What to do if You Have a Slip and Fall Accident this Winter
Baltimore winters are known for being wet. And as we all know, it’s extremely easy to have a slip and fall accident on wet surfaces. However, businesses like malls and grocery stores are responsible for providing protection against slips and falls when snow, sleet or ice is tracked in on people’s shoes. Unfortunately, not all businesses take the precautions they should. With stores being as busy as they are during the winter holiday season, that’s a lot of shoes bringing in a lot of water—an easily dangerous scenario.
What do you do if you slip and fall on a store’s wet floor? If the store fails to take precautions to prevent slips and falls—such as floor mats and wet floor signs—they are liable for negligence, and you should consult an accident attorney. Keep reading to learn how to handle a slip and fall accident this winter.
When is the Other Party Liable?
If there are dangerous conditions that could cause injury to customers, and:
- the store has notice, knowledge, and opportunity to take action,
- but the store does not take action to prevent these injuries or remedy these conditions,
the store is liable. Wet floors are well-known to be dangerous, so a store that chooses to ignore wet winter weather being tracked in through the doors is opening them up to a lot of trouble. Any situation where the store owner has knowingly created a dangerous situation for its customers, and an injury results from it, they are responsible.
Your accident attorney will help guide you through the process of your claim.
What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Your health is the top priority, so the first step is naturally ensuring you’re safe and don’t need emergency medical care after the accident (or, if you do, you get the care needed). Then, you want to take the following steps:
- Report the fall to the business/store—preferably the owner.
- Take photos of the cause of the accident (for example: a neglected puddle inside the door).
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Call an accident attorney.
A slip and fall accident can be traumatic, and cause serious injury. The store or business should be held responsible for injuries caused by their negligence in ignoring a dangerous condition.
Jenkins Block & Associates Can Help
When choosing an attorney to help you seek legal action for your slip and fall accident, it’s important to hire an individual experienced with personal injury claims.
Jenkins Block & Associates can help you understand your legal rights. We have over 43 years of combined personal injury experience and represent clients in all types of personal injury cases: automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrong death cases, workplace injuries, and brain and spinal injuries.
CALL 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the location nearest you. With four office locations throughout Maryland and Virginia, including Baltimore, Jenkins Block & Associates is well-positioned to meet your legal needs.