Slip And Fall Attorney in Medford

Slip and fall accidents are more than just embarrassing tumbles—they account for a significant portion of personal injuries across the country each year. When someone suffers a serious injury as the result of a falling accident, the outcome can be dire, and that’s no laughing matter.

Often, victims can experience a wide range of both financial and emotional challenges. Successfully recovering from a slip and fall accident injury typically requires extensive medical care.

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury following an accident, contact a slip and fall lawyer in Medford, MA. When a skilled professional represents you, you can have a better chance of recovering the financial compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life after a devastating accident.

A successful tort claim filed by a slip and fall lawyer in Medford, MA, can result in repayment for medical bills, lost income, and more. You should not be held responsible for the damage caused by a property owner’s negligence.

Many times, falling accidents are caused by a lack of property repair or maintenance. Property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors and customers.

When someone is negligent in their duties and an accident results, the victim has the right to seek justice. In cases of slip and fall injuries, victims can seek financial recovery to be made whole.

If you need the best legal representation in Medford, MA, you can trust America’s largest personal injury firm. Contact Morgan and Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

In both the workplace and public space, slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries. This type of mishap can occur anywhere in Medford, such as grocery stores or office lobbies.

Falling accidents can cause victims to become seriously harmed. A slip and fall accident may lead to injuries including broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries.

In rare cases, slip and fall accidents may result in fatal damage. While there are many common causes of these incidents, victims should always speak with a slip and fall lawyer in Medford, MA, about their specific circumstances. 

Some of the typical causes of slip and fall injuries include:

Wet and Slippery Floors

Wet floors make slipping much more likely. There are many reasons why a floor might become wet and slippery. Some include:

• Spills
• Leaks
• Condensation
• Wet weather, including snow, ice, or rain

In public spaces, business owners are required to keep floors dry and clean. This includes the owners and operators of supermarkets, retail shops, shopping malls, and restaurants. 

In offices and other workplaces, business owners should implement reliable safety procedures. This will help to minimize the risks associated with wet and slippery floors. 

Business operators should clean up spills and leaks as quickly as possible to keep employees and customers safe. Wet spots on the floor should also be clearly labeled with visible signage. 

Uneven Surfaces

Another typical cause of slip and fall mishaps is uneven walking surfaces. Some of the most common examples of this type of hazard include:

• Cracked sidewalks 
• Uneven or broken stairs
• Transitional doorway thresholds
• Potholes
• Cracks in parking lots

Uneven surfaces can be difficult to notice. This is especially true if there is no adequate lighting. When this happens, a person may lose their footing, slip, and fall.

Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting is another common factor that can contribute to falling accidents. Inadequate lighting makes it difficult to see changes in surface height. Because of this, dimly lit areas are more likely to cause visitors to slip, trip, and fall. 

Poor lighting can also make it hard to notice puddles or slippery areas. This can lead to slip and fall injuries.

Property owners have a duty to ensure that their premises are properly lit. This guarantees that the property is reasonably safe. 

Cluttered Paths and Walkways

Cluttered walkways can be another cause of trip or slip and fall accidents. In offices and workplaces, cluttered paths can be the result of misplaced:

• Tools 
• Equipment
• Boxes
• Office materials

In retail spaces or restaurants, cluttered walkways may be caused by:

• Floor displays
• Spilled merchandise
• Shopping baskets

Clearing walkways of clutter is a critical element of creating a safe environment. If you have been injured as the result of a property owner’s negligence, contact a Morgan and Morgan slip and fall lawyer in Medford, MA.

Lack of Reliable Handrails

Stairs and ramps should always feature reliable handrails. These important safety features provide support and stability, especially for older adults and those with mobility issues. 

The absence of handrails can increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. The likelihood of injury also increases when handrails are broken, loose, or otherwise inadequate. Victims may lose their balance and fall down the ramp or stairs. 

Failure to Clean During Inclement Weather

Weather conditions can contribute to the occurrence of slip and fall accidents. Rain, snow, and other types of precipitation make it likely that the floors in and around buildings will be hazardous.

It is critical to take precautions during inclement weather. Property owners should scrape or salt icy walkways. They should also clean up accumulations of rain or melted snow on the inside of the premises.

No matter what caused your slip and fall injury, securing legal representation is vital. Contact a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer in Medford, MA, by reaching out to Morgan & Morgan.

Steps to Take for a Slip and Fall Tort Claim

To file a successful falling accident claim, it is imperative to prove that the other party was negligent. The term “negligence” refers to the failure of an individual or entity to take reasonable care in a given situation.

A seasoned attorney can help you prove that the at-fault party in your accident case behaved negligently. Some of the most important steps to take after a slip and fall accident include:

Document the Scene

The first step in proving negligence is to document the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos of the location where the fall occurred. Make sure to capture photographic evidence of the hazard or condition that caused the slip and fall accident. This may include a spill, loose debris, or broken stair.

If you can, take photos or videos of any warning signs or barriers that were in place. It is vital to document the scene as soon as possible after the fall happens. This will ensure that the location of the fall is accurately recorded. 

Gather Witness Statements

If anyone witnessed your slip and fall accident, make sure to obtain their contact information. Ask them to provide a written or recorded statement of what they saw.

Witness statements can serve as compelling evidence to establish the cause of the fall. These statements can also help determine whether the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition that led to the accident.

Share these witness statements with your Morgan & Morgan attorney. Your representative will use all the evidence available to prove that the opposing party’s negligence led to your injury.

Report the Slip and Fall

Report the accident to the property owner or operator as soon as possible. If the fall occurred in a public space, like a restaurant or store, ask to speak with a manager.

Provide the business manager with a detailed written account of what happened. Make sure to keep a duplicate copy of this report for your own use. 

Seek a Medical Assessment

If you have sustained an injury from your slip and fall accident, make sure to seek medical care immediately. This is important not only for your own physical recovery but also to establish the extent of your personal injuries.

Make sure to keep records of any medical bills or invoices you receive. Medical documentation will help your attorney accurately calculate the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Claim

To prove that the other party in a falling accident case was negligent, you must establish the following four elements:

Duty of Care

The plaintiff must show that the property owner or manager had an obligation to provide a safe environment. This is typically true for those who own or run spaces where visitors or customers are expected.

Breach of Duty

Claimants must show that the property owner or operator failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the premises were safe. This may include failing to carry out reasonable repairs or failing to place warning signs near hazards.

Cause

For a successful tort claim, the plaintiff must show that the negligent party’s breach of duty was the cause of the accident. If the claimant’s injury was caused by a factor other than the breach of duty, their claim will not be valid. 

Damages

The claimant must prove that the accident resulted in actual damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.