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Scalli | Murphy Law > Private: Cambridge, MA Slip and Fall Lawyer | Scalli Murphy Law

Cambridge, MA Slip and Fall Lawyer

Reviewed by Chris Murphy, Esq. | Last updated: February 2026

Injured in a slip and fall in Cambridge, Massachusetts? The premises liability attorneys at Scalli Murphy Law have over 30 years of experience holding property owners accountable for dangerous conditions throughout Middlesex County and all of Massachusetts. Call 617-387-7000 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you.

Key Takeaways for Cambridge Slip and Fall Cases

  • You must prove the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it
  • The “open and obvious” defense does not automatically bar your claim in Massachusetts
  • Since Papadopoulos v. Target Corp. (2010), property owners are liable for all snow and ice conditions under a reasonable care standard
  • Scalli Murphy Law offers a free consultation with no fee unless we recover for you

Why Choose Scalli Murphy Law for Your Cambridge Slip and Fall Case?

Slip and fall cases are more complex than most people realize. The property owner and their insurance company will argue that you were not paying attention or that the hazard was obvious. You need an attorney who knows how to prove negligence and fight back. Our attorneys regularly handle premises liability cases filed in Middlesex County Superior Court, located at 40 Thorndike Street, Cambridge, MA 02141. We understand Middlesex County procedures and have the experience to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you were transported to Mount Auburn Hospital after your fall, or received treatment at any facility in Cambridge, our team can help you recover compensation for every dollar of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Proven Results for Injury Victims

Scalli Murphy Law has a track record of recovering significant compensation for clients injured in accidents across Massachusetts:

  • $3,000,000+ – Asbestos / mesothelioma settlement
  • $1,500,000+ – Motorcycle collision settlement
  • $900,000 – Pedestrian collision settlement
  • $375,000 – Tractor-trailer collision settlement

Every case is different, but our attorneys fight for the maximum compensation available in every claim we handle. If you were injured in a fall on someone else’s property in Cambridge, we will pursue every dollar you are owed.

Where Slip and Fall Injuries Happen in Cambridge

Cambridge is a city of approximately 118,000 residents in Middlesex County, home to Harvard University and MIT. Its mix of dense residential neighborhoods, busy commercial corridors, and heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic along Massachusetts Avenue and around Harvard and Kendall Squares creates challenging driving conditions and frequent accidents.

Slip and fall injuries in Cambridge happen in grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, parking lots, sidewalks, apartment buildings, and commercial properties along Route 2, Route 16, Route 28, Memorial Drive, Massachusetts Ave. Property owners in Cambridge have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for your injuries.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Property owners in Cambridge are responsible for maintaining safe premises for visitors and customers. Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:

  • Wet or slippery floors – Spills in grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops without warning signs or timely cleanup
  • Snow and ice – Failure to clear sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways after winter storms
  • Uneven surfaces – Cracked sidewalks, broken pavement, potholes in parking lots, and uneven flooring
  • Poor lighting – Dimly lit stairwells, parking garages, hallways, and outdoor walkways
  • Broken or missing handrails – Stairways without proper handrails or with loose, broken railings
  • Torn carpet or loose flooring – Tripping hazards from damaged floor coverings
  • Cluttered walkways – Merchandise, cords, boxes, or debris left in walking paths
  • Defective stairs – Broken steps, uneven risers, or missing treads

Massachusetts Premises Liability Law

Massachusetts law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. To win a slip and fall case in Cambridge, you must prove:

  1. The property owner owed you a duty of care (you were lawfully on the property)
  2. A dangerous condition existed on the property
  3. The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition (actual or constructive notice)
  4. The property owner failed to fix the hazard or warn you about it
  5. The dangerous condition caused your injuries

An experienced premises liability attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove each of these elements, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements.

Snow and Ice Liability in Cambridge

Massachusetts winters create dangerous conditions on sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances throughout Cambridge. Property owners have a duty to remove snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm.

In 2010, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court eliminated the old distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations of snow and ice in Papadopoulos v. Target Corp.. Property owners are now held to the same standard of reasonable care for all snow and ice conditions on their property. This means a property owner in Cambridge can be held liable for failing to salt, sand, or clear ice from walkways, regardless of how the ice formed.

If you slipped on ice or snow on someone else’s property in Cambridge, you may have a valid claim.

The “Open and Obvious” Defense

Property owners and their insurance companies frequently argue that a hazard was “open and obvious” and that you should have seen it and avoided it. In Massachusetts, this defense does not automatically bar your claim. Even if a hazard was visible, the property owner may still be liable if:

  • You could not reasonably avoid the hazard (such as an icy walkway that was the only path to an entrance)
  • The property owner should have anticipated that visitors would encounter the hazard despite its obviousness
  • The hazard was partially concealed or more dangerous than it appeared

Do not let the insurance company convince you that your case is worthless because the hazard was visible. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the open and obvious defense applies to your situation.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Falls can cause serious, life-changing injuries, especially for older adults. Common injuries from slip and fall accidents include:

  • Broken hips and hip fractures – Often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation
  • Broken wrists and arms – From attempting to break the fall
  • Back and spinal injuries – Herniated discs, compression fractures, and chronic pain
  • Traumatic brain injuries – Concussions and TBIs from hitting the head on the ground
  • Knee injuries – Torn ligaments (ACL, MCL) and meniscus tears
  • Shoulder injuries – Rotator cuff tears and dislocations
  • Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains, and contusions that cause lasting pain

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Cambridge

If you are injured in a fall on someone else’s property in Cambridge, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Report the incident – Notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord immediately and ask them to create a written incident report
  2. Get medical attention – Visit Mount Auburn Hospital or your doctor, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
  3. Document the scene – Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, any warning signs (or lack of them), and your injuries
  4. Get witness information – Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the fall
  5. Preserve your clothing and shoes – Do not wash or discard the clothes and shoes you were wearing
  6. Do not give a recorded statement – The property owner’s insurance company will contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement without an attorney.
  7. Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 – Get a free consultation before accepting any settlement offer

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a slip and fall lawyer in Cambridge cost?

Scalli Murphy Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

How do I prove a slip and fall case in Massachusetts?

You must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, incident reports, and witness testimony is critical. An experienced attorney can gather this evidence before it is destroyed or lost.

Can I sue if I slipped on ice in Cambridge?

Yes. Since the 2010 Papadopoulos v. Target Corp. decision, Massachusetts property owners are held to a reasonable care standard for all snow and ice conditions on their property. If a property owner failed to clear, salt, or sand an icy walkway within a reasonable time, they can be held liable for your injuries.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Massachusetts?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the accident. However, if your fall occurred on government property, you must file a presentment letter within 30 days. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the property owner says the hazard was obvious?

The “open and obvious” defense does not automatically bar your claim in Massachusetts. Even if a hazard was visible, the property owner may still be liable if you could not reasonably avoid it, if the owner should have anticipated the danger, or if the hazard was more dangerous than it appeared. Do not accept the insurance company’s word that your case has no value.

What compensation can I recover after a slip and fall in Cambridge?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses. Falls can cause severe injuries like broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. In wrongful death cases caused by falls, surviving family members may also recover damages.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer from the property owner’s insurance company?

No. Insurance companies often make quick, low offers before you know the full extent of your injuries. Some slip and fall injuries, such as concussions, herniated discs, and torn ligaments, may not become fully apparent for weeks or months. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back and ask for more money. Contact an attorney before accepting any offer.

Serving Cambridge and All of Massachusetts

Our attorneys represent slip and fall victims throughout Middlesex County and all of Massachusetts. We also serve clients in Boston, Somerville, Arlington. View our complete list of areas we serve across the state. No matter where your injury occurred in Massachusetts, Scalli Murphy Law can help.

Other Practice Areas in Cambridge

In addition to slip and fall cases, our Cambridge attorneys handle:

Contact a Cambridge Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

After a slip and fall in Cambridge, evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within days. Spills are cleaned up. Ice melts. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chance of preserving the evidence you need to prove your case.

Call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 or 1-833-933-HELP for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover for you. We are available to meet in person at our office, by phone, or by video. Our office is conveniently located at 537 Broadway, Everett, MA, just 5 miles from Cambridge.

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