Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Massachusetts: Premises Liability Explained

Introduction
Slip-and-fall accidents put more than 800,000 Americans in hospitals each year. In New
England, icy walkways and uneven sidewalks are frequent culprits. Understanding
Massachusetts premises liability law helps injured visitors secure fair compensation.

1. Duty of Care
   Owners and occupiers must maintain reasonably safe conditions, remedy hazards they
   know—or should know—about, and warn visitors when immediate repair isn’t feasible.

2. Notice and Liability
   Success hinges on proving the owner (a) created the hazard, or (b) knew or should have known
   of it. Surveillance footage, incident reports, and weather records establish notice.

3. Winter Weather Hazards
   The “natural accumulation” rule once protected property owners from liability for snow and ice.

Massachusetts courts now apply general negligence principles, holding owners accountable
when failure to remove or treat ice within a reasonable time causes injury.

4. Evidence Tips

• Photograph the scene before conditions change.

• Preserve footwear as potential evidence of traction.

• Seek medical attention immediately—gaps in treatment raise doubts.

5. Statute of Limitations
   You generally have three years to file suit. Delay risks witness memory loss
   and evidence deterioration.

6. Comparative Negligence
   If you were texting while walking or ignored visible warning cones, your recovery may be
   reduced. An attorney can counterbalance insurer arguments about fault.

Conclusion
Falls happen fast but carry lasting consequences—medical bills, missed work, chronic pain. TD
Law Group helps clients statewide build strong premises-liability claims and pursue fair results.

Not legal advice; for educational purposes only.

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