New England winters make snow and ice a leading cause of slip-and-fall injuries. For decades, Massachusetts shielded property owners from liability for 'natural accumulations' of snow and ice — a rule that left many injured people without recourse.
That changed with the Supreme Judicial Court's 2010 decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp. The court abolished the natural/unnatural accumulation distinction and held that property owners owe the same duty of reasonable care for snow and ice as for any other hazard.
Today, a Massachusetts property owner can be liable for a snow-or-ice fall if they failed to take reasonable steps to address the hazard within a reasonable time. What's 'reasonable' depends on the circumstances — the severity of the storm, how long the ice was present, and the type of property.
These cases turn on evidence: weather records, photographs of the conditions, maintenance and snow-removal records, and witness accounts. Because conditions change quickly, prompt documentation and legal advice are important.
If you've been injured in Massachusetts, Injury Claim Team can connect you with an experienced personal injury attorney at no cost. Call 973-566-5599 any time for a free, confidential case review — there's no fee unless you win.
Injured in Massachusetts? Your free case review is one call away. Reach us at 973-566-5599 — available 24/7, no fee unless you win.