Waldorf Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

Attorneys for Slip and Fall Accidents Caused by Negligence in Waldorf, MD

When someone slips or trips and falls to the ground, they may experience injuries that can be much more serious than most people would expect. What might seem like an embarrassing stumble can result in a broken hip, a traumatic brain injury, a torn ligament, or a spinal cord injury that could completely change a person's life. When a fall occurred because a property owner did not take steps to protect the safety of visitors, an injury victim may take steps to obtain compensation for their damages.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we represent victims of slip and fall accidents, helping them determine the best steps to take to address the harm they have suffered, cover their financial losses and other damages, and move forward with their lives. Our attorneys have decades of experience standing up for injured people, and we can help ensure that negligent property owners will be held responsible for their failure to protect people's safety.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls may take place because of hazardous conditions that a property owner should have prevented or addressed. These conditions may include:

Wet and Slippery Floors

Wet floors are one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents that take place in public locations. Spills in grocery stores, restaurants, and other stores can create hazards that people may not notice until it is too late. Freshly mopped floors can be hazardous if signs are not placed to warn people about slipping hazards. Condensation on floors near refrigerated display cases or rain and snow that gets tracked into a building's entrance can also lead to slippery floors and fall injuries.

Uneven and Damaged Walking Surfaces

Cracked sidewalks, broken pavement in parking lots, uneven transitions between floors inside a building, and damaged flooring materials such as torn carpeting or loose tiles can all create tripping hazards that can lead to serious falls. Property owners should recognize potential hazards and take steps to correct them. They may be held liable for injuries that occur because of their failure to do so.

Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, parking garages, or other locations can prevent people from seeing hazards. A step that would be clearly visible in good light can become a tripping hazard in areas of a store that are dim. Wet or uneven floor surfaces can become difficult to navigate when lights have burned out. Property owners may be held responsible for their failure to maintain proper lighting in areas where people walk.

Dangerous Staircases and Handrails

Stairways can be hazardous when they are not properly maintained. Missing or broken handrails, uneven steps, stairs that are slippery, or stairwells without adequate lighting may lead to injuries when people lose their footing and fall. Falls down stairs can lead to multiple types of serious injuries.

Snow, Ice, and Weather-Related Hazards

During Maryland winters, ice, snow, and other weather conditions can cause walkways, steps, and parking lots to become hazardous. Property owners and managers are required to address these conditions within a reasonable amount of time after a storm. They may need to clear snow from walkways, put down salt, and make sure water drains correctly to prevent ice from forming. When they fail to take the proper steps, people may suffer serious injuries when they slip on hazardous walkways and fall to the ground.

Cluttered Walkways

Objects may be left in the aisles of a store or other areas where people walk. Electrical cords that stretch across floors can create tripping hazards, or boxes may be placed in hallways. These hazards can lead to fall injuries, and property owners may be held responsible for their failure to ensure that walkways were safe.

Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

The injuries that can occur in a fall may depend on the height from which the person fell, the surface they landed on, and their age and physical condition at the time of the accident. These injuries may include:

Hip Fractures

Older adults may be at risk of pelvic fractures in falls. A fractured hip may require surgery to repair, and rehabilitation and physical therapy may also be needed. Many older people who suffer hip fractures will never be able to fully regain their mobility and independence, and they may also experience complications that could affect their overall health.

Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries

When a person falls and strikes their head against a floor or another surface, they may experience brain injuries that can have long-term or permanent consequences. Minor injuries such as concussions can lead to issues such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, and mood changes. More severe brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairments, personality changes, neurological disorders, and other issues that may affect a person's ability to live independently or maintain employment.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

A fall can cause serious damage to a person's back and spine. Injuries may include fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or damage to muscles or ligaments in the back. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, or nerve damage that may result in paralysis.

Wrist and Hand Injuries

A person may reach out to break their fall, and when they land on their outstretched arms, they may experience fractures in the wrists, hands, and forearms. Wrist injuries can also damage tendons and ligaments, affecting a person's grip strength and fine motor skills. This may limit their ability to work and perform daily tasks.

Knee Injuries

The knees may be injured when a person falls, especially if their legs are twisted or if their knee strikes the ground with force. Torn ligaments, kneecap fractures, or other injuries can occur in falls. Knee injuries may require surgery to repair damage, and extensive physical therapy may also be needed.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff tears are common in falls. Rotator cuff injuries may require surgery and extended rehabilitation, and it may not be possible to fully restore function in the shoulders. These injuries can affect a person's ability to work, drive, and handle daily tasks.

Contact Our Waldorf, Maryland Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers

When a slip and fall or trip and fall accident has taken place on someone else's property, a victim can take legal action against the property owner or another party who was responsible. At Farmer & Klopfer, we can evaluate these cases and help injury victims understand their legal options. We understand the laws that apply in these situations, and we will work to recover financial compensation for injury victims. Contact our Waldorf slip and fall accident attorneys at 301-843-3890 to arrange a free consultation.