Boston Municipal Premises Liability Claims
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for guests, and this applies to both private and public land. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its cities, towns, and other owners of public property have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors, and if an accident occurs on municipal premises because of hazardous conditions the government may be held liable for any injuries. However, filing a claim against a municipal entity is different than filing a case against a private property owner, so you should always use the experienced services of a Boston municipal premises liability attorney.
The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr. is prepared to take on your case and get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more, call or contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation.
Massachusetts Premises Liability Law
Residential, commercial, industrial, and public property are all subject to premises liability law in Massachusetts. Premises liability refers to a property owner or occupier’s duty to maintain their property and keep it safe for guests. Invitees are visitors on the property for the economic benefit of the premises owner, licensees are social guests, while trespassers are not legally allowed on the property, and a premises owner must provide specific levels of care for each type of visitor.
Public property is subject to premises liability, which includes any property owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, cities, or towns such as parks, sidewalks, public school and university campuses, beaches, government office buildings, highways, toll roads, streets and boat docks. It can also include quasi-government owned property like premises owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Steamship Authority, the Boston Redevelopment Authority or the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. If an accident happens on public land because of a hazardous condition that a municipality failed to repair or warn visitors about, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by that accident.
Considerations for Municipal Premises Liability Claims
Claims against the government for damages works differently than claims against private property owners. First, special notice must be provided to a municipal entity after an accident occurs on their property. Notice must be sent within the statute of limitations to the executive officer of that entity before a case can be filed with the court.
Damages also differ for municipal entities in a premises liability case. Liability for economic and noneconomic damages is capped at $100,000 for any accident claim. This includes damages for all medical bills, lost wages, property damage, lost future income and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. To learn more about how municipal premises liability claims differ from private lawsuits for damages, talk to our office now.
Talk to The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr.
Premises liability claims against municipal entities are different in Massachusetts, but you are still entitled to compensation after an accident on public lands. The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr. is prepared to take on your municipal premises liability claim – call or contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
