Springfield Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers — Helping Injured Victims Across Western Massachusetts
By Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers
A simple slip and fall can lead to serious, life-changing injuries — from broken bones to head trauma. These accidents often happen suddenly, but the consequences can last for months or even years. When your injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your pain, medical bills, and lost wages.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our Springfield slip and fall attorneys have decades of experience representing injured victims throughout Western Massachusetts. We know how to hold property owners, landlords, and businesses accountable for unsafe conditions that lead to preventable accidents.
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Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Springfield, MA
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims in Massachusetts. Property owners are legally required to maintain safe conditions for guests, tenants, and customers. When they fail to do so — and someone gets hurt — they can be held responsible.
Common locations for slip and fall accidents in Springfield include:
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Grocery stores and retail shops
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Apartment complexes and rental properties
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Parking lots and garages
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Restaurants and hotels
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Sidewalks and public walkways
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Construction sites and workplaces
If you’ve fallen on another person’s property in Springfield, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Springfield, call 203-437-6190
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Our Springfield Personal Injury lawyers have seen how quickly dangerous conditions can cause serious injuries. Common causes include:
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Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
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Snow and ice accumulation on walkways or stairs
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Uneven flooring or loose tiles
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Broken or missing handrails
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Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
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Potholes or cracked pavement
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Spilled liquids or debris in stores
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Unsafe construction or maintenance zones
Whether your fall occurred in a store, apartment, or public property, we’ll investigate to determine who was responsible and whether negligence played a role.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall victims often suffer more than just bumps and bruises. These accidents can cause severe, long-term injuries that affect your ability to work or care for yourself. Our attorneys handle cases involving:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
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Fractured hips, wrists, or ankles
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Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
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Shoulder and knee injuries
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Torn ligaments or muscle damage
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Cuts, bruises, and internal injuries
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Chronic pain or nerve damage
Our firm works closely with medical professionals to document your injuries and estimate future medical costs, ensuring your claim reflects the true impact of your accident.
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What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Springfield, MA, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can strengthen your case:
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Get medical attention right away — even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to appear.
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Report the accident to the property owner, store manager, or landlord.
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Take photos of the scene, including any hazards or unsafe conditions.
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Get witness statements and contact information if possible.
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Save your clothing and shoes from the day of the accident.
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Do not speak to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
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Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation.
We’ll investigate your claim, gather evidence, and negotiate directly with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
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Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. Depending on where and how your fall occurred, several parties may share responsibility, including:
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Business owners who fail to clean spills or maintain floors
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Landlords or property managers who neglect repairs
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Maintenance companies responsible for unsafe conditions
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Municipalities or government entities (for falls on public property)
Our Springfield slip and fall attorneys will identify all liable parties and pursue full compensation from every available source.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Rehabilitation and therapy costs
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Loss of enjoyment of life
We’ll calculate the total value of your claim and fight for the compensation you need to heal and rebuild your life.
Massachusetts Slip and Fall Laws
Massachusetts follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — as long as you’re less than 51% responsible. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The statute of limitations for slip and fall claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the accident, so it’s important to act quickly. Our attorneys can file your claim promptly and preserve critical evidence.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers
Local Experience. Proven Results. Personal Attention.
Our firm has recovered over $500 million for injury victims throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, including those hurt in premises liability and slip and fall cases.
Our Approach
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Thorough Investigation: We gather photos, video surveillance, and witness statements.
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Expert Testimony: We work with safety engineers and medical professionals.
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Aggressive Negotiation: We fight for top-dollar settlements from insurance companies.
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Trial Preparation: We’re ready to take your case before a Hampden County jury if needed.
When you hire Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, you get personalized service, clear communication, and powerful advocacy from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents
What if I slipped on snow or ice?
Property owners are required to clear snow and ice within a reasonable time. If they failed to do so, you may have a claim under Massachusetts premises liability law.
Can I still sue if I didn’t report the fall right away?
Yes — but it’s best to report as soon as possible. Our team can still build a strong case using photos, witnesses, and medical records.
