Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyers

When one party causes damage or harm in an accident or injury, cases of personal injury arise, and the reckless conduct of a negligent person is inexcusable. For over thirty years, the professional, skilled attorneys at Bellotti Law Group P.C. have been serving those in Suffolk county, Cambridge, Quincy and across Massachusetts who have suffered harm or were injured because of others' negligent or irresponsible acts.

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., our personal injury attorneys are experienced personal injury lawyers that work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no fees unless you win! This ensures that our clients have access to quality legal representation without incurring huge upfront costs. This approach allows victims of accidental injuries to focus on their recovery while their legal team advocates for their rights and pursues compensation.

With their in-depth understanding of personal injury laws, the attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. are well-equipped to handle a wide range of cases, from automobile accidents to medical malpractice claims. When working with this esteemed law firm, clients can trust that their legal needs will be met with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Call for a free consultation today.

Types of Personal Injury Pages

No matter what type of injury you have suffered, our team of aggressive personal injury lawyers in Massachusetts can help you recover compensation.

We have a distinct reputation for success in personal injury cases. We can use our decades of experience and proven courtroom skills to represent clients in matters involving:

• Motor vehicle accidents: We help clients who have been injured in car collisions, motorcycle crashes and truck accidents. We also assist injured bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Public transit accidents: If you were injured in a bus accident or in a train accident, your time to bring a claim may be limited. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
• Medical malpractice claims: Our attorneys are skilled at holding medical professionals accountable for acts of malpractice and negligence.
• Nursing home abuse and neglect: If your loved one has been injured as a result of negligence or abuse in a nursing facility, we can help you bring a claim.
• Premises liability: Property owners can be held accountable for injuries on their property, including slip-and-falls and injuries caused by inadequate security.
• Dog bites: A serious dog attack can leave significant scarring and other injuries. We can help you through the process of bringing a claim against the dog owner.
• Defective products: If a product you purchased is defective or poorly designed, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer or designer.
• Construction defects: Our attorneys provide legal representation to clients who have been injured by collapsing roofs, porches, decks and balconies.
• Swimming pool accidents: Swimming pools can be a serious danger, especially to young children. If you or your child was injured, we can help you protect your rights and bring a personal injury claim.
• Fatal accidents: If you lost a loved one in an accident, our lawyers can guide you through the process of bringing a wrongful death claim.

Even if you do not see your type of injury or case in the list above, please contact one of our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys with any questions you may have about your serious injury and potential personal injury case in order to know you legal options.

We review and handle all types of accident and injury claims. Be aware that there are statutes of limitation that can bar you from bringing a claim if you do not do so within the appropriate time frame. In other words, contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is crucial for any personal injury victims who have suffered damage or harm.

Filing Deadlines for Massachusetts Injury Lawsuits

In Massachusetts law, there is common law that exists, also known as the "statute of limitations tort law," for the filing of personal injury lawsuits within the state's civil court system after suffering an accident. This law allows a timeframe of three years for the filing of a personal injury lawsuit in a Massachusetts court.

Typically, the three-year time limit begins on the date of the accident for serious injuries in most cases. However, in certain cases where a latent injury is involves unseen consequences such as mental anguish emotional trauma, which could not be detected until some time after the accident, the three-year time limit may begin on the "discovery date."

It is crucial to pay close attention to this three-year window, as failing to file your lawsuit within it will result in losing your right to have a court hear your injury case.

While it may not appear to be significant while you are focused on settling your injury claim with injured person, another party, or your insurance company or carrier, it will become important if settlement negotiations fall through and you need to consider other options, such as taking the person or case to court.

For injury claims against a government agency at the city, county, or state level, you have two years to file a formal claim and three years to take legal action or file a lawsuit.

Comparative Fault in Massachusetts

In all personal injury lawsuits in Massachusetts, the comparative negligence law is utilized. This doctrine assesses the level of fault for all parties involved in a personal injury claim. According to Massachusetts' comparative negligence doctrine, the potential damages awarded to the plaintiff are diminished in proportion to their degree of fault.

