240-887-0414
Have You Been Injured While Visiting a Friend’s Home?
Nothing is better than a get-together at a friend’s house. Whether you’re doing a winter potluck with friends and family or roasting burgers in the backyard on a hot summer day, spending time with friends and family is hard to beat.
But what happens when the festivities are cut short by a serious slip, trip, or fall? Most people know they can sue a store or other private company when the company owner or staff don’t maintain safe walkways and flooring. But what are your options when you get hurt at a private resident’s house?
The Dorsey Law Firm, PC, is here to help you understand your legal options when it comes to recovering costly medical bills and lost wages after injuring yourself in another person’s private home.
Can You File a Lawsuit for a Slip and Fall Accident in a Private Home?
Absolutely! This is still considered a case of premise liability, which is a type of personal injury claim. However, a successful claim requires you to prove that the homeowner was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. In Maryland, homeowners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for their guests and to fix or warn their guests about any known hazards.
If you were an invited guest and the homeowner failed to address a dangerous situation, like wet floors or uneven steps, you may have a valid claim.
Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to increase your odds of a successful personal injury claim.
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in a Private Home?
Everyone has seen the wet floor signs at the local grocery store when there is a wet mess on the floor. These signs help companies avoid premises liability claims by making hazards easily identifiable. They say, ” Hey, if you step here, you might slip and get hurt. This is your warning.”
However, private homes probably don’t keep a stock of wet floor signs, meaning these hazards may be more difficult to identify. They also have different types of hazards when compared to companies.
Some of the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls in private homes often include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spills, freshly mopped floors, and uneven transitions between rooms
- Uneven flooring: Rugs, torn carpeting, and uneven transitions between rooms
- Poor lighting: Dim or burned-out lights that make obstacles or other hazards difficult to see
- Cluttered walkways: Items left on stairs or in hallways, such as shoes, toys, and other belongings, can cause tripping
- Defective stairs or railing: Loose or broken handrails and steps that lead to accidents
- Outdoor hazards: Icy walkways, cracked driveways, and uneven sidewalk pavement around the home
Even if the cause of your accident isn’t listed here, the cause of your injury is likely still valid. Call 240-887-0414 to speak with a personal injury attorney who can answer your questions and help you determine if you have a claim.
How Do You Prove the Homeowner Is Liable For Your Injury?
Proving negligence for a slip and fall accident in a private home is the same as proving negligence at a store or company. It involves four main elements:
- Duty of care: Prove that the homeowner owed you a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe. In most cases, homeowners owe a duty to invited guests and visitors.
- Breach of Duty: Prove the homeowner failed to uphold that duty.
- Causation: Show that the homeowner’s failure to address the hazard directly caused your accident or injury.
- Damages: Provide sufficient evidence of the injuries and losses you suffered as a result of the accident.
You will also need to prove that the homeowner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous conditions.
You don’t have to do this alone. The personal injury attorneys at The Dorsey Law Firm, P.C., are ready to guide you through the personal injury claim process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Damages?
Verifiable damages are a key part of any personal injury claim. Damages are the losses you have faced as a result of your injuries. They are separated into two main categories:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You don’t want to leave money on the table when it comes to a personal injury claim. That’s why you should rely on the assistance of a personal injury attorney. You need more than just your medical bills paid and your lost wages recovered; you also have to consider your future medical expenses and how your injuries will impact your ability to make money in the future.
When Should You Call a Personal Injury Attorney?
Don’t wait to see if the homeowner is going to do the right thing and cover your bills. Speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, preferably after seeking medical attention and before speaking with the homeowner’s insurance provider.
Contact us for a FREE consultation by calling 240-887-0414. The Dorsey Law Firm, P.C. has the personal injury lawyer you need to get your life back after a serious slip and fall accident, regardless of where it happened. We are in your corner and we are ready to take on new clients!
