Common Fall Injury Cases in Massachusetts

Falls can happen anywhere and they often cause serious injuries.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of falls result in serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries. The CDC also reports that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.

If you've been seriously injured in a fall, the attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers in Boston can help. Our law firm has been successfully handling fall injury cases for more than two decades and has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in slip-and-fall accidents.

Whether you've been injured in a fall on an icy sidewalk, inside a grocery store, or a fall at a construction site, our attorneys are ready to help you get back on your feet again. Contact us today for a free and confidential case consultation.

While every fall is different, falls can be grouped into two main categories:

• Falls on a single level
• Falls to a lower level

Falls on a single level are common and often result in minor injuries. These types of falls are commonly known as "slip and falls" or "trip and falls."

Falls to a lower level are more likely to result in serious injuries and even death.

Workers in a variety of industries are at risk of falling to a lower level and suffering permanent and debilitating injuries. Construction workers are especially at risk for fall accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are the number one cause of fatalities in construction.

Here is a look at some fall cases that have recently taken place across Massachusetts:

Debris or liquid on a floor: These are common cases that occur in a variety of settings, including supermarkets, big box stores, and similar retail locations. Our law firm sees these types of cases on a regular basis. Puddles and spills are accidents waiting to happen, as are items that have fallen from shelves and onto the floor. Spills and other hazards should be marked off with cones and signs and cleaned up as soon as possible. In some cases, video footage can be used to prove that a store was negligent and liable for an accident victim's fall injuries.

Snow or ice on a sidewalk, driveway or parking lot: Brutal New England winters can deposit snow and ice on sidewalks and other walkways and turn them into treacherous skating rinks. Business owners must use reasonable care in keeping parking lots and walkways in a safe condition. Snow and Ice slip and falls, are cases that we see on a regular basis and have had success in obtaining verdicts and settlements in the $100,000 to $650,000 range for our clients.

Holes or potholes in parking lots, streets or other locations: Holes in parking lots and other locations are dangerous. They should be clearly marked and blocked off. While holes are likely to be found in construction zones, parking lots, streets and similar locations, that's not always the case. Auto repair shops and similar businesses often have holes, pits or other drop-offs that can be dangerous to patrons when not marked and made inaccessible. For example, a Massachusetts woman was injured in January 2021 after she fell into a six-foot deep pit at an auto repair shop while walking toward her car, which she had brought to the shop for an oil change.

Elevators: Malfunctioning elevators can be dangerous to people who use them, as well as workers hired to repair them. When an elevator's doors open, people expect to be able to walk safely into or out of the elevator. Unfortunately, elevators are mechanical devices that can break or malfunction. A Massachusetts man was injured in November 2020 after falling into a freight elevator shaft. Property owners, elevator manufacturers and elevator service companies can be held liable for elevator-related fall injuries.

Cracked or broken sidewalks and staircases: Property owners and government entities can be held liable for fall injuries caused by cracked or otherwise defective sidewalks and staircases. Stairways should have sturdy railings and should be well lit. It's important to note that claims against government entities have short filing deadlines. Any delays can be fatal to your case.

On-the-job falls: A quick scan of the headlines shows numerous workers injured and killed in falls. One worker was killed after a fall from a bucket truck, a landscaper was killed after falling from a tree and a number of roofers suffered serious injuries after falling from roofs. In addition, falls from ladders, scaffolding and other equipment are a common cause of work injuries in the greater Boston area. Many work-related fall injuries can be prevented through the use of fall protection equipment. Work-related fall claims differ from other fall claims as they are typically resolved through the state's workers' compensation system.

It's important to note that all fall cases are different. A personal injury attorney will evaluate your case and advise as to the best way to proceed to recover for your injuries. The amount of compensation that you receive will depend on numerous factors such as the type of medical treatment needed, whether the fall resulted in permanent physical impairment and whether your earning capacity is likely to be affected by the accident.

Fall injuries can vary from cuts and scrapes to broken bones and head injuries. Knee and shoulder injuries are also common.

Seniors are more likely to suffer a serious injury in a fall. Each year, millions of older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries.

Here's a look at some of the most common fall injuries:

• Cuts, scrapes and bruises
• Joint injuries, including ankle, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Bone fractures
• Broken teeth and other dental problems
• Neck, back and spine injuries
• Scarring
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries

To learn more about how our personal injury attorneys can help with your fall claim, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today at (617) 777-7777 or use our online form.