Typical slip and fall locationsPeople trip and slip all the time—especially during inclement weather. But when a trip or slip ends in a fall, you could be seriously injured.

How do you know when the owner of the property where you fell is responsible for injury compensation for your accident? We discuss liability and take a look at the places where these incidents commonly happen.

When Is a Business Owner Liable?

If there's a hazard or defect on a property and the owner or manager knows about it, he has a duty to fix the issue or provide adequate warning of the danger.

If he doesn’t, and the hazard causes your slip or trip and fall, you might be able to hold the property owner accountable for your injuries. It isn't easy to prove all the contributing factors, but an experienced personal injury attorney who accepts slip and fall cases can help.

Where Do Slip and Falls Tend to Happen?

As you're out and about shopping, dining, and patronizing entertainment venues, you can encounter a hazard or defect just about anywhere. Spilled liquids, snow and ice, torn carpets, unsecured electrical cords, defective handrails, and poor lighting are all dangerous to an unsuspecting shopper or pedestrian.

These kinds of hazards typically happen in the following places:

  • Grocery stores. Supermarket employees must be diligent about keeping aisles clean and dry. If spilled liquid, a broken container, or water from shoppers’ shoes isn't cleaned up right away, someone can easily slip and fall.
  • Hotels and resorts. Lobbies, pool decks, stairways, and rooms are potential sites for slip and trip hazards. If hotel staff isn't on top of inspecting and maintaining these areas, the owner could be liable for the resulting injuries.
  • Restaurants. It can be difficult to navigate a crowded restaurant. When pathways aren't kept clear, and floors are wet and slippery, the owner may be negligent.
  • Movie theaters. Adequate lighting must be available at all times inside a movie theater, and stairs should be free of torn carpeting and obstacles. These are common tripping hazards.

In addition to these dangers, every business has a duty to keep its outdoor sidewalks free of snow and ice in the winter. If they don’t, they can be held liable for fall injuries.

Call Mahaney & Pappas to Discuss Your Slip and Fall

When you experience a fall injury on someone else’s property, we know what to look for and how to pursue the maximum amount of money to compensate you for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and future medical expenses. We know how to deal with insurance companies, what evidence is important, and how to present and negotiate your claim. Call the Framingham law firm of Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, to learn more.

 

Charles S. Pappas
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Massachusetts injury lawyer & workers' compensation attorney serving accident victims in Webster & Framingham.