Slip-and-fall accident lawsuits are one of those types of civil claims that people scoff at until it happens to them. Accidents that occur in falls are often far more severe than they seem. Those who endure such injuries have reported chronic pain and other disabilities as a result of their fall.
If you are interested in suing after suffering an injury in a slip-and-fall accident, read on to learn more about the laws surrounding premises liability lawsuits in Massachusetts.
As you prepare to file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner of the property on which you fell, as well as anyone else whose negligence may have contributed to the injuries you sustained, it’s important to learn some of the most important laws regarding these types of claims.
To start, you have a very limited amount of time to file your lawsuit within the Massachusetts civil court system. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and for premises liability claims, injury victims have just three years to file.
When the statute of limitations runs out, so do your chances of securing full compensation for your suffering. Although it may seem like three years is more than enough time to file a claim, there is much work to be done to make your claim as powerful as possible. Your attorney will need as much time as possible to build a compelling case against the property owner and other liable parties.
Another premises liability law you need to know is the open and obvious doctrine. This law protects property owners from liability for the injuries of those who get hurt due to hazards that are, well, open and obvious.
For example, if you have ever been in a restaurant and seen a yellow wet floor sign, this is clearly demonstrating that restaurant guests need to be careful when walking near that area. If someone were to fall and there was no wet floor sign indicating the mess, however, the restaurant owner could be found liable and the open and obvious doctrine would not apply.
It is also worth noting that property owners cannot be culpable for injuries that occur when someone is trespassing on their property. Property owners are under no legal obligation to ensure that their premises are safe for uninvited guests.
Filing a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall accident can be a lot to handle when you are still recuperating from injuries. An experienced Boston personal injury lawyer at Joel H. Schwartz, PC can help you understand what this process entails and get the most out of your claim.
Simply give our office a call at 617-742-1170 or complete the contact form on our website when you are ready to schedule your free consultation.
Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. has been one of the most widely recognized and respected names in personal injury law for more than 50 years. Our partners and associates bring more than 185 years of combined litigation experience to your potential claim. With our longevity and vast experience, we have successfully resolved more than 30,000 claims and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in the Boston metro area and beyond.... View full business profile here: Joel H. Schwartz, P.C.
