Baltimore Premises Liability Lawyer

Property Owners’ Duty of Care

If you have been injured on someone else’s property—for example at a neighbor’s home or apartment complex, at a store or restaurant, or in a parking lot—you may be entitled to compensation.

Property and business owners in Maryland are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for their customers and guests. This includes regularly inspecting the property for hazards, fixing any dangerous conditions, and warning you about any dangerous conditions that have not been fixed.

The extent of this duty varies based on factors such as the type of visitor involved. For example, business owners and commercial property managers have a higher level of responsibility for protecting customers than a homeowner does for protecting social visitors.

If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. At Keilty Bonadio, our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at 410-469-9953 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.

Types of Visitors in Premises Liability Cases

The level of responsibility a property owner has for protecting someone on their property depends on the type of visitor involved. Visitors are generally classified into three categories:

Trespassers

Trespassers are individuals who are on the property without permission. Property owners generally have no duty to ensure the safety of trespassers but are prohibited from willfully causing them harm.

• Exceptions:
  1. If the property owner is aware that trespassers frequently enter the property, they may be held liable for injuries caused by:
     • A dangerous condition they created or maintained.
     • Failing to warn trespassers of a known hazard.
  2. Attractive Nuisance Doctrine: Property owners must take precautions to prevent harm to children drawn to hazardous conditions, such as pools or machinery.

Licensees

Licensees are visitors on the property with the owner’s permission but not for the owner’s financial benefit (e.g., social guests or utility workers).

This generally includes being a guest at someone’s home. Property owners must take reasonable care to protect licensees from known hazards but are not required to inspect for unknown dangers.

So if you are injured at someone’s home by a dangerous condition that they knew about and failed to warn you, you may be entitled to compensation.

Invitees

Invitees are visitors on the property with permission and for the owner’s financial benefit (e.g., customers in a store). Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, including regular inspections to identify and remedy potential dangers. This also extends to other areas of the property, like sidewalks, parking lots, and elevators.

Under certain circumstances, property owners have a duty to protect their invitees from the criminal conduct of third parties. For example, when a property owner knows their property has been the site of previous criminal activities, they may have a duty to provide security to protect their invitees.

Keilty Bonadio Fights for Your Rights.

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Types of Premises Liability Claims

Property hazards can lead to various injuries. Common premises liability claims in Maryland include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Falling objects, particularly on construction sites
• Defective stairs or railings
• Hazardous chemical exposure
• Negligent security, leading to assaults or thefts
• Swimming pool accidents, including drownings
• Elevator or escalator accidents
• Snow and ice–related injuries
• Dog bites
• Poorly maintained decks or balconies

When injuries are fatal, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Personal Injuries Common in Premises Liability Cases

Injuries caused by unsafe premises can be severe and life-altering. These include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns and electric shocks
• Neck and head injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal bleeding, bruising, or contusions
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering

If you’ve been injured, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact Keilty Bonadio to start building your case today.

Liability and Defenses in Premises Liability Cases

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

Premises liability claims may be brought against:

• Property owners
• Property managers
• Business owners
• Renters or tenants

Typically, claims are filed against the insurance policy covering the property. In some cases, individual property owners or managers may also be held accountable.

Common Defenses Used by Property Owners

Property owners and their insurers often use the following defenses to reduce or deny liability:

1. Assumption of Risk: The injured party knowingly exposed themselves to a dangerous condition.
2. Comparative Negligence: Fault is divided between the injured party and the property owner, potentially reducing compensation.
3. Contributory Negligence: In Maryland, if the injured party is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages. But there are exceptions, including when the property owner has an opportunity (called the “Last Clear Chance”) to prevent the injury.

At Keilty Bonadio, we anticipate and counter these defenses, building a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve. Even if someone has told you that your injury was your fault, or no one’s fault, you should call us for a free evaluation.

Why Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer in Maryland?

Premises liability cases are legally complex and require in-depth knowledge to navigate effectively. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can:

• Avoid delays and costly mistakes.
• Level the playing field against well-resourced property owners or insurance companies.
• Maximize compensation by accounting for all recoverable damages.
• Be prepared for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Contact Keilty Bonadio Today

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions, don’t suffer in silence. At Keilty Bonadio, we have the resources and expertise to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 410-469-9953 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 to help you through this difficult time.