While most people do not consider sidewalks to be particularly dangerous, the truth is, sidewalks are among the most common places for slip and fall accidents to occur, and if this has happened to you, you may require the services of a knowledgeable St. Mary’s County sidewalk accident lawyer. Continue reading and contact The Dorsey Law Firm to learn more about these accidents and how we can help if you’ve been hurt in one.
Do I Need a St. Mary’s County Sidewalk Accident Lawyer?
Though at times, a slip and fall on a sidewalk simply results in a couple of scrapes, in other cases, sidewalk accidents can also result in broken bones, sprains, and other very serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a sidewalk accident because of unsafe sidewalk conditions, you need a St. Mary’s County sidewalk accident lawyer on your side.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk accidents can occur for many different reasons, though they are often a result of property owners failing to ensure that their sidewalks are safe for all passersby. Common causes of sidewalk accidents include potholes, uneven pavement, debris left uncleared, and weather-related hazards left uncleared, such as snow and ice.
Snow Removal in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Every municipality in Maryland has its own set of rules regarding snow removal. Here in St. Mary’s County, property owners whose sidewalk is adjacent to a public sidewalk must clear snow and ice away within 72 hours of the last snowfall, in accordance with the St. Mary’s County Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance.
If a snowplow or another snow-clearing machine gets snow onto a sidewalk, the sidewalk owner is responsible for clearing the snow away within 72 hours. You should also understand that if you are unable to completely remove snow or ice, you will have to apply salt, sand, or another material to make the snow/ice dissolve.
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident because of a property owner’s failure to remove snow or ice within the legally acceptable 72-hour window, there is a very good chance that you will have a valid personal injury claim, and our St. Mary’s County sidewalk accident lawyer is here to help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Sidewalk Accidents in Maryland
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Maryland is three years. However, if you were injured on a sidewalk owned by a municipality or on government property, you will have to file a Notice of Claim within one year of the date of your accident. Rather obviously, time is of the essence, and the sooner you take action, the better. Speak with one of our St. Mary’s County slip and fall lawyers today.
Contact a St. Mary’s County Sidewalk Accident Lawyer
Sidewalk accidents are no joke, and if you’ve been harmed in one, you need an attorney who is ready to fight for your right to a swift recovery. Contact The Dorsey Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
