Are slip and fall cases heard in civil or criminal court?

Slip and fall cases, which involve a person slipping, tripping, or falling, are typically heard in civil court in Massachusetts. Civil court is a division of the court system that focuses on resolving disputes between members of the public. In a civil slip and fall case, an injured person seeks a court ruling or monetary award to compensate them for damages resulting from the incident. A criminal court, on the other hand, is where criminal cases are heard. Criminal cases involve the state accusing a person of committing a crime and if found guilty the person is punished with jail time, fines, or both. A person accusatory in a slip and fall case would have to show that the incident was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Proving negligence requires proving that the responsible party had a duty of care to protect others from harm, but failed to do so, and that the failure caused injury. If the person succeeds in proving their case, then the court may order the responsible party to pay monetary damages to the injured person. Overall, slip and fall cases in Massachusetts are heard in civil court. It is important to note, however, that if the accused is found guilty in a criminal case related to the incident, then the injured person may also pursue a civil case to seek compensatory damages.

Related FAQs

What type of compensation can be recovered in a slip and fall case?
How does the court determine liability in a slip and fall case?
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for a slip and fall claim?
Are there any steps I can take to protect myself from a slip and fall lawsuit?
What types of evidence should be collected in a slip and fall case?
Can a settlement be reached in a slip and fall case?
What is the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim?
What type of notice should I give the property owner if I slip and fall?
Are there any exceptions to premises liability law?
What is the difference between negligence and contributory negligence?

Are slip and fall cases heard in civil or criminal court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts