Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Accidents in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, when you legally step onto someone else’s property — whether it’s a commercial building, municipal property, or private property owners’ premises — you expect a reasonably safe condition free from hazards. However, unsafe conditions and a negligent property owner can create dangerous situations that lead to fall incidents and serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Accidents happen when business owners, store owners, or a property manager fail in their duty of care to maintain safe premises or fail to warn visitors of a dangerous condition. Under Massachusetts law, victims of slip and fall accidents have the right to pursue a premises liability claim and seek financial compensation for their injuries and losses.

Premises liability cases arise when fall injuries occur due to negligence on someone else’s property. Under Massachusetts law, property owners and business owners owe a duty of care to lawful visitors to exercise reasonable care and keep their premises safe.

Premises liability accidents can in common places where people expect safety:

• Grocery stores or supermarkets
• Restaurants or shopping malls
• Retail stores and office buildings
• Parking lots and public places
• Construction sites or workplaces
• Hospitals, hotels, or apartment complexes

Common fall claims and premises liability accidents include:

• Icy walkways and snow buildup
• Wet floor, slippery surfaces, or liquid spills
• Defective stairs, uneven stairways, or missing handrails
• Poor lighting or inadequate security
• Obstructions or debris in walking paths
• Hazardous conditions from ceiling disrepair or falling objects
• Unsafe conditions due to improper maintenance or inadequate warnings
• Uneven walkways
• Electrocution injury or electrical shock

In many premises liability cases, not only the property owner but also third-party contractors like a janitorial service, property manager, or snow removal company may be held as the responsible party.

At Gavagan Law, our legal team has extensive experience handling these cases. We collect witness statements, photographs, and incident reports, and work with construction experts to build a strong personal injury claim and pursue maximum compensation.

If you’re an injured person in a fall case, it’s crucial to protect your legal rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Prioritize medical care. Documentation of medical expenses and treatment supports your fall case and proves the extent of your serious injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Notify the business owner, store owner, or manager to ensure the incident is documented.
3. Gather Evidence: Photos, videos, and witness statements can show the dangerous condition that caused your injuries.
4. Consult with an Experienced Attorney: A skilled premises liability lawyer or fall accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with the insurance company or insurance companies, and file a premises liability claim to recover financial compensation.

Premises liability accidents can result in:

• Sprains, bruises, or fractures
• Head injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Wrongful death in severe fall accidents

An injured party may recover:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in certain egregious cases

Massachusetts imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury cases. An injured plaintiff generally has three (3) years from the date of the fall accident to file a premises liability claim against the responsible party.

If the property is owned by a government entity (such as a town, city, or the MBTA), special rules apply — written Presentment must be served within two (2) years under G.L. c. 258, § 4. Missing this time limit may prevent an injured person from pursuing a fall case.

At Gavagan Law, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. Our experienced Boston slip and fall attorneys have a proven record of success in premises liability cases across the Boston area, including Suffolk County, Dorchester, and Cape Cod.

We fight aggressively against insurance carriers and liability attorneys to hold negligent property owners accountable and obtain financial compensation for injury victims.

With extensive experience, a strong legal team, and a commitment to clients, we help you navigate the legal process and pursue maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered fall injuries due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, contact Gavagan Law today. We offer a free consultation, free case evaluation, and free legal consultation by phone call, or online contact form.

Our premises liability attorneys are ready to protect your legal rights, explain your legal options, and fight for the injured party to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients..