Boston Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Slip and Fall Frequently Asked Questions
What is a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall is a type of falling accident that occurs on a piece of property, whether it is a business, residence or other type of premises. It is usually the result of hazardous surface conditions such as an unmarked wet floor, dirt or debris-covered floor, or a poorly maintained walkway, sidewalk, step, or stairway. Other similar types of accidents include trip and fall accidents and stump and fall accidents.
Isn't a slip and fall accident just clumsiness?
Absolutely not. In fact, people often erroneously blame themselves for fall accident injuries when the conditions that caused the fall are the reasonable responsibility of the property owner. A few such conditions include:
- broken or uneven stairs
- poor lighting
- lack of or loose railings
- uneven floors
- wet floors
- broken or upturned tiles
- uneven carpeting and
- snow or ice-covered pathways
When can the property owner be held liable for a slip and fall accident?
Slip and fall accidents fall under the scope of Massachusetts premises liability law. If a visitor to a property has a slip and fall accident as the result of a hazardous condition that violates the property owner's responsibility to repair and/or maintain their property with reasonable care and diligence, and the visitor was not made reasonably aware of the condition through signage or other means, then the property owner may be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses or damages the visitor suffered as a result of the accident.
What if the slip and fall accident happened on public property?
Public property, just like private property, must be repaired and/or maintained with reasonable care and diligence. This includes the clearing of natural and unnatural snow and/or ice and repairing any defects. If the person, city, town, county or entity responsible for that property could have prevented an accident through timely repair or they received reasonable notice of a defect or need of repair and failed to do so, then that party may be held liable for any injuries or damage that result.
Who is most at risk of slip and fall accidents?
Although anyone may be involved in a slip and fall accident, falls most commonly occur among older adults and children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults. In addition, the main cause of nonfatal child injuries, for all children between 0 to 19-years-old, is falls.
How do I hold a negligent property owner responsible for my injuries?
If you have been injured in a Massachusetts slip and fall accident as the result of property owner negligence, be it a residence, business or public way, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries by filing a premises liability claim. However, you must prove that the property owner was, in fact, negligent. Pictures can help prove your claim, so be sure to take photos after the accident to preserve evidence. You may also want to get witness names and contact information. At the Kiley Law Group, our knowledgeable slip and fall accident attorneys in Boston have a thorough understanding of Massachusetts premises liability law and will investigate the details of your accident in order to prove fault. To learn more about obtaining maximum compensation for your injuries, call us today for a free consultation at (888) 208-1695.
