Blogs
Slip & Fall Injuries in Massachusetts: What Homeowners & Businesses Should Know
- Slip and fall accidents are among the most common winter injuries in Massachusetts.
- Ice and snow in parking lots and walkways significantly increase the risk.
- Property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions under MA premises liability laws.
- Massachusetts has unique liability rules for snow and ice.
- Evidence such as photos, weather data, and witness statements is crucial.
- A knowledgeable attorney can help build a strong case.
- Black ice in parking lots is one of the leading causes of winter ER visits in MA.
Understanding Slip & Fall Liability in Massachusetts
A slip and fall occurs when a visitor is injured due to a hazardous condition. Liability depends on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take appropriate action.
Hazards include:
- Ice patches
- Unplowed or untreated parking lots
- Poorly lit exterior walkways
- Drainage issues causing refreezing
- Cracked or uneven pavement
Why Parking Lots Are High-Risk
Parking lots pose a high slip risk because:
- Snowplows can leave packed snow or icy ridges behind.
- Meltwater often refreezes into black ice.
- Poor drainage creates puddles that repeatedly freeze.
- Cracked pavement traps water.
- Poor or inadequate lighting hides hazards.
- Pedestrian walk paths may be neglected during maintenance.
Massachusetts Slip & Fall Statistics
- Massachusetts recorded **55,400 non-fatal workplace injuries in 2023** (Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_massachusetts.htm).
- “Falls, slips, or trips” accounted for **15% of fatal workplace injuries** (Massachusetts DPH: https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-fatal-injuries-at-work-2021-2022-pdf/download).
- Winter conditions dramatically increase emergency-room visits for falls on ice.
- Freeze–thaw cycles in MA contribute significantly to black ice accumulation (NOAA: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov).
- The National Safety Council reports slips and falls as a leading cause of unintentional injury nationwide (NSC:
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls).
What To Do After a Slip & Fall on Ice
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident to the property manager or business.
- Photograph the location, surface condition, lighting, and surrounding hazards.
- Keep footwear and clothing from the incident.
- Document weather conditions (NWS snow/ice info: https://www.weather.gov/bou/snowweight).
- Contact a slip & fall attorney as soon as possible.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before obtaining legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I file a claim if I slipped in a parking lot?
Yes. If the property owner failed to maintain safe walking areas—such as inadequate salting, poor lighting, untreated ice, or improper snow removal—you may have a valid claim.
2. What if I slipped on black ice?
Black ice is common in Massachusetts due to rapid freeze–thaw cycles. If the condition existed long enough that the owner should have addressed it, liability may apply.
3. What damages can I recover?
You may recover compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced mobility or long-term disability
• Out-of-pocket expenses
4. How long do I have to file a claim?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations is generally **3 years** from the date of injury. Claims involving public property may require earlier notice per Massachusetts law (MGL c.84).
5. How can an attorney help?
An attorney can:
• Gather evidence before it melts or disappears
• Obtain weather and surveillance records
• Evaluate liability
• Handle insurance communications
• Pursue full compensation on your behalf
Approved Source URLs
Bureau of Labor Statistics:
https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_massachusetts.htm
Massachusetts DPH:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-fatal-injuries-at-work-2021-2022-pdf/download
National Weather Service – Snow Weight: https://www.weather.gov/bou/snowweight
National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls
NOAA Climate Data: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov
Massachusetts Winter Safety Tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-safety-tips
Blogs
