The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it also brings an increase in accidents and injuries. From slip and falls to car accidents, many individuals in Maryland find themselves dealing with unexpected injuries during the holiday months. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s important to understand the most common causes of holiday-related injuries and your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Common Causes of Holiday-Related Injuries
While the holiday season is festive, it can also be risky for various reasons. Below are some of the top causes of holiday-related injuries and how they can occur:
Slip and Falls on Ice or Snow
Winter weather in Maryland often brings icy sidewalks and parking lots. Slip and fall accidents become more common during this time as people rush to stores or holiday events. Businesses and property owners are responsible for keeping walkways clear and safe for visitors. If a property owner fails to remove ice or snow, they may be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises.
Car Accidents During Holiday Travel
Holiday travel, like Thanksgiving, is a major factor in increased traffic accidents. Whether it's long-distance travel to visit family or just local shopping trips, roads are busier than usual. Combine the increased traffic with winter weather conditions, and it’s easy to see why car accidents spike during the holidays. Drivers can be distracted, speeding, or impaired, leading to serious accidents and injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident during the holidays, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case.
Fire-Related Injuries
Decorating with candles, holiday lights, and other types of decor late in the Thanksgiving season can increase the risk of fires. Faulty electrical wiring in holiday lights and unattended candles, for example, are some of the most common fire hazards. Fires can lead to severe burns and property damage, requiring immediate medical attention and potentially extensive recovery time.
In Maryland, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as improper maintenance of holiday decorations or faulty products, you may have legal options to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Holiday-Related Product Injuries
Many people purchase new products during the holidays, including toys, electronics, and kitchen appliances. Unfortunately, some of these products can be defective or dangerous. Whether it's a child’s toy with a choking hazard or a kitchen appliance that causes burns, holiday product injuries are common.
If you or a loved one is injured due to a defective product, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer. A personal injury lawyer can assist in proving that the product was defective and that it directly caused your injury.
Workplace Injuries During Seasonal Employment
The holiday season often brings temporary or seasonal jobs, particularly in retail and shipping. Unfortunately, seasonal workers are at a higher risk for workplace injuries, especially if they are not properly trained or if safety precautions are overlooked. Injuries can range from slips and falls in busy retail environments to overexertion injuries from lifting heavy packages.
If you’ve been injured while working a seasonal job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. However, in some cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be an option, especially if a third party was responsible for the injury.
Legal Options for Holiday-Related Injuries
If you’ve been injured during the holidays, there are several legal options available to help you recover compensation. Here are the steps you should take to ensure you protect your rights and seek justice.
File a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is often the best course of action if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. In Maryland, personal injury claims can be filed for various types of accidents, including car crashes, slip and falls, and product defects. To file a claim, you’ll need to prove that:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligence.
- Their negligence directly caused your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result of the injury.
A personal injury lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to build your case, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
Pursue a Premises Liability Claim
If you were injured on someone else's property, such as in a slip and fall at a shopping mall or a fire in a rental home, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If they fail to do so, and you’re injured as a result, they can be held liable for your injuries.
In Maryland, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the property owner’s insurance company.
Seek Workers' Compensation or File a Third-Party Claim
If you’ve been injured on the job during the holidays, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, which cover medical bills and lost wages. However, if a third party (someone other than your employer) was responsible for the injury, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation, such as pain and suffering.
A personal injury lawyer can review the details of your case and help you determine whether filing a third-party claim is an option.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Maryland
Holiday-related injuries can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple parties or insurance companies. Hiring a Maryland personal injury lawyer ensures that your case is handled properly, giving you the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Investigating the Cause of the Accident: A personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but a lawyer will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
Contact Maronick Law to File a Personal Injury Claim in Maryland
If you or a loved one has been injured during the holidays, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your legal rights. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, a slip and fall, or due to a defective product, a personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options and pursue compensation for your losses.
Contact Maronick Law today for a free consultation. You can call us directly at 443-551-2747 or use our online contact form to discuss your case. We’re here to help you recover and move forward after your injury.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.