Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/12/2010 - 09:43
Is it true in Massachusetts that if I was injured on someone else's property even if I wasn't specifically invited on to the property (I was bringing over a package that was left on my step by accident and I broke my ankle on a loose brick on a neighbors steps--then he yelled at me for breaking his steps!) I could still recover damages? If so, is it OK to take a picture of the steps from the street to show what happened?
Premises Liability
Yes, under premises liability law in Massachusetts, all property owners owe a duty to maintain their property and keep it free of hazards. That duty is owed to people who enter the property with or without express permission. As long as you do not enter the neighbor's property, there is nothing wrong with taking a picture of the steps. However, assuming you have already dealt with your medical issues, I think your first step should be to talk to a Massachusetts injury lawyer. Typically, this type of case is settled after negotiations between the injured person's lawyer and the home owner's insurance company. Good luck.