Upper Marlboro Premises Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under Maryland’s premises liability laws. At Farmer & Klopfer, our dedicated Upper Marlboro premises liability attorneys have extensive experience helping injury victims hold negligent property owners accountable.

Premises liability cases can arise in a wide range of locations, from retail stores and restaurants to private residences and public sidewalks. No matter where your injury occurred, our firm is here to investigate your claim, explain your rights, and fight for the full financial recovery you deserve.

Maryland Premises Liability Law

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or defective conditions. In Maryland, property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. However, the level of responsibility owed varies depending on the status of the visitor:

• Invitees (e.g., customers at a business): Owed the highest duty of care. Owners must regularly inspect the premises and fix or warn of hazards.
• Licensees (e.g., social guests): Must be warned of known dangers.
• Trespassers: Owed minimal duty, though owners must refrain from willful harm.

To win a premises liability claim in Maryland, you must prove the following:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
2. The property owner or occupier knew or should have known about the condition.
3. They failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it.
4. That failure caused your injury.

Maryland also follows the strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1% at fault for your accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

At Farmer & Klopfer, we handle a wide variety of premises liability claims throughout Upper Marlboro and Prince George’s County. Common cases include:

Slip and Fall Accidents

These are some of the most frequent premises liability claims. They often occur due to:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven surfaces
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Poor lighting

Trip and Fall Injuries

These incidents happen when an individual trips over an obstacle or defect, such as:

• Exposed cords
• Cracked sidewalks
• Loose mats or rugs

Negligent Security

Property owners have a duty to provide adequate security measures in areas where crime is foreseeable. Victims of assaults or robberies may have a claim if security was lacking at:

• Apartment complexes
• Parking garages
• Hotels or motels
• Nightclubs or bars

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Maryland has strict liability for dog owners if their animal attacks someone, especially on the owner’s property or in public.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Inadequate supervision, lack of fencing, or poor maintenance can lead to serious or fatal injuries, especially involving children.

Retail and Commercial Property Hazards

Business owners must keep their premises safe for customers. Failing to fix known hazards or warn of dangerous conditions can lead to liability.

No matter the type of incident, our legal team is ready to assess your situation and pursue justice on your behalf.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident in Upper Marlboro

If you've been hurt on someone else's property, taking the right steps can strengthen your claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries.
2. Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
3. Document the scene by taking photos of the hazard and your injuries.
4. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
5. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
6. Contact an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible.

Premises liability cases often involve complex legal and factual issues. Having a knowledgeable advocate from Farmer & Klopfer in your corner can make all the difference.

Upper Marlboro Premises Liability Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including premises liability—is generally three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to compensation.

What damages can I recover in a premises liability claim?

You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Unfortunately, Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery.

Who can be held liable in a premises liability case?

Depending on the situation, responsible parties may include:

• Property owners
• Tenants
• Business operators
• Property management companies
• Maintenance contractors

Our attorneys will investigate all possible avenues of liability to maximize your compensation.

Contact Our Upper Marlboro Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Farmer & Klopfer, we are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims in Upper Marlboro and throughout Prince George’s County. We offer personalized attention, aggressive advocacy, and a proven track record of results.