You are trying to go about your day, heading to grab a latte, running errands, getting from the car to the door without freezing, when suddenly you fall down. The next thing you know, you’re staring at the sky, wondering what happened.
It can be embarrassing and painful. And it can become a legal issue in Maryland if the business didn’t take care of the property as they should have.
What do you do if you slip on ice outside a Maryland business? Here is what you need to know about these slip and fall incidents.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Your health is the priority. Even if you bounce back up and think that it was no big deal. Your body might be hiding an injury or two. Ice falls are not gentle. Getting checked out right away does two things:
- Make sure you’re actually okay.
- Creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the fall.
Let a doctor look you over so you can start healing properly.
Report the Fall to the Business
Once you are safe, you need to notify the business. You need to report in a calm, factual manner.
Most businesses have an incident reporting process; if they don’t, ask the manager to write down what happened.
And don’t let them brush it off or downplay anything.
Take Photos Before the Ice Disappears
Ice melts. It gets shoveled, salted, and stepped on. In short, it will not look the same an hour from now. So, while the scene is still fresh, grab evidence.
Snap photos of:
- The exact patch of ice
- Any wet or refrozen areas
- Missing salt or warning signs
- Gutters or downspouts feeding water onto the walkway
- Your clothes, your shoes, and any injuries
If someone saw you fall, ask if they’d be willing to share their contact information.
Know How Maryland Sees Ice-Related Falls
Under Maryland law, property owners do not have a duty to clear the natural accumulation of snow and ice from sidewalks or walkways. This means that if snow falls and freezes naturally, causing an icy patch, that alone may not create a legal obligation for the owner to remove it.
However, they’re responsible if they knew or should’ve known about a dangerous icy condition and didn’t take reasonable steps to fix it.
These reasonable steps include:
- Clearing snow and ice
- Salting walkways
- Fixing drainage issues that cause ice
- Putting up warning cones or signs
If the ice came from something preventable, like a leaky gutter or water pooling in a specific spot, that can strengthen your case. This is where your photos become crucial.
Don’t Blame Yourself
People fall. Your instinct might make you say, “I’m so clumsy” or “I should’ve watched where I was going.” Since Maryland has a very strict contributory negligence rule, if they can claim you were a tiny bit responsible, your case can be denied completely.
Keep All Your Records
This is where you want to keep all your documents. Save everything:
- Medical bills
- Treatment notes
- Any imaging, like X-rays or MRIs
- Time missed from work
- Receipts for medications or mobility aids
- Photos and videos
- A simple pain journal to track how you’re feeling each day
All of this paints a clear picture of how the fall has affected your life physically, financially, and emotionally.
Talk to a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
Once the initial shock wears off, you may want to reach out to a lawyer who handles Maryland slip and fall cases. These claims can get complicated fast. Many times, businesses have insurance companies that move quickly to reduce their responsibility.
An attorney can:
- Look at the evidence
- Figure out whether the business likely failed its duty
- Handle communication with insurers
- Help you understand your options
Get Help for Your Slip and Fall Accident
Slipping on ice can be unsettling. You don’t want to handle this situation on your own. Taking the right steps can protect your health, your rights, and your peace of mind.
When it comes to navigating the legal side, GDH Law can help. We understand Maryland’s premises liability laws inside and out and can guide you through the process with clear advice, personalized support, and experienced legal representation.
With our help, you can focus on recovering while knowing that your case is in experienced hands.
