A slip might sound like a minor problem, but under some circumstances, it can actually cause a major injury. Slips and trips onto hard floors can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage or other catastrophic injuries. If the fall involves a height or another hazardous condition, it can even cause a death. The secondary effects of such as injury, including steep medical bills, months off work with no income and other financial and emotional problems, can also be staggering.

Property owners and occupants have a legal obligation to remove any hazards on their property and warn about those they cannot remove (such as a mess from ongoing construction). If they fail to do this, they can be held legally responsible for any accidents that result, including slip-and-fall accidents caused by their careless, reckless or negligent behavior. This applies to every type of property open to the public -- businesses like stores and restaurants, family homes, rental properties, homeowners' associations and even government facilities. Property owners may be liable for ice and snow hazards on sidewalks that adjoin their property.

Customers, tenants, social guests and other visitors to the property must still take reasonable care, but if a property owner knows or should know about a hazard and does nothing to fix it within a reasonable amount of time, victims can sue over their physical injuries, pain, emotional trauma, lost earnings, medical bills and other effects of the accident.

If you believe you or someone you love was hurt in a slip-and-fall accident that could have been prevented in the greater Washington, D.C. area (including Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland) or in Baltimore or the nearby counties, you should call Mesirow & Stravitz as soon as possible for help understanding your legal rights and your options. You can reach us through our online contact form or at 866-463-0303 (toll-free) or 202-463-0303 to arrange a free consultation.