Massachusetts winters bring snow and ice that make sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances treacherous. For years, property owners were largely shielded from liability for 'natural accumulations' of snow and ice.
That changed with the Supreme Judicial Court's decision in Papadopoulos v. Target Corporation, which eliminated the distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations. Now property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to keep their premises safe from all snow and ice hazards.
This means owners must take reasonable steps to clear or treat dangerous accumulations within a reasonable time. Failure to do so can support a premises liability claim when someone is injured in a fall.
Documenting the conditions immediately — photographs of the ice, the weather that day, and the lack of treatment — is essential, because conditions change quickly. Reporting the fall and seeking medical care promptly also strengthens a claim.
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.