Quincy Premises Liability Attorney

As a property owner in Quincy, Massachusetts, you have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Injured parties may pursue premises liability lawsuits when accidents occur due to negligence in property maintenance or hazardous conditions. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our Quincy premises liability attorneys specialize in helping victims navigate these complex cases and seek fair compensation for their injuries.

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or defective conditions. This area of law falls under the broader category of personal injury and can encompass a wide range of scenarios, from slip and fall accidents to inadequate security leading to assault. Get informed about your injury claim. Our Quincy personal injury attorneys are here to help you now.

Property owners in Quincy and throughout Massachusetts owe a duty of care to individuals who enter their premises. The extent of this duty depends on the status of the visitor:

• Invitees are people invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store.
• Licensees: Social guests or individuals permitted on the property for their purposes.
• Trespassers: Individuals who enter the property without permission.

While property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, they still have some obligations even to trespassers, particularly if the trespasser is a child.

Quincy's diverse landscape presents various premises liability risks, from historic sites to modern shopping centers. Some common types of cases we handle include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents can occur due to wet floors, icy walkways, or uneven surfaces.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Failing to repair known hazards like loose handrails or broken steps.
• Insufficient Lighting: Poor visibility in parking lots or stairwells can lead to accidents.
• Negligent Security: Inadequate security measures in areas with known criminal activity.
• Dog Bites: Property owners may be liable for injuries caused by their pets.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Lack of proper fencing or supervision can lead to tragic incidents.
• Retail Store Injuries: Falling merchandise or hazardous displays can cause harm to shoppers.

To succeed in a premises liability lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the property owner (defendant) was negligent. Proving liability involves establishing four key elements:

• Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this duty through action or inaction.
• Causation: The breach directly caused the plaintiff's injury.
• Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or losses as a result.

For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor in a Quincy supermarket, they would need to prove that:

• The store had a duty to maintain safe conditions for customers.
• The store failed to clean up a spill or provide adequate warning.
• This failure directly caused the slip and fall.
• The fall resulted in injuries and associated costs.

Several state laws and regulations impact premises liability cases in Quincy:

• Statute of Limitations: In Massachusetts, injured parties generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
• Comparative Negligence: Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the injured party is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, they cannot recover damages. If they are 50% or less responsible, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
• Snow and Ice Removal: The Massachusetts Snow and Ice Removal Act of 2010 eliminated the longstanding distinction between natural and unnatural snow and ice accumulations. Property owners now must use reasonable care in removing all snow and ice from their premises.
• Recreational Use Statute: This law limits the liability of landowners who open their property to the public for recreational use without charging a fee.

Victims of premises liability accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Costs of emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim's relationship with their spouse.
• Punitive Damages: In extreme negligence or intentional harm cases, the plaintiff can receive further compensation.

Navigating a premises liability lawsuit can be challenging, especially when facing large property owners or insurance companies. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of Massachusetts premises liability law to every case we handle. Our approach includes:

• Thorough Investigation: We work diligently to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a strong case.
• Aggressive Negotiation: Our skilled attorneys negotiate firmly with insurance companies to secure fair settlements for our clients.
• Trial Readiness: While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we're ready to fight for your rights in the courtroom if necessary.
• Client-Centered Service: We prioritize clear communication and personalized attention, keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we secure compensation for you.

If you've been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property in Quincy, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Get treatment for your injuries and follow all medical advice.
• Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident and ensure an official report is filed.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, and your injuries, and gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep any physical evidence, such as torn clothing or shoes worn during a slip and fall.
• Avoid Giving Statements: Do not communicate with insurance companies or the property owner's representatives until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers: Contact our experienced team for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

Premises liability cases in Quincy require a nuanced understanding of local and state laws and the ability to navigate complex legal proceedings. We are committed to helping victims of property-related accidents secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a property owner's negligence in Quincy, don't hesitate to contact us as soon as possible. Our dedicated team is here to provide the skilled representation and support you need during this challenging time.

Remember, your safety matters and property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions. By holding negligent parties accountable, we seek justice for our clients and contribute to making Quincy a safer place for everyone. Call us for a free consultation at (617) 777-7777.