Maryland premises liability laws require business owners and others in charge of property to maintain their spaces so that reasonably foreseeable dangers do not create a risk of injury to others. However, injury statistics revealed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that many do not comply with the relevant rules. In 2017, the top two causes of accidental bodily harm were slip and falls, followed by unintentional strikes by an object. Both of which may occur when responsible parties fail in their legal duty. In a typical situation, you would seek monetary damages for your losses as an injured victim by filing an insurance claim; if the insurer will not pay fair compensation, you would file a lawsuit in court. What you may not expect is a third option. The property owner trying to avoid these entanglements by offering you something of value. A Baltimore County, MD premises liability attorney can explain why it is important to let the legal process run its course, but you should review some information on why it is a mistake to accept.
Top Reason Behind Offers for Free Products or Services
As you might expect, the main reason the responsible party would give you something for free is to avoid the costs associated with providing proper compensation. Owners of restaurants, stores, apartment buildings, office complexes, and others will likely have insurance to protect their interests when an accident happens; your claim could result in increased premiums. It is also possible that the property owner will have to hire their own legal team and spend money on attorneys’ fees.
As such, you might experience any of the following:
- A store owner could offer a discount on your current and future purchases;
- You might get a comped meal at a restaurant;
- Your landlord could suggest a write off of your rent for the month; or,
- You might be offered a free membership at a country club, golf course, waterpark, or other attraction.
You May Give Up Important Rights
It is true that the perks listed above have value, so you might be tempted to accept. However, the associated financial amounts may be far lower than what you could receive through the legal process. In addition, you may not even know the full extent of your losses in the immediate aftermath of the accident. If you accept, you forego much higher monetary damages that are available by law, such as:
- Your costs for medical treatment;
- Your lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Diminished quality of life; and,
- Many other damages depending on your unique circumstances.
Consult with a Baltimore County, MD Premises Liability Lawyer Today
From the above, you can see that you could be making a huge mistake to accept something a business or property owner offers if you got hurt because of dangerous conditions. You give up your legal rights – and potentially your proper compensation – unless you go the traditional route by filing an insurance claim and/or lawsuit. To set up a free consultation regarding your remedies in a premises liability case, please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman in Owings Mills, MD.
