When a family member suspects wrongful death of a loved one, they can file a particular type of personal injury claim known as a wrongful death claim. Even if no one is criminally responsible for the death, someone can be held civilly liable through a wrongful death claim. Common causes of wrongful death claims include accidents, defective products, exposure to hazardous materials, and medical mistakes. In Massachusetts, the decedent’s estate has three years from the time of death or time of discovery to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable parties. Spouses, children, and parents are given priority when
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Rear-end collisions and the rush to settle
Rear-end collisions are not uncommon, but they are not simple or routine. Repeat after me: there is no such thing as a ‘simple’ rear-end collision. Again, there is no such thing as a “routine” rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions come on a sliding scale, ranging from the annoying to the frightening to the downright devastating. A long-haul trucker whose brakes fail at an off-ramp can total cars, wreck bodies, and take lives. On the other hand, a distracted driver letting his foot of the break in snail’s-pace traffic will probably result in a dinged bumper and frayed nerves. What rear-end collisions
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Know The Legal Steps To Take After A Wrongful Death Caused By An Auto Accident
Struggling with the loss of a loved one is never easy. Figuring out the legal steps when dealing with a wrongful death due to an auto accident is difficult, which is why we’re here to help ease this troubling time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are more than 32,367 fatalities annually as a result of car crashes. Such collisions are often a result of the negligence of another person. Many drivers falsely believe that car accidents are always “accidental” and are something unfortunate that just happens. From the carelessness of another driver, the negligence
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How is a Negligent Driver Held Responsible for his or her Actions in Massachusetts?
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you need to know how the insurance companies determine fault in order to get the compensation you deserve. The commonwealth of Massachusetts is a modified no-fault insurance state. This means that if an individual is deemed to be over fifty percent at fault, they can be held responsible. This also means that, regardless of fault, your own insurance company will pay for your injuries, up to your policy limit. Additionally, Massachusetts law allows individuals the right to legally sue the at-fault party for non-monetary damages, i.e.,
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The Dangers of Falling Snow and Ice
As the weather gets colder in New England, many people are already carrying out winterization measures to protect their homes and businesses. Road salt has been purchased, shovels dug out of garages, and tires swapped out. With all this attention paid—and rightfully paid—to the hazards of traveling on foot or by car through a winter wonderland. However, paying attention to snow on the ground should not come at the expense of preparing for snow on roofs and eaves, which poses an entirely different set of risks to guests, neighbors, customers, and all pedestrians. While slip-and-fall, or slip-and-crash, accidents immediately come
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How long do I have in MA to claim injury after an accident?
The Massachusetts General Code explicitly says there is a two-year period in which to claim personal injury after an accident. However, the law also stipulates that you make your claim “as soon as practicable after the accident occurs from which such claim arises” (Title XIV, Section 90, Chapter 34M) Depending on who was found to be at fault in the accident, either your insurance or the other party’s is responsible by law for paying legitimate medical expenses, arising directly from the accident, up to the limits of the relevant policy. They must begin payment on these reported expenses within ten
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Understanding Your Rights in a Car Accident: Massachusetts Personal Injury Claims Explained
You could be driving down I-95 during rush hour when suddenly a person driving a large SUV whips into your lane and causes you to rear-end him. However, there were multiple witnesses who reported to Massachusetts State Police that the other driver was speeding. Three witnesses reported he was weaving in and out of traffic. Suddenly, what could have been your fault is a clear case of reckless driving, but, thank goodness, people were willing to share what they saw with the police. Now, you’re laid up in a nearby hospital awaiting surgery for multiple hip and leg fractures. This
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