When you visit a store, restaurant, or even a friend’s home, you expect a safe environment. However, when property owners fail to maintain their premises, accidents happen, and injuries can be severe. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we fight for those injured due to unsafe conditions. As a leading Baltimore premises liability lawyer, we help victims secure the compensation they deserve after preventable accidents.
Understanding Premises Liability in Maryland
Premises liability law in Maryland holds property owners and managers accountable for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. If you slip on an unmarked wet floor, fall due to a broken stairway, or suffer an injury from inadequate security, you may have a valid claim. Maryland law requires property owners to correct known hazards or provide adequate warnings to prevent harm.
Under Maryland’s premises liability laws, an injured party must prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
- The property owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about the hazard.
- The dangerous condition directly caused the injury.
As experienced premises liability attorneys in Baltimore, we understand how to establish fault and hold negligent parties accountable.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability cases vary widely, but they all stem from negligence in property maintenance. Some of the most common claims we handle include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls are one of the most common premises liability claims. Wet floors, loose carpeting, broken sidewalks, and icy pathways can lead to serious injuries. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits annually, with slip and falls making up a significant portion of those incidents. In Baltimore, MD, our personal injury attorneys aggressively pursue claims against negligent property owners who fail to address known hazards.
Inadequate Security Claims
Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures. If you were assaulted, robbed, or harmed due to poor lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security personnel, you may have a premises liability case. These incidents frequently occur in apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, and shopping centers. Our Baltimore premises liability lawyers work to prove that better security measures could have prevented your injury.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Maryland follows strict liability laws for dog bites. If a dog injures you on someone’s property, the owner may be held liable for damages. Victims often suffer deep lacerations, infections, or even permanent scarring. Our premises liability attorneys in Baltimore help dog bite victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Serious injuries can occur when property owners fail to inspect and maintain elevators and escalators. Defective machinery, sudden stops, or misleveling can lead to devastating falls or crushing injuries. These cases often require extensive investigation, and our legal team has the resources to hold negligent parties accountable.
Maryland Premises Liability Laws and How They Affect Your Case
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if the injured person is found even 1% at fault for their injury, they may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often use this law to shift blame onto victims. That’s why having an experienced Baltimore premises liability lawyer is crucial. We anticipate these tactics and build strong cases to protect our clients.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Cases
Maryland law imposes a strict three-year statute of limitations for filing premises liability claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Our premises liability attorneys in Baltimore ensure all necessary paperwork is filed on time so you don’t miss your opportunity for justice.
Compensation for Premises Liability Victims
A premises liability accident can leave victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain. Our Baltimore, MD, personal injury attorneys fight to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, physical therapy, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work and potential loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress resulting from the injury.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries or scarring.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies due to a property owner’s negligence, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
How We Build a Strong Case for Our Clients
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we aggressively approach premises liability cases. Our legal team gathers evidence to prove negligence, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Property maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Expert testimony
We negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements, but if they refuse to offer just compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
Our legal team understands Maryland’s premises liability laws and has extensive experience handling complex cases. We are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights and ensuring negligent property owners are held accountable. Our commitment includes:
- Personalized Legal Representation: Every case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We don’t back down from insurance companies or corporate defendants.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- Proven Results: We have recovered millions for injured clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I was injured on government property?
Yes, but premises liability claims against government entities in Maryland follow stricter rules. You must file a notice of claim within one year of the injury, and there may be limitations on damages. Our attorneys can help navigate these complex cases.
What if I was injured while trespassing?
Maryland law generally does not protect trespassers, but there are exceptions. If a property owner intentionally harmed you or an attractive nuisance (such as an unfenced swimming pool) led to a child’s injury, you may still have a claim.
Can I file a claim if my injury happened at work?
Work-related premises liability cases may fall under workers’ compensation rather than personal injury law. However, if a third party, such as a property management company, is responsible for unsafe conditions, you may have a valid claim.
Do I have to prove the property owner knew about the hazard?
Yes, proving that the property owner was aware or should have been aware of the hazard is crucial. Evidence such as maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements can help establish liability.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Insurance companies often offer low settlements to avoid larger payouts. Before accepting any offer, consult with our attorneys to ensure you receive fair compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Baltimore Premises Liability Lawyers Today
Don’t wait to take action if you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to unsafe property conditions. Contact Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. Our premises liability attorneys in Baltimore are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
