When Is a Property Owner Considered Legally Responsible for a Fall?

Slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere—the grocery store, parking lot, or even on a neighbor’s porch. But not every fall leads to a valid legal claim. Certain conditions must be met for a property owner to be held legally responsible. Knowing when a property owner is liable is the first step in ensuring your […]

Caution sign with man in the background on the floor from slip and fall accident in Waldorf, MD Slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere—the grocery store, parking lot, or even on a neighbor’s porch. But not every fall leads to a valid legal claim. Certain conditions must be met for a property owner to be held legally responsible. Knowing when a property owner is liable is the first step in ensuring your rights after an injury.

At Troxler & Troxler Law Firm, our attorneys have vast experience handling slip and fall cases and other personal injury claims throughout Waldorf, MD, and beyond. With a focused background in injury law and a deep understanding of insurance tactics, we fight fiercely to secure fair compensation for our clients and ensure their rights are fully protected.

Duty to Maintain Safe Conditions

Property owners are legally obligated to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This includes fixing known hazards, warning about dangers that aren’t immediately obvious, and conducting regular maintenance. If they fail to do these things, and someone gets injured, they may be liable under premises liability law.

Negligence Must Be Proven

To hold a property owner legally accountable for a fall, you must prove they were negligent. This generally means showing:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property (a wet floor, uneven pavement, poor lighting).
  • The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
  • They neglected to repair or warn about the hazard in a reasonable amount of time.
  • That unsafe condition directly caused your injury.

For example, if a supermarket leaves a spill on the floor for hours without warning signs, and you slip and get injured, they could be liable.

Legal Status of the Visitor

Your legal rights can also depend on why you were on the property. Invitees (like customers in a store) are owed the highest duty of care. Licensees (social guests) are also protected, though to a lesser degree. Trespassers typically have limited rights unless they are children, in which case special rules may apply.

Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney in Waldorf, MD

If you were injured from a slip and fall accident, consult a personal injury attorney immediately. Call us today at 301-264-6072 to schedule a consultation. An experienced lawyer from Troxler & Troxler Law Firm can determine whether a property owner is legally responsible and guide you in seeking appropriate compensation.

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