December 28, 2018

Slip & Fall Accidents on Snow & Ice: When To Call a Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents could result in various types of injuries, including abrasions, fractures, and concussions, and in rare instances very serious injuries. If you have had a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Massachusetts, you could be eligible to obtain compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, repair or replacement of property damaged during the fall (ex: eyeglasses), etc. Particularly during the winter months, it’s important that you consult with a lawyer right away should you trip and fall on a surface, including ice, slippery surfaces, etc.

These types of cases almost always have a statute of limitations, which is the amount of time that you have to file a claim after the incident. Specific time limits vary depending on the type of case you want to file, which is why it’s very important to talk to a lawyer right away.

There also may be some cases, where both parties bear a certain level of responsibility. For example, a property owner could argue that the dangerous condition should have been obvious, there were proper warning signs, or the plaintiff simply was not paying attention. Cases like this may involve the “Comparative Negligence Rule” where the percentage at fault of the victim would be deducted from any reward they would receive. Even in these cases, it’s worth speaking to a lawyer, because as long as your percentage of fault is found to be less than 51%, you may still be able to recover compensation.

If you have been involved in a slip and fall incident and are looking would like to consult with a lawyer, please call the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 617-742-0625 or connect with an area attorney online instantly by clicking "Get Started".