A fall inside a store or restaurant can lead to painful injuries and unexpected costs. If that happens, you might question whether the business can be held accountable. That depends on how the fall occurred and whether the business took reasonable action to prevent it.
When businesses may be responsible
Businesses open to the public must keep their spaces safe. This includes fixing known problems and alerting customers to any immediate dangers. If staff knew about a hazard and did nothing, the business may face legal consequences. Courts consider whether the business had a fair chance to notice and resolve the issue before the fall.
Hazards that increase legal risk
Conditions like poor lighting, slick surfaces, or damaged walkways can create safety risks. Unattended spills or worn stairs often play a role in these incidents. A business that overlooks these hazards or fails to warn customers can face claims for negligence. Failing to correct known dangers may also violate Maryland consumer protection standards.
Building a strong claim
To succeed in a liability case, you must prove the business owed you a duty of care, and failed to meet that duty, which caused your injury. Useful evidence includes security footage, eyewitness accounts, or official reports. The stronger the documentation, the better your case can show fault.
How maintenance affects outcomes
Routine inspections and quick repairs show a business holds safety to a high regard. When a business skips these steps, it increases the risk of personal injury, and legal exposure.
What this means for injury claims
Slip-and-fall incidents often turn on the business’s actions, or inactions, before the accident. Recognizing the role of evidence and property conditions can clarify whether legal responsibility is likely.