North Shore Slip and Fall Lawyer
Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury, from broken hips and wrists to head injuries. When a fall happens because a property owner failed to keep the premises reasonably safe, the owner may be responsible. Muggeo & Associates represents people injured in falls at stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, and private homes across the North Shore.
Who Is Responsible for a Fall?
Massachusetts property owners and those who control property must use reasonable care to keep it safe for lawful visitors. That includes fixing hazards they know about or should have discovered, and warning visitors of dangers that are not obvious. Landlords, businesses, condominium associations, snow removal contractors, and property managers can all be responsible.
Common Causes of Falls
- Snow and ice on walkways, steps, and parking lots
- Wet or recently mopped floors without warning signs
- Broken or uneven stairs and missing handrails
- Poor lighting in stairwells and parking areas
- Torn carpet, loose mats, and cluttered aisles
- Potholes and cracked sidewalks
Snow and Ice in Massachusetts
New England winters make snow and ice a leading cause of falls. Massachusetts law requires property owners to use reasonable care to remove or treat snow and ice, regardless of whether it accumulated naturally. Whether an owner acted reasonably depends on the storm, the timing, and what was done. Records of plowing, salting, and weather can make or break these cases, so they should be requested early.
Falls on Public Sidewalks and Roads
If you fall because of a defect in a public way, such as a broken sidewalk or pothole, special rules apply. Written notice to the city or town is generally required within 30 days of the injury, and the amount you can recover may be capped. Missing this deadline can end the claim, so contact a lawyer right away.
Falls in Apartment Buildings
Landlords must keep common areas such as stairways, hallways, porches, and walkways reasonably safe. Building code violations, such as missing handrails or inadequate lighting, can be strong evidence of negligence. If you rent and were hurt in a common area, you may have a claim against your landlord.
What to Do After a Fall
- Report the fall to the owner, manager, or landlord and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Photograph the exact spot and the condition that caused the fall before it is cleaned up.
- Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing.
- Get names of witnesses.
- Get medical care and follow through with treatment.
Comparative Fault and Deadlines
Insurers often argue that the injured person was not watching where they were going. Under Massachusetts comparative negligence, you can still recover if you were not more at fault than the property owner, though your recovery may be reduced. Most premises claims must be filed within three years, but public-way claims have much shorter notice requirements.
Learn more about our personal injury practice.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
Call Muggeo & Associates at (978) 741-1177, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or send us a message. Our office is at 133 Washington Street in downtown Salem.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change and depend on the facts of each case. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.