Injured at the Mall in Maryland: Understanding Your Rights and Making a Claim
Shopping malls are busy, bustling places – especially during the holiday season, when many of us are rushing to buy last-minute presents. Unfortunately, accidents can happen in shopping centers, and sometimes they are a result of someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured at a mall in Maryland, you may be wondering whether you can make a claim for compensation. Let’s discuss the details involved.
Types of Mall Accidents
Common accidents at shopping malls range from slip and falls and tripping hazards to elevator or escalator malfunctions and even falling objects. If you’re injured as the result of a hazardous condition that the property owner was aware of or should have been aware of, you may have grounds for a claim.
Premises Liability
The state of Maryland follows premises liability laws, which means that property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. If the mall owner or management does not successfully keep their premises safe, they can be held liable for any injuries sustained on the property.
Negligence and Responsibility
In order for your claim to be successful, you need to establish negligence on the part of the mall owner or management. In other words, you have to prove that they knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition that caused your injury and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. Remember, too, that since Maryland is a contributory negligence state, you’ll have to prove that you don’t share any of the responsibility for the accident in order to claim compensation.
Gathering Evidence
Documenting your accident is key if you want to prove that you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. If you’re able to do so, take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from any witnesses. Report the incident to mall security or management and get medical attention as quickly as possible – even if your injuries seem minor. Among other things, going to the hospital or seeing a doctor creates a medical record that can serve as evidence in your claim.
Statute of Limitations
Keep in mind that Maryland has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims; generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to start legal proceedings. This might seem like a long time, but given the steps involved in filing a claim, you’ll want to get started as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays.
Hiring an Attorney
Shopping mall personal injury cases are complex, with lots of moving parts. Don’t place additional stress on yourself by trying to figure out the process on your own. An experienced lawyer can assess the details of your case, determine liability, deal with insurance companies and advise you from start to finish. It’s worth having a professional in your corner, fighting to help you earn the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in an accident at the mall and you believe you are eligible for compensation, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.
