Cambridge, MA Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slipping and falling because of an obstruction or hazard can pose serious risks to those in Cambridge and lead to costly damages. When these incidents occur because of a property owner’s negligence, victims can file injury claims against them.
Slip and fall accidents can occur in homes, workplaces, commercial properties, and various businesses. Common areas for slips and falls include staircases, hallways, congested job sites, and locations with inadequate lighting or uneven surfaces. After the accident, it is crucial for victims to take photos of the scene. Since they may be unable to revisit the location later, capturing evidence before going to the hospital is vital. While you are recuperating physically, we can prepare and file your claim before the deadline. It is important for victims to file their claims within three years. Otherwise, they risk losing out on the necessary damages to make themselves whole again.
Call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review with our slip and fall lawyers.
Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Cambridge, MA
A devastating slip and fall accident can occur anywhere a property owner does not take their responsibilities seriously and maintain their premises. Falling accidents can happen in a friend’s home, a business, or at work. Poorly lit stairwells and hallways, uneven flooring, and dangerous worksites are some of the most common reasons people get injured in slip and fall accidents. Our slip and fall attorneys can tell you the best ways to recover compensation depending on where your accident happened. Most victims can file a lawsuit to cover their losses, but Workers’ Compensation is available to those injured while at work.
Faulty Stairwells
Slip and falls in stairwells pose a significant danger, often leading to severe injuries. Victims can stumble over loose carpet treads, snaring their feet and causing a sudden loss of balance. Alternatively, they might tumble because of inadequately secured railings, leaving them without support as they descend the stairs. These incidents often result in serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries, contusions, and internal injuries that might go unnoticed initially.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces and negligently maintained flooring are also responsible for many slip and fall injuries in Cambridge. These accidents often occur in businesses and homes with poor carpeting, which causes people to trip. Or, they have unexpected steps without any warning signs. If you are injured in a business or someone’s residence, determining liability should not be too challenging.
However, figuring out the responsible party if your slip and fall accident occurred in a public place can be much more difficult. Perhaps you tripped over an uneven piece of sidewalk, a common site in Cambridge. If you were injured on a sidewalk, park, or other public space, our team can determine if the city should be held liable or one of the government agencies working for the city.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting certainly increases the risk of suffering serious injuries, especially in combination with the dangerous conditions discussed above. Poor lighting in stairs and hallways makes it more challenging for people to navigate the area safely. If people cannot identify obstructions or see the stairs as they go down, devastating injuries can occur.
Worksite Slip and Falls
Of course, slip and fall accidents commonly occur at work, especially where worksites are crowded, or various pieces of equipment are used. For instance, workers can easily fall at construction sites because of poor safety guards or trip over equipment negligently left out by another worker.
Workers typically have to take time off to heal, potentially costing them significant lost wages. However, most workplace injury victims cannot file a lawsuit against their employer or coworkers for negligently injuring them in a slip and fall. Instead, Workers’ Compensation insurance is available to cover losses associated with an accident at work. Our team can help you prepare this claim and gather the medical evidence you need to recover benefits. We can also determine if a lawsuit can also be filed, such as when a third party outside of your work causes your injuries.
How to Respond After a Slip and Fall Accident in Cambridge, MA
Your personal injury claim begins the moment you are injured, so it is critical to make good use of the time immediately after the accident. To get your case off on the right start, preserve evidence while still on the scene before the liable party has a chance to clean it. You will also need evidence of your damages, so be sure to prioritize getting medical care afterward.
Assuming your injuries do not completely incapacitate you, start by documenting the scene of your slip and fall. The best way to accomplish this is by taking pictures and videos with your smartphone. Take photos of the entire scene, but pay particular attention to the dangerous condition that injured you. For instance, if you slip in an uncleaned spill, take as many photos as you need to show the hazard fully. Photos can tell us how long the spill was there and show the absence of wet floor signs. This evidence will likely be lost if not preserved at the time of the accident since the property owner will probably clean the scene as soon as you leave.
You must have medical evidence to link your damages to the accident. Do not waste time getting medical treatment, even if you do not feel that injured. If you wait even a day or a few weeks, the defendant’s attorneys will point out that your treatment dates and the date of the accident do not match. This will give them room to attack the validity of your claim. By getting medical care immediately after the accident and following your treatment plan to the letter, you will greatly increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Cambridge, MA Slip and Fall Lawyers Today for Help Getting the Compensation You Need
For a free case evaluation with our slip and fall attorneys, call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.
