Suffering a slip and fall in a store, restaurant, or public building can be both painful and confusing. Beyond the physical injuries, victims often face mounting medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about who is responsible. Knowing your rights and taking the right steps can make a crucial difference in your recovery and your claim for compensation.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the legal responsibility that property owners and managers have to maintain their spaces safely for visitors. When a dangerous condition causes injury — such as a wet floor, broken step, or poor lighting — the owner may be held liable if they failed to correct or warn about the hazard.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
These incidents can happen anywhere, but the most frequent causes include:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Poor lighting in stairways or parking lots
- Cluttered walkways or spilled liquids
- Loose carpets or mats
- Failure to remove ice or snow in winter
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
- Seek medical attention — Even if you feel fine, some injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage appear later.
- Report the incident — Notify the property owner, manager, or security staff right away. Ask for a written report.
- Document everything — Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the condition that caused the fall.
- Gather witness information — Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the incident.
- Avoid signing or giving statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney first.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
To win a premises liability claim, you must show that:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition,
- They failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it, and
- That negligence directly caused your injury.
An experienced Boston slip and fall attorney can help investigate video footage, maintenance records, and staff statements to build a strong case.
Your Rights Under Massachusetts Law
In Massachusetts, property owners have a duty of care to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to act within that time could mean losing your right to compensation.
Possible Compensation
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer Early
The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of protecting key evidence. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident,
- Handle all communication with insurance companies, and
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Earley Law Group, we combine legal experience with compassion — so you can focus on healing while we take care of the rest.
Need Legal Assistance? Contact Our Law Firm Today
A slip and fall can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Understanding your rights, documenting the incident carefully, and seeking professional legal support will help you secure both your recovery and your peace of mind.
Contact us today at (617) 338-7400 or use our contact form for your free consultation.