Slip-and-fall accidents can happen nearly anywhere, from a grocery store to a friend’s home. These incidents often happen because of hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. Unfortunately, these accidents can be severe, leading to trauma that affects daily life.
When someone else’s negligence causes you to slip and fall, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries. But it’s important to act quickly, as Massachusetts law has strict deadlines for filing these claims.
The seasoned Boston personal injury team at Earley Law Group can take on your case. When you contact us, you’ll get a complimentary consultation where we can discuss your case. If we’re able to take your case, you can focus on your health while we pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time an injured person has to file a lawsuit after an injury. It is meant to ensure that legal actions are taken while evidence is still fresh and witnesses can accurately recall what happened. It also provides certainty and finality for all parties involved, preventing the indefinite threat of legal action.
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases
In Massachusetts, the statutory period for filing a slip-and-fall lawsuit and most other tort cases is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim in court. It’s crucial to mark this date and keep it in mind as you consider your legal options. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving valuable evidence and building a strong case.
Exceptions to the Three-Year Rule
While the three-year rule applies to most cases, there are some special situations where the three-year rule might not apply to a particular cause of action:
- Minors – If the person injured in the slip-and-fall is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. In Massachusetts, the three-year period typically begins when the minor turns 18.
- Mental Incapacity – Similarly, if the injured person is mentally incapacitated when the accident happens, the statute of limitations may stop until they regain capacity.
- Government Entities – If the slip-and-fall incident is due to negligence on the part of a municipal or state government or its employees, a lawsuit cannot be filed until a claim is presented to the appropriate government office within two years of the incident.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If you miss the three-year deadline for filing your slip-and-fall lawsuit, you could lose your legal right to file a lawsuit against the negligent property owner. This means you would no longer have the ability to bring your case to court or hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. The statute of limitations provides a strict cutoff point. If you file your case after the deadline passes, the court will most likely throw out your case without a hearing, regardless of its merit.
Another consequence of missing the deadline is that you’ll lose your bargaining power against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Without the threat of taking them to court, they can’t be pressured into providing a more reasonable settlement offer. Without the ability to file a lawsuit, you may be left to bear the financial burden of your accident alone, which can be devastating for many families.
Why the Importance of Consulting a Boston Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
Given that the statute of limitations provides a strict deadline for filing suit, it’s crucial to consult a Boston Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. A skilled attorney, like those at Earley Law, can help with your case in a number of ways, including by:
- Investigating Your Accident – We’ll gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and review any security footage to build a strong case for you.
- Determining Liability – We’ll determine who is responsible for your accident. This might be a property owner, a business, or a government entity.
- Calculating Your Losses – We’ll assess all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handling Paperwork and Deadlines – We’ll ensure all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time, protecting your right to seek compensation.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – We have experience with insurance adjusters and will work diligently to pursue a fair settlement for you.
- Representing You in Court – If your case goes to trial, we’ll fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
- Maximizing Your Compensation – We’ll use our experience and knowledge of Massachusetts law to pursue the greatest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Offering Guidance and Support – We’ll explain your options in simple terms and help you make informed decisions about your case.
Don’t let the statute of limitations run out on your slip-and-fall case. By getting legal help from Earley Law, you’ll put yourself in the best position to recover money for your losses.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys in Boston
Understanding the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall cases in Massachusetts is crucial for protecting your legal rights. With a standard three-year timeframe and specific exceptions, timely action is necessary to ensure you have the opportunity to seek the compensation you need. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Earley Law, can make all the difference in your pursuit of appropriate compensation.
At Earley Law, we pride ourselves on offering what we call “The Earley Experience.” This is our signature guarantee to provide top-notch customer service, frequent and honest communication, and maximum effort to secure the compensation you deserve. We understand that dealing with a slip-and-fall accident claim can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to try to handle it on your own. Our law firm can guide you every step of the way, ensuring you meet all legal deadlines and working to present the strongest case possible. Plus, you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for your slip-and-fall accident claim.
If you suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our legal firm today for a free case review, and let us help you recover the money you deserve.