What if the accident happened at work?
If you fell on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation and possibly a third-party liability claim if another entity contributed to the hazard.
How long will my case take?
Most cases settle within 6–12 months, though complex cases may take longer. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—and only if we win.
Can I sue a city or town in Massachusetts if I fall on a public sidewalk?
Yes, but there are special rules. In Massachusetts, you can file a claim against a municipality (city or town) for injuries caused by a defective or unsafe public sidewalk, but only under limited circumstances.
You must prove that:
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The city or town was legally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk;
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The defect (such as a crack, hole, or uneven surface) caused your fall;
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The municipality had prior notice of the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable time; and
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You filed proper written notice within the legal time frame (typically within 30 days of the accident).
What is considered a “defective” sidewalk under Massachusetts law?
A sidewalk is considered defective when it poses an unreasonable danger to pedestrians. Examples include:
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Broken or raised concrete slabs
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Large cracks, potholes, or depressions
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Missing bricks or uneven surfaces
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Snow or ice accumulation not cleared in time
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Obstructions or unsafe construction zones
However, Massachusetts law provides some leeway for “minor defects.” To win your case, you must prove that the defect was substantial enough to make the sidewalk unsafe for ordinary use.
Who is responsible — the city or the property owner next to the sidewalk?
Responsibility depends on where and how the accident occurred:
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Public sidewalks: Usually maintained by the municipality (city or town).
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Private sidewalks or walkways: Maintained by property owners.
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Snow and ice removal: Many Massachusetts towns require adjacent property owners to clear sidewalks, even if the town owns the property.
Your attorney will investigate ownership, maintenance responsibility, and local ordinances to identify who should be held liable.
What if I slipped on snow or ice on a city sidewalk?
You may still have a claim, but these cases are more challenging. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 84, Section 21, a municipality can be held liable for injuries caused by defective conditions due to snow or ice, but only if:
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The snow or ice was unnatural (such as from poor drainage, melting, or plowing practices);
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The condition existed long enough that the city should have known and taken action; and
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Proper written notice was filed within 30 days.
If a private property owner failed to remove snow or ice as required by local law, they may also share liability.
What is the 30-day written notice rule?
To sue a city or town for a sidewalk defect, you must file written notice of injury within 30 days of the accident, as required by M.G.L. c. 84, §18.
The notice must include:
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The date, time, and location of the accident
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A description of the defect
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Your name and address
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A brief description of your injuries
This notice must be delivered to the mayor, city clerk, town clerk, or select board — not just mailed to the insurance company or public works department. Failure to submit this notice on time may bar your right to recover compensation.
How much can I recover from a Massachusetts municipality?
Under M.G.L. c. 84, §15, Massachusetts caps municipal liability for defective sidewalks at $5,000 in damages.
However, if your injury was caused by negligence beyond simple maintenance — such as negligent snow removal, design defects, or other government employee negligence — you may be able to pursue a claim under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act (M.G.L. c. 258), which allows higher recovery amounts (typically up to $100,000 or more depending on the circumstances).
What is the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, and how does it apply?
The Massachusetts Tort Claims Act (M.G.L. Chapter 258) allows injured individuals to sue cities, towns, or state agencies for negligence — similar to suing a private individual — but with additional restrictions.
Under this law:
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You must file a written notice of claim within two years of the accident.
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You can’t sue individual employees; the claim is against the government entity.
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There are limits on damages and specific immunity exceptions for discretionary acts.
An attorney can determine whether your case should proceed under the sidewalk defect statute (Chapter 84) or the Tort Claims Act (Chapter 258) — or both.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You must file the initial notice of defect within 30 days, but the actual lawsuit must generally be filed within three years from the date of the injury.
Missing either deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation — even if your case is otherwise strong.
Contact Our Springfield Slip and Fall Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Springfield or Western Massachusetts, don’t wait to take action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines are strict.
📞 Call Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers – Springfield Office today for a free consultation, or contact us online. Let our Massachusetts slip and fall attorneys fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
