Premises Liability
Massachusetts Premises Liability Attorneys
If you have suffered a slip and fall or some other injury while on another’s property, than you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Premises liability cases are complex, and hiring the right lawyer to represent you in Massachusetts is essential. Tracy Paulsen at Rightful Legal has represented numerous plaintiffs in such matters, fighting tirelessly to bring victims the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured while on someone else’s property, whether it is a public establishment or a private residence, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Rightful Legal at 617-821-5856 to schedule a free consultation.
What Constitutes Defective Property Conditions in Massachusetts?
To establish liability in a premises liability case, the cause of the accident and the status of the individual on the property are crucial factors. Visitors to a property are typically afforded greater protections compared to trespassers. Property owners have a duty of care to maintain their premises and prevent defective or dangerous property conditions. If they fail to meet this duty of care, they may be held liable for accidents and damages resulting from unsafe conditions.
Examples of defective property conditions that may cause injuries include:
- Slippery floors
- Cracked or chipped flooring
- Broken stairs
- Damaged carpet
- Missing railings
- Uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting conditions
- Defective equipment
For a successful outcome, the injured party must establish that the property owner knew or should have known about the defective condition and did nothing to correct it.
Defenses in Premises Liability Cases
One commonly used defense in premises liability cases is the open and obvious doctrine. This defense is based on the premise that the defective property condition that caused an injury was open and obvious – one that an average person would discover on the property with normal inspection of the property. If the injured party was aware of the open and obvious defect and failed to take reasonable precautions, the property owner may not be held liable. Massachusetts follows comparative negligence laws, which consider the plaintiff’s own negligence in awarding compensation.
Hiring a Premises Liability Attorney in Massachusetts
While it is not necessary to hire an attorney to file a claim with the insurance company, but it is highly recommended. Insurance companies often have adjusters whose primary objective is to minimize or avoid responsibility and payouts. Additionally, premises liability cases are highly specialized, and there are many laws and court rules that must be followed if a case proceeds through a court and to a trial. At Rightful Legal, our Massachusetts premises liability, will fight for your rights and the outcome you deserve. Fill out our online contact form or call us at 617-821-5856 to schedule a free consultation.