The most common types of public personal injury accidents are slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. Although both slip and fall and trip and fall are types of fall accidents and both generally result in the same types of injuries, their causes are different. In either case, however, the owner or manager of a property where either type of fall accident occurs may be held liable for the victim’s injuries if his or her negligent maintenance, repair, or overall management contributed to the accident.
Trip and Fall Accident Causes
As the term suggests, a trip and fall accident involves the tripping over of an object or irregular surface. Unlike a slip and fall accident, which is caused by a wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surface, trip and fall accidents involve debris and other obstructive objects, although poor lighting may also contribute to a fall accident. Some common causes of trip and fall accidents include:
- Broken or upturned tiles;
- Lumps in the carpet;
- Cracked or otherwise damaged walkways;
- Debris or other trash on the floor;
- Boxes in a narrow hallway; and
- Abnormal stair height.
Liability in Trip and Fall Accidents
Under Massachusetts premises liability law, a property owner must take reasonable responsibility for ensuring that his or her premises are safe for visitors. This means making repairs in a timely manner, ensuring proper upkeep and maintenance, including clearing accumulations of snow and/or ice, and posting warning signs for hazardous conditions. If a property owner or manager does not fulfill these duties, they may be held liable in civil court.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip and fall or slip and fall accident in Massachusetts as the result of property owner negligence, contact the reputed trip and fall injury lawyers in Boston with the Kiley Law Group. We have the skills and resources to obtain maximum compensation for the losses you’ve suffered and are committed to achieving justice for each and every client. To speak to one of our attorneys about your potential claim, call us today for a free legal evaluation at (888) 208-1695.
