Extreme Danger Posed by Falling Ice in Massachusetts

 

Across Massachusetts, there is a growing concern about the risk posed by falling ice. Whether you are walking on the sidewalk or driving down the street, falling ice can cause severe property damage and lasting injuries. Police and authority figures have issued countless warnings about this natural phenomenon, and it continues to harm numerous people. Pets have been injured, cars completely destroyed, and there is even the risk of death in some situations.

If you have been injured by falling ice in Western Massachusetts, it is important to enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. These legal experts can make sure you gain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. A skilled attorney can also hold the at-fault party responsible and ensure that innocent pedestrians do not suffer the same fate in the future. No one should have to nervously glance toward the sky as they walk along sidewalks in Massachusetts.

This Has Been Going on for Years

The general public has been aware of this issue for many years, and yet it continues to pose a significant risk every single winter. During one winter, a homeless man in Boston almost lost his life due to a falling icicle. He was knocked out cold, suffering intense brain trauma and cuts. He was lucky to have survived. Property damage is also a significant issue, with small cars being completely crushed like tin cans by falling blocks of ice. Dogs have been killed. There are even reports of icicles rupturing gas lines and starting fires.

In 2019, police in Massachusetts were forced to issue an official warning after several car crashes were caused entirely by falling ice. However, this time the ice was falling off the cars themselves, and not buildings. One incident involved a chunk of ice flying off a tractor and flying straight through someone’s windshield. There are countless similar stories out there, and police have been forced to issue fines for people who fail to remove ice from their cars and trucks before hitting the road.

Property Owners Have a Duty of Care

So who is liable for this serious threat to the public? The answer is simple: Property owners have a duty of care to the public. They are legally obligated to ensure their property does not pose a risk to pedestrians, and this means they have to clear away ice from their building as soon as they become aware of it. Alternatively, they need to post clear signs that warn pedestrians of the danger from falling ice. Unfortunately, property owners often do neither of these things. This means that they become liable for any injuries that occur on their property.

Enlist the Help of an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have suffered injuries as a result of falling ice in Massachusetts, you are legally entitled to compensation for your damages. Enlist the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer today, and you can hold irresponsible property owners accountable for their negligence. Reach out to the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty today, and we can help you achieve justice.