Under Maryland premises liability laws, property owners have a duty to ensure the safety of the guests, visitors, and others that enter the space. These legal obligations come from many different sources, including court decisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and the Baltimore County building code. A violation could lead to penalties but, more importantly, not complying with safety laws significantly increases the potential for serious accidents. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, and many other types of injuries.
When property owners fail to uphold their legal obligations, victims have remedies under the concept of premises liability in Maryland. The basis for liability is negligence, in which you allege that the at-fault party caused the accident through a breach of the duty of care. However, there may be many different individuals, businesses, or other entities that could be considered at fault. You should consult with an Owings Mills premises liability attorney for additional information on potential parties, and read on for an overview.
Liability for Dangerous Conditions on Property: Premises liability laws establish the duty of property owners, but they extend to many other parties. These are entities that may not own the real estate, but they may have had a hand in creating the dangerous conditions that caused harm to victims. As a result, you can hold parties beyond the property owner accountable. Some examples of potential parties in a premises liability case include:
- A property management company hired by the property owner;
- The tenant who leases space from the owner;
- A company that operates a parking lot or garage on the property;
- A store, boutique, or restaurant within a mall, shopping center, or marketplace;
- The owner of a vacation property who lists it on Airbnb, VRBO, or related sites;
- A company hired to provide security; and,
- An organization that promotes and hosts events.
Proving a Maryland Premises Liability Claim: To recover compensation, you must show that you were hurt in an accident that was the direct result of negligence by the at-fault party. When you are pursuing a party that is not the property owner, the nature of the duty is a focal point. For instance, you would not have a claim against a parking garage operator if you were hurt inside the building. The question will be the party’s ability to control the space and manage hazards, and whether their efforts to do so were reasonable.
You may be entitled to compensation for the losses you incur because of your injuries in a premises liability case, such as:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Many others.
Contact a Baltimore County Premises Liability Lawyer to Learn More
If you were hurt because of dangerous conditions on property, retaining legal help should be a priority. Our team at Furman | Honick Law is prepared to enforce your rights, so please contact us at 410-844-6000 or via our website. We can set up a free case review at our offices in Owings Mills or Baltimore.
Source:
baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/building-plans-review/current-codes-regulations