Did you sustain injuries after slipping and falling on someone else’s property? No matter if you fall in a public or a private place, this type of incident often leaves victims like you with a plethora of physical, emotional, and financial repercussions.
While a Haverhill slip and fall lawyer cannot undo the injuries you’ve sustained, an attorney with experience handling these cases will likely help you recover compensation. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent more than 20 years fighting for justice.
In that time, our Haverhill personal injury lawyers have won more than $225 million in compensation across 15,000 cases and counting. If you or someone you love was injured in a slip and fall accident, Better Phone Stone®. And remember—we take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone loses their balance or footing due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. The process of slipping and falling likely will result in both minor and severe injuries.
These accidents happen anywhere, ranging from inside grocery stores and restaurants to inside workplaces or people’s homes. Property owners are required by law to maintain their premises and keep everything in safe conditions.
This means they must fix any hazards that could lead to slip and fall injuries in a timely manner. If you’ve been injured after slipping and falling, you likely will be able to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Not all slip and fall incidents happen for the same reason. Many factors result in people slipping and falling. Let’s take a look at some of the more common cases our Haverhill slip and fall attorneys see.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet or slippery floors are a main contributor to slip and fall incidents. From water being tracked inside on a rainy day to liquids that spill unexpectedly, slippery floors pose a major risk.
Property owners must clean up spills promptly and put up warning signs to alert visitors to the hazard.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting makes it difficult to see potential dangers. This lack of visibility increases the chances that a slip and fall incident will arise.
Dimly lit stairways, hallways, or parking lots are a few examples of places where poor lighting will result in someone slipping and falling. Property owners must ensure that their premises are properly illuminated.
That way, people will be able to see hazards ahead of time and take measures to avoid them.
Uneven or Cracked Flooring
Uneven or cracked flooring—such as broken tiles, warped wooden floors, or loose carpeting— poses a tripping risk. It’s up to property owners to regularly inspect their floors.
Then, if they come across any areas of concern, they are responsible for making all necessary repairs. If a property owner fails to take care of damaged areas, a slip and fall incident is likely to occur.
Ice and Snow
The winter months are no stranger to ice and snow, both of which create dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Property owners are required to promptly clear snow and ice from their walkways, driveways, and parking lots to prevent accidents.
If they do not take swift action to prevent pedestrians from getting hurt, they likely will be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
Cluttered Walkways
Cluttered or obstructed walkways cause people to trip or stumble, resulting in a slip and fall accident. This includes items such as boxes, cords, or furniture that block pathways.
Property owners must keep walkways clear of debris, proactively taking measures to prioritize the safety of visitors.
Defective Stairs
Defective or poorly maintained stairs likely will lead to serious injuries. If stairs are missing handrails, steps are broken, or surfaces are uneven, anyone who uses them is at a greater risk of falling.
Property owners must ensure that their stairways are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Massachusetts Laws Regarding Slip and Fall Cases
To pursue a successful slip and fall claim, you must understand certain state laws and how they will affect the outcome of your case.
Premises Liability
Under Massachusetts law, property owners and occupiers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. This is known as premises liability.
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises free from dangerous conditions that could otherwise cause harm to people. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs as a result, they likely will be held liable.
Comparative Negligence
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
That said, if you are 51% or more responsible for the incident, then you will not be allowed to pursue any compensation.
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a slip and fall accident is three years from the date of the incident.
If you do not file your claim within this 36-month time frame, you likely will lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with Our Haverhill Slip and Fall Lawyers
If you’ve been injured after slipping and falling, we encourage you to reach out to Jason Stone Injury Lawyers sooner rather than later. With the help of our slip and fall law firm in Haverhill, you won’t have to face the legal process on your own.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for local victims of slip and fall incidents. We’re committed to fighting for the financial compensation you deserve.
With our Stone Cold Guarantee® in mind, we offer the option to schedule a free consultation, and we’ll respond to your call within 24 hours. Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us.
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188