Most beachgoers hit the shore to have a good time. Unfortunately, a beach outing doesn’t always end well. When you’re injured on a beach, who is at fault? And perhaps more importantly, who can be held accountable for the injury-related costs you face?
Determining Liability for a Beach Injury
When determining who is responsible for your injuries, you’ll first need to find out who owns the beach. Beaches in Massachusetts can be public or private. All property owners, whether public, commercial, or private, should maintain safe premises to protect any and all visitors. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the costs of the injuries a person suffers on their property.
So, if you were injured on a beach owned by a business or a homeowner, you need to determine if an improperly maintained property was the cause of your injuries. If so, then determine if the property owner should have known about that dangerous condition.
If the answer is “yes” to both questions, then you should explore a premises liability claim. In a premises liability claim, you seek compensation for all the injury-related costs you face from the owner or manager of said property.
What If the Injury Happened at a Public Beach?
When an injury happens on public property, things are a little more complicated. The Massachusetts Tort Claims Act sets the terms regarding claims against the state or a municipal government in Massachusetts. In many cases, you can still file an injury claim for compensation, but speaking to an experienced premises liability lawyer can help you determine where your own claim stands.
In other words, if you’re injured on a public beach in Massachusetts through no fault of your own, you should always explore your legal options. You will often have some path available to get the payment you deserve.
Who Else Might Be At-Fault for Beach-Related Injuries?
Beyond property owners or the state, other parties might be liable for the injuries you suffered at the beach. For example, if another beachgoer caused your injuries, you might be able to file a personal injury claim for the injury-related costs you face.
If you suffered an injury on the beach because of a faulty product, such as a beach umbrella or flotation device, you can hold the manufacturer of the defective product accountable through a product liability claim.
When Injuries Aren’t Your Fault, Speak to an Experienced Attorney
As you can see, an injured person often has many legal options to explore after being hurt on the beach in Massachusetts. Once you find out who is at fault for your injuries, you’ll have a better idea of the type of claim you can file.
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for your injury. To figure out your next steps, take advantage of a free case assessment from an experienced attorney.
Contact Jason Stone for a Free Consultation
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we help injured people get the compensation they need to cover the costs of their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other costs they face because of someone else’s negligence.
Contact our MA personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
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