Cambridge Premises Liability Attorneys

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners accountable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. Whether you're a Cambridge, MA resident or a visitor, you have the right to expect properties to be maintained in a safe condition. Unfortunately, not all property owners or managers take this responsibility seriously, leading to accidents that can cause serious harm. Our Cambridge premises liability attorneys are here to help you now.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping victims of premises liability accidents navigate the legal process to recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Our premises liability attorneys in Cambridge explore the concept, common types of claims, how to file a lawsuit, and how our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice.

Premises liability law covers injuries that occur as a result of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. In Cambridge, MA, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their property safely for visitors. This duty varies depending on the type of visitor and the nature of the property.

• Invitees are people who are invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, meaning they must regularly inspect and repair any hazards on the property.
• Licensees are social guests invited onto the property for non-business reasons, like friends visiting a private home. Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards that may not be immediately obvious.
• Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission. Property owners owe a limited duty of care to trespassers but must not intentionally harm them. The "attractive nuisance" doctrine provides additional protections for child trespassers, holding property owners liable if a dangerous condition attracts children, such as an unguarded swimming pool.

In a premises liability lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the property owner (defendant) was negligent in maintaining the property and that this negligence directly caused the injury.

Premises liability accidents can happen in various settings, from residential homes and apartment buildings to commercial spaces like restaurants and stores. Some of the most common types of premises liability claims include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims. These accidents can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or poor lighting. Property owners must address these hazards or warn visitors about them promptly. In Cambridge, slip and fall accidents can happen in various settings, including grocery stores, apartment buildings, and public sidewalks.
• Inadequate Security: Inadequate security claims arise when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures, resulting in a crime such as assault, robbery, or sexual assault. This type of claim often involves apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, and other commercial properties with a foreseeable risk of criminal activity.
• Dog Bites: Dog owners in Massachusetts are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from attacking others. Suppose a person is bitten by a dog on someone else’s property. In that case, the property owner (who may also be the dog’s owner) may be liable under Massachusetts' strict liability dog bite laws.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Swimming pools pose a significant risk, especially to children. Property owners must ensure that swimming pools are safely maintained, including installing proper fencing, keeping pool areas free from hazards, and providing adequate supervision when necessary.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Elevators and escalators in commercial buildings, hotels, and shopping centers must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent accidents. Mechanical failures or poor maintenance can lead to severe injuries, and the property owner or manager can be held liable if negligence is involved.
• Snow and Ice Accidents: Cambridge's harsh New England winters often accumulate snow and ice on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice in a timely manner to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Failing to do so can result in a premises liability lawsuit.
• Fires and Explosions: Property owners must ensure their buildings comply with fire safety regulations. If a fire or explosion is caused by faulty wiring, unsafe heating systems, or other hazards, the property owner may be held liable for the resulting injuries.

To win a premises liability case in Cambridge, MA, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent. Negligence is established by demonstrating the following key elements:

• Duty of Care: The plaintiff must show that the property owner had a duty of care to keep the property safe for visitors. As mentioned earlier, this duty varies depending on whether the injured person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
• Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the property owner breached this duty by failing to maintain the property reasonably safe or warn of any known hazards.
• Causation: The plaintiff must prove that the breach of duty directly caused their injury. In other words, the unsafe condition on the property must have been the primary factor leading to the accident.
• Damages: The plaintiff must provide evidence of actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the injury.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Cambridge, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Be sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident, and keep detailed records of your injuries and treatments.
• Document the Accident: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, the hazardous condition, and your injuries. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information and statements about what they saw.
• Report the Incident: Immediately notify the property owner or manager of the accident. This creates an official incident record, which may be helpful for your claim.
• Consult a Premises Liability Attorney: Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring a thorough investigation and knowledge of Massachusetts law. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and determine whether you have a viable case.
• File a Claim: In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the injury. It is important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights and ensure you meet all deadlines.

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injury
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and physical discomfort
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injury results in long-term or permanent disability
• Property damage, if applicable

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a premises liability accident can be. We aim to help you recover the maximum compensation available under the law so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Premises liability cases require specific legal expertise and a deep understanding of Massachusetts law. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing victims of premises liability accidents in Cambridge and Greater Boston. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the justice you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (617)-777-7777.