Anyone entering a Maryland retail store or restaurant likely wishes to conduct their business and leave without problems. If someone were to slip and fall and suffer an injury, that individual’s troubles are likely now beginning. A broken arm or worse might leave someone out of work or unable to perform routine tasks. The victim may then seek compensation in a civil courtroom.
Slip-and-fall responsibilities and negligence
Slip-and-fall accidents often revolve around questions of negligence. Although someone may enter a fast-food restaurant or hardware store and falls, the owner might not be liable for the injuries. If a person under the influence of medication collapses in the restaurant and the establishment played no role in the incident, the lawsuit would likely not prevail.
When the store is negligent in some way, injury victims may seek compensation for any losses. Negligence and fault might take many forms, such as not warning customers about slippery surfaces or failing to remove hazardous objects strewn on floors. Poor maintenance, including broken steps and loose railings, could also leave an establishment liable for any resulting harm.
Taking legal action against the business
Even minor slip-and-falls could lead to severe injuries requiring medical care. Someone who breaks a bone could face months away from work, surgery, and rehab time. All these things come with costs, and the victim may not have the funds to cover such expenses. A civil lawsuit settlement might provide the financial assistance necessary to address these costs.
Be mindful that businesses often carry commercial liability insurance. Such policies could cover losses related to slip-and-falls. Receiving an insurance settlement might require intense negotiations, so appointing a representative to handle such talks could prove helpful.