Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
Every year, hundreds of injuries, and even deaths, occur at recreational facilities across Maryland and the East Coast. Whether it’s a thrilling day at a trampoline park, an adventurous climb at a rock wall gym, or a family outing to an amusement park, the risks of injury are real and significant. These accidents are often not mere flukes but the result of negligence on the part of the facility or its employees. Until recently, however, many consumers unknowingly signed away their right to seek compensation for such injuries. The recent passage of a new law in Maryland is set to change that, marking a significant step to protect consumers.
A Landmark Law for Consumer Protection
On May 16, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed into law a bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly that prohibits waivers of liability for negligence at commercial recreational facilities. This new law represents a monumental shift in how businesses and consumers share risk at recreational activities. For years, facilities such as trampoline parks, rock climbing gyms, and other entertainment venues have required customers to sign pre-injury waivers as a condition of entry or participation. These waivers effectively stripped consumers of their right to seek legal recourse in the event of an injury caused by the facility’s negligence.
By declaring these waivers void and unenforceable, Maryland has taken a decisive stand to protect its citizens from unjust and potentially dangerous practices. Business owners often used these waivers as a shield to avoid accountability for the negligent actions of themselves or their employees. This law ensures that all recreational facilities are held to the same standard of care, fostering a safer environment for everyone involved.
Empowering Consumers and Holding Businesses Accountable
With the enactment of this law, consumers will now have a much better chance of recovering damages if they are injured at a recreational facility due to negligence. This is a significant win for the public, ensuring that business owners can no longer hide behind liability waivers to avoid compensating victims for their losses. However, it is crucial to understand that while this law strengthens consumer protections, it does not automatically guarantee compensation for every injury. Negligence must still be proven in court, meaning that the injured party must demonstrate that the facility failed to meet the standard of care required and that this failure directly resulted in their injury.
Contact an Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured at a recreational facility, the skilled lawyers at The Schupak Law Firm offer free consultations to discuss the legal aspects of your case, whether it involves unsafe conditions, a slip and fall, or another incident. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Maryland are better equipped than ever to help clients navigate the legal landscape and seek compensation following an accident due to negligence or premises liability. We can advise on the viability of claims, settlement negotiations, and filing lawsuits to ensure fair compensation. With The Schupak Law Firm, you have dedicated support throughout the legal process. Contact us through our online form or call (230)-833-3915 to get started today.