What to Do if You Slip on Wet Leaves: A Personal Injury Lawyer’s Guide

The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • November 22, 2023

Looking at the beauty of gold and red fall leaves, it’s easy to overlook their threat to your well-being. Rain-soaked leaves quickly become slippery, and if you aren’t careful, you may suffer significant injuries from a fall. Understanding how to proceed in this situation is essential to protect your health and any legal claim you may file. The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. offers expert guidance on navigating these situations in Massachusetts.

Immediate Actions to Take

  1. Report the Incident: If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, immediately tell someone with authority over the property–in a residential property that would be the property owner, while in a retail setting that would be a store manager. If you’re injured on public property, file a report with the town.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Slip and fall injuries don’t always appear instantly. Concussions and soft tissue injuries, for example, can take days to manifest. Seeing a medical professional ensures that all injuries get attention and documentation.

Massachusetts Laws

  1. Liability Laws: Massachusetts law states that any “county, city, town, or person” with an obligation to maintain a property may be liable for injuries caused by negligent care. Negligent care can include failure to clear hazards such as leaves.
  2. Notification Requirements: It’s important to note that Massachusetts law also requires you to report any injury that happens on someone else’s property within thirty days. Thankfully, if you follow our recommended actions, this won’t be a problem.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Qualified attorneys, such as our staff at The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., will advise you on whether or not you have a viable claim and guide you through the legal process. Without a lawyer, you risk undervaluing your claim, missing legal deadlines, gathering insufficient documentation, making mistakes in legal procedures, and potentially negotiating with insurance companies yourself. Not to mention, the stress and time consumption can become overwhelming.


Do not overlook the dangers of wet leaves. If you fall on someone else’s property because they failed to resolve an autumn hazard, immediate action could be the difference between fair compensation and increased stress. By following the steps in this article and contacting The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. for a consultation, you can receive appropriate compensation for your distress.

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