A plaintiff can receive compensation for their injuries as long as their fault in the accident is less than 51%. However, if their fault percentage exceeds 50%, they will be ineligible for recovery. Applying the comparative negligence doctrine can be challenging, especially when the degree of negligence is not clear-cut. If a jury determines that the plaintiff is predominantly at fault, recovery may be denied.

To provide an example, suppose an individual is shopping in a grocery store and falls due to a broken floor tile. It is discovered that the individual's total damages are $10,000, and they are found to be 10 percent at fault for the incident, while the grocery store is 90 percent at fault to recover damages.

In accordance with Massachusetts's comparative fault rule law, the individual's total damages award will be reduced by 10 percent, or $1,000, since they were assigned the responsible parties for 10 percent of the fault. The individual will be able to recover up to $9,000 in damages from the other party. However, if the individual was found to be the responsible party for 50 percent or more of the fault, they would not be able to recover any damages from any other party.

It is mandatory for Massachusetts courts to apply the comparative fault rule during trial proceedings, in criminal cases wherein liability findings and jury awards of monetary compensation are recorded. However, the rule may also be relevant during negotiations for insurance settlements, so it is important to be aware of its implications.

Bellotti Law Group, P.C. is home to some of the best personal injury lawyers in Boston who are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation to accident victims. As personal injury specialists, their team includes experienced body injury lawyers and whiplash injury lawyers who work tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve. With a presence in Easthampton as well, their personal injury attorneys have built a reputation for handling even the most complex cases. As a leading personal injury law firm, Bellotti Law Group, P.C. has successfully resolved most personal injury cases, solidifying their commitment to justice and advocating for the rights of those affected by the negligence of others.

"No-Fault" Laws for Car Accident Cases

In Massachusetts, auto insurance and car accidents are governed by a "no-fault" system. Under this system, individuals who are injured in car accidents are expected to seek compensation under their own insurance coverage. Pursuing a claim against another party outside of the no-fault system is generally not permitted, unless certain thresholds are met. Specifically, if the injured party incurs more than $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses or suffers from a permanent and serious disfigurement, broken bone, or loss of hearing or sight, they may be able to pursue a claim against the other party. However, the determination of what constitutes a "serious disfigurement" can be somewhat vague. Therefore, there may be some room for negotiation as to whether or not a claim must be limited to the no-fault system.

"Strict" Liability for Dog Bite/Attack Cases

While many states follow a "one bite" rule, which provides some level of protection to dog owners if their dog injures someone for the first time and they had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous, Massachusetts has a specific statute that makes dog owners "strictly liable". This means that regardless of the of an animal's past behavior, the owner is responsible for any personal injury caused by their dog. The statute, Mass. Gen. Laws Ann., ch. 140, § 155, states that if a dog injures a person or their property, the owner will be held liable for any damages, unless the person injured was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog when the. This statute provides a clear standard for holding dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets in Massachusetts.

Damage Caps

In personal injury claims, each state has its unique approach to handling damages. Some states impose limits, or "caps," on damages in specific case types, such as medical malpractice, or on particular damage categories, like non-economic or "pain and suffering" damages. In Massachusetts, a $500,000 cap applies to non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases only.

However, if the injured party can demonstrate substantial or permanent loss or impairment of a bodily function, significant disfigurement, or other special circumstances of medical treatment that would render the cap unjust, the cap may not apply to. It is important to note that these caps are exclusive to medical malpractice cases and do not affect most other injury claims

Looking for a Personal Injury Attorney?

When searching for a "personal injury attorney near me," it is essential to consider various factors in order to find the best legal representation for your case. With numerous renowned Boston personal injury firms, you have a good chance of finding a good personal injury attorney who specializes in handling cases related to offshore injuries. Offshore injury attorneys and offshore injury lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of maritime law, making them indispensable in cases involving accidents at sea. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance during the entire legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve following a personal injury accident. Furthermore, partnering with a local personal injury lawyer