Plymouth, MA Slip & Fall Lawyer
Falling or slipping on someone else’s property could be disastrous, causing victims serious injuries. If this happens, victims may respond by filing lawsuits against liable parties. They should do so soon after accidents to avoid missing the filing deadline.
Property owners are usually financially responsible for victims’ damages from slip and falls. It is their duty to ensure their properties are safe for guests, and if they are not, they can be made to cover an injured guest’s medical bills and other expenses. For this to happen, victims must file lawsuits within the statute of limitations, which is three years in Massachusetts. Approaching a lawsuit can be understandably daunting, but holding an at-fault party accountable is important, especially if you have incurred substantial medical bills and lost wages or have experienced emotional distress from negligence.
To discuss your case for free with the Law Office of John J. Sheehan, call our slip and fall lawyers at (617) 925-6407.
Who and When to Sue for Slip and Falls in Plymouth, MA
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, the property owner is typically liable for failure to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Regarding when to sue, victims have up to three years from the accident’s date to file lawsuits, though they should do so sooner when possible to improve their chances of recovery.
Who to Sue
Generally speaking, a property owner is liable for injuries from a slip and fall. These accidents fall under premises liability claims, as the property owner is responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for guests or visitors. Property owners might breach their duty of care in many ways, such as not addressing loose railings, not warning visitors of known hazards, or not cleaning up spills or leaks. Even if it were someone’s specific responsibility to address a hazard, like a janitor, for example, the owner may still be liable.
When to Sue
According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, you must file your slip and fall injury claim within three years of the accident in Plymouth. Preferably, our slip and fall lawyers would bring your lawsuit much sooner, leading to a faster financial recovery. Victims who delay their cases unnecessarily for weeks or months could face challenges obtaining crucial evidence. When our lawyers are able to launch immediate investigations, we may preserve security camera footage and eyewitness statements, evidence that is often at risk of being lost with time. Our attorneys can file your lawsuit in court only after building a case that meets the standard of proof for a trial but before the three-year statute of limitations ends.
Reasons to Sue for Slip and Falls in Plymouth, MA
Incurring any damages from a slip and fall is reason enough to sue a negligent party, including damages from lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress. Our attorneys can help track and quantify your losses so you know how much compensation you need to seek in your lawsuit.
You Missed Time from Work
Common injuries from slipping and falling accidents include hand, wrist, and finger fractures. Even those who work in office environments might have to take time off as they recover if they cannot type on a computer or do other tasks. Tell our lawyers if you have not been able to return to work since an accident, and we can calculate your lost wages. We can then seek compensation for these losses in your lawsuits against the at-fault party.
Suppose you were injured in a slip and fall while at work. In that case, you might be unable to file a lawsuit because Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents in Massachusetts. Still, we can help you file a claim with your employer’s carrier and ensure you get the maximum compensation available to you. This should include damages for some lost wages, all medical expenses, and, depending on your injuries, an extra one-time payment for specific injuries.
You Had to Go to the Hospital
If you had to go to the hospital after an accident, even just one time, your medical expenses could be great. An ambulance ride to the emergency room might cost more than you anticipate, as might the cost of assessments from doctors, X-rays, and any other tests. Even if your medical damages are from an emergency visit alone, you can seek compensation for them since they were incurred because of negligence.
You Need Further Medical Treatment
An even better reason to seek compensation from a lawsuit is if you need additional medical care. Some victims require years-long physical therapy in addition to subsequent surgeries, especially if they suffer spinal cord injuries during falling accidents. Certain injuries may require pain management prescriptions and other medications, as well as follow-up visits with specialists. As you get these treatments, our lawyers will track their costs so that we can provide proof of your medical damages during the lawsuit. If you will need more medical care after your lawsuit ends, as many victims do, our lawyers may get medical experts to testify, confirming such treatment is necessary.
You Have Experienced Emotional Distress
Damages from slip and falls are not just economic. In fact, some of the most distressing damages come from the pain and suffering victims feel as they physically recover. If you have experienced intangible damages, our attorneys can help you quantify them. Proving your pain and suffering can be challenging, but keeping a journal or confiding in a mental health professional can give us evidence to introduce in your case. Victims may testify in cases that go to trial to explain their emotional distress since an accident and the various ways a defendant’s negligence has affected their lives.
Call Our Plymouth, MA Attorneys for Help with Your Injury Case
The Law Office of John J. Sheehan can review your case for free when you call our slip and fall lawyers at (617) 925-6407.
