Common Premises Liability Claims You May Not Have Considered Before

 Posted on March 31, 2026 in Personal Injury

There are some premises liability injuries that many people are familiar with. Drowning or near-drowning is one. Slip and fall accidents are another. Many people don’t stop to consider how the conditions for these occur, though, or the other ways a person may be liable for injuries that happen on their property. Some of these are so common that we never stop to consider the hazards they pose.

If you experienced an injury from one of these everyday hazards in 2026 and are wondering if you have a case, an Anne Arundel County personal injury attorney can help you figure out your options.

What Is Premises Liability per Maryland Law?

Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners responsible when their negligence causes someone to get hurt on their property. Maryland follows common law principles that property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors who are there legally. When they fail to do that, and someone is injured as a result, the owner can be held liable.

Common law isn’t officially written in the state’s statutes, but is decided by the way judges rule in cases. One such case is Diffendal v. Cash and Carry Service, 74 MD App 170 (1988), where the court ruled that a grocery store was negligent for leaving a box of canned food out that a woman tripped over.

Common Premises Liability Claims People Don’t Think About

Below are some hazardous conditions that people often rarely consider.

Refrigeration and Temperature Hazards

Grocery stores and convenience stores use large refrigeration units that can leak condensation onto the floor. This condensation on slick store flooring is dangerous and often occurs in  high-traffic aisles. Stores have a responsibility to monitor these areas and clean them up or post warnings promptly.

Spills That Weren’t Cleaned Up

Any business that serves food or beverages has a clear responsibility to clean up spills quickly. When a spill sits without a warning sign or cleanup, it becomes a "foreseeable hazard" – one that the business could have easily resolved before it injured someone.

Poor or Broken Lighting

Dim hallways, broken light fixtures in parking lots, and poorly lit stairwells all increase the risk of falls and other accidents.

Overcrowding and Cluttered Aisles

Stores sometimes pack so many displays and products into their aisles that customers cannot move through safely. Employees may also leave products waiting to be put on shelves in walkways, sometimes for hours on end. When merchandise is stacked too high, placed in walking paths, or used to block sightlines, the risk of injury goes up significantly.

Blocked or Inaccessible Exits

Blocked emergency exits are an OSHA violation because of the serious safety risk they pose. If a fire, panic situation, or other emergency occurs, people who are prevented from leaving the building by blocked exits can be injured or even killed.

Using Shared Spaces as a Storefront

Some businesses set up displays or conduct operations in common areas, parking lots, or public walkways that were not designed for such use. This can create unexpected hazards for people passing through. If a business created dangerous conditions in a space it did not own or was using improperly, they may be liable for injuries that happen there.

What Should You Do After Getting Hurt on Someone's Property?

Steps you take right after an injury include the following:

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager and ask for a written copy of the report.

• Photograph the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area before anything changes

• Get the names of any witnesses who saw what happened.

• Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first.

• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

If you were injured in a public place of business like a store, getting professional legal help on board as quickly as possible will help you know what other things you need to do based on your specific situation. Maryland Statute §5–101 only gives you three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. 

Call a Hyattsville, MD Premises Liability Attorney Today

Premises liability cases can move quickly once an insurance company gets involved, and they have no interest in compensating you fairly. At Kisner Law, our Anne Arundel County personal injury lawyer has worked for large insurance companies and knows the tactics they use to minimize what they pay you. We are available 24/7, can travel overnight if needed, and work to fit your schedule. Whether your case is straightforward or complicated, you will get honest answers and the white glove experience you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call Kisner Law at 240-459-0097 to get started.