveled
- Damaged flooring such as warped wood, loose tiles, or buckling laminate surfaces
- Construction debris or building materials left in pedestrian areas without proper barriers
- Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, parking garages, or entryways that makes hazards difficult to see
- Cluttered aisles in retail stores where merchandise blocks walking paths
- Tree roots lifting sidewalks or parking lot surfaces, especially in older residential or commercial areas
Injuries Most Often Sustained in Trip & Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents frequently result in more than bruises or temporary soreness. Many victims require emergency care, ongoing treatment, and time away from work.
- Broken wrists or arms caused by instinctively reaching out to break a fall
- Ankle and foot fractures resulting from sudden twisting motions during a trip
- Knee injuries, including ligament tears and cartilage damage, that limit mobility
- Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears or dislocations
- Hip fractures, particularly dangerous for older adults and often requiring surgery
- Head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries including broken noses, dental damage, and lacerations
- Back and spinal injuries that may lead to chronic pain or nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and deep muscle bruising
Satisfying the Burden of Proof
To recover compensation in a Maryland trip and fall case, the injured person carries the burden of proof. This means you must establish each required element with evidence, not assumptions.
- The property owner owed you a duty of care: The level of care depends on your legal status on the property. Customers, tenants, and invited guests are generally owed a duty of reasonable care under Maryland premises liability law.
- A dangerous condition existed on the property: You must show that a tripping hazard was present, such as uneven pavement or a hidden obstacle, and that it posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard: Evidence may include maintenance records, inspection logs, witness statements, or proof that the condition existed long enough that it should have been discovered.
- The property owner failed to correct or warn about the hazard: This can involve showing that no repairs were made, warning signs were absent, or lighting was inadequate.
- The hazardous condition directly caused your injuries: Medical records, incident reports, and photographs can help link the trip and fall to your physical injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages: Damages may include medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Don’t Wait–File Today
Maryland law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most trip and fall cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence, unavailable witnesses, and a complete loss of your right to pursue compensation. Acting promptly allows your attorney to investigate the scene, preserve records, and build a strong claim from the start.
Contact Our PG County Trip & Fall Lawyers Today
Trip and fall accidents can have serious consequences, especially when injuries interfere with work and daily life. If you were injured in a trip and fall accident, taking action sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. Contact the seasoned Prince George’s County trip & fall accident lawyers here at Miller Berman for a free case evaluation today.
