If you slip and fall on ice outside a business in Maryland, you may be able to sue—but only if the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard. These cases depend on negligence, and proving it isn’t always easy.
Businesses in Maryland have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions on their property. That includes sidewalks, parking lots, entryways, and other common areas. When winter weather hits, owners are expected to remove snow and ice within a reasonable time. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable.
To build a successful claim, you must show that the business knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. This is called proving notice. For example, if it stopped snowing hours ago and no one salted the walkway, that might show negligence.
However, if the fall happened during an active storm—known in Maryland as the “storm in progress” rule—it’s harder to win a case. Businesses typically aren’t expected to clear ice during an ongoing storm.
If you fall, report the incident to the business immediately. Take photos of the ice, your injuries, and your surroundings. Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your memory, and seek medical attention right away.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you’re found even slightly at fault—say, for wearing improper footwear or not paying attention—you may not be able to recover any damages. That’s why gathering evidence and working with an experienced attorney is crucial.
A fall on ice can cause serious injuries, from fractures to head trauma. Don’t assume it’s just bad luck. If a property owner failed to take reasonable precautions, you may have a legal right to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What to Know About Social Media and Personal Injury Claims in Maryland
After an accident, posting on social media may seem harmless, but it can seriously damage your injury claim. In Maryland, insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to find evidence that contradicts your case.
Even innocent-looking posts can be taken out of context. A photo of you smiling at a birthday party might be used to suggest you’re not in pain. A comment about “feeling better” could be used to argue that your recovery is complete. Posts about going to the gym or taking a short trip could be twisted to downplay your injury.
Once you file a personal injury or workers’ comp claim, you need to be extremely careful about what you post. Even private accounts are not immune—courts can order you to turn over content, and tagged photos or shared posts may still become public.
It’s best to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or anything related to your case. That includes updates about medical treatment, pain levels, or conversations with your lawyer. Avoid “checking in” at places, sharing videos, or engaging in online arguments about the incident.
Also, ask friends and family not to tag you in posts or mention your injury online. You have little control over what others post, but their content could still affect your claim.
If you’ve already posted something that might be damaging, don’t delete it without legal advice. Deleting posts may be seen as hiding evidence, which can also harm your case. Instead, talk to your attorney about how to handle the situation.
Insurance companies are looking for reasons to deny your claim or reduce your compensation. Don’t give them ammunition. Be cautious with what you share, and focus on your recovery. When in doubt, it’s safest to stay offline until your case is resolved.
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