Boston Snow & Ice Accident Lawyers for Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Boston winters aren’t just inconvenient—they create hazardous conditions across nearly every type of property. Sidewalks freeze overnight, parking lots develop untreated black ice, apartment complexes accumulate packed snow in high-traffic areas and commercial storefronts often experience repeated melting and refreezing near entrances. Residential driveways, front steps and walkways pose similar risks when homeowners fail to clear or treat them.
When property owners, landlords, managers or snow-removal contractors don’t take reasonable steps to remove snow, apply salt or sand, address refreeze conditions, or maintain safe access routes, serious injuries follow. These aren’t freak accidents; they are predictable outcomes of improper winter maintenance. Massachusetts law places a clear duty on property owners to act reasonably and ensure their premises are safe. When they don’t, they can be held financially responsible for the harm that results.
Winter Slip-and-Fall Injuries Are Serious and Often Preventable
Snow and ice drastically increase the likelihood of falls. Nationally, falls account for nearly one-third of all non-fatal injuries according to the National Safety Council.
In Massachusetts, the risk is heightened due to freeze-thaw cycles, narrow walkways and dense foot traffic. Many injuries result directly from negligent property maintenance, including failure to:
- Plow or shovel snow in a timely manner
When storms pass, property owners must clear snow within a reasonable timeframe. Delayed clearing can create packed, slippery surfaces.
- Apply salt, sand or ice melt
Simply plowing is not enough. Ice melt, sand or alternative treatments are necessary to reduce slip hazards during rapid refreezing.
- Address refreezing and runoff
Melted snow often refreezes overnight, creating black ice. Massachusetts property owners must anticipate this risk and act accordingly.
- Fix drainage or grading issues
Poor drainage causes water pooling, which freezes into hazardous patches. Owners are responsible for correcting unsafe conditions.
These injuries aren’t random events. They are predictable, avoidable and often the direct result of inadequate winter property maintenance.
Massachusetts Snow and Ice Liability: What Property Owners Must Do
Massachusetts imposes a reasonableness standard for snow and ice maintenance due to the 2010 Papadopoulos v. Target decision. The ruling eliminated the outdated “natural vs. unnatural accumulation” distinction, making property owners responsible for both types when they create or fail to address dangerous conditions.
Key Legal Requirements
- Reasonable Care Standard
Property owners, landlords and businesses must act as a “reasonable person” under the circumstances. This includes timely snow removal, treatment of ice and proactive steps to prevent hazards.
See: Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., 457 Mass. 368 (2010).
- Sidewalk Snow Removal Rules
Cities and towns may require sidewalk clearing and issue penalties for noncompliance. Boston-specific rules are available at the city’s website:
https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/snow-removal
- Strict 30-Day Notice Requirements
Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L. c. 84, §§ 18-21) requires injured individuals to provide notice to the responsible party within 30 days. Missing this deadline can limit or eliminate your ability to pursue compensation.
- Liability for Contractors
Snow removal companies can also be held responsible when negligent plowing or salting contributed to the hazard.
For more legal detail, see the Massachusetts Law Library’s snow and ice liability overview.
Common Injuries From Snow and Ice Falls
Snow and ice accidents often cause injuries more severe than a typical slip-and-fall. These cases frequently result in:
- Broken Bones and Fractures
Wrist, arm, hip and ankle fractures are common due to instinctive bracing during a fall.
- Sprains and Soft Tissue Damage
Ligament damage in the ankle, knee or wrist can require physical therapy or surgery.
- Dislocated Shoulders and Joint Injuries
Hard impacts onto frozen surfaces often result in painful dislocations or chronic instability.
- Spine, Neck and Back Injuries
Falls on icy surfaces can lead to herniated discs, nerve compression or long-term mobility issues.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even falls from standing height can cause serious head trauma, especially with older adults.
- Cuts, Bruises and Facial Injuries
Sharp ice and hard surfaces create lacerations that may require stitches or leave lasting scarring.
These injuries often require emergency treatment, diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI), surgery and extended rehabilitation. Early documentation is critical for your claim.
What To Do Immediately After a Snow or Ice Slip-and-Fall
The strength of your case often depends on what you do in the first hours after the accident. Snow and ice melt quickly, and property conditions change rapidly.
Critical Steps:
- Photograph the scene immediately
Capture where the fall happened, the condition of the walkway or parking lot, lighting, untreated ice and any visible hazards.
- Photograph your injuries
Document bruising, swelling or cuts as soon as they appear.
- Get witness names and contact information
Witnesses can confirm the hazardous conditions existed before your fall.
- Seek medical treatment right away
Waiting to see a doctor undermines the link between your injuries and the fall. Medical records are essential evidence.
- Report the incident
If the fall occurred on commercial property, notify management. If on residential or municipal property, document who was notified and when.
- Do not post about the incident online
Insurance companies monitor social media activity and use posts to dispute claims.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
Early legal action preserves evidence like surveillance footage or maintenance logs that may be erased or overwritten.
Who May Be Liable for a Snow or Ice Fall in Boston
Responsibility often extends beyond the property owner. Depending on the situation, liability may involve:
- Commercial Property Owners
Stores, restaurants and office buildings must maintain safe entryways, walkways and parking lots.
- Residential Property Owners
Homeowners must clear walkways or driveways used by visitors, delivery personnel or tenants.
- Landlords and Property Managers
Under rental agreements and state law, they are responsible for keeping common areas safe.
- Snow-Removal Contractors
Negligent plowing or salting can create or worsen hazardous conditions.
- Municipalities
Though standards are strict and deadlines are short, cities can be liable when they are responsible for the area where the fall occurred.
Identifying the correct liable party is critical. In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility.
How Peck Trial Attorneys Builds a Strong Case
Snow and ice claims require prompt, detailed investigation. At Peck Trial Attorneys, we focus on assembling the strongest possible case by:
- Preserving Time-Sensitive Evidence
Surveillance videos are often overwritten in 24–48 hours. We send evidence preservation letters immediately.
- Obtaining Snow Removal Logs and Contracts
These records show who was responsible for clearing the property and whether they acted reasonably.
- Analyzing Weather Data and Refreeze Patterns
We use NOAA and local weather station data to establish whether conditions should have been anticipated.
- Interviewing Witnesses and Neighbors
Their statements can confirm long-standing or untreated hazards.
- Working With Medical Experts
We document the full extent of your injuries and the long-term impact on your health and income.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurers often downplay slip-and-fall claims. We handle all communication to protect your rights.
- Preparing Every Case for Trial
Insurance companies take your claim more seriously when they know your legal team will go to court if necessary.
Why Victims Choose Peck Trial Attorneys
Peck Trial Attorneys is known for results-driven representation in serious injury cases. Our clients choose us because:
- We are a litigation-focused firm
We do not hesitate to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to negotiate fairly.
- We understand Boston property laws
Our knowledge of local building practices, snow-removal requirements and municipal codes gives clients an advantage.
- We handle complex injury cases
Snow-and-ice claims often involve multiple parties, numerous legal deadlines and intricate evidence.
- We work on contingency
You pay nothing unless we win.
Free Consultation for Snow and Ice Injury Cases
If you slipped and fell due to snow or ice anywhere in Boston or the surrounding cities, you should speak with an attorney immediately. These cases are time-sensitive, and early action strengthens your claim.
Call Peck Trial Attorneys at 857 557 7325 or visit https://www.callpeck.com/contact
Our consultations are free, confidential and focused on helping you understand your options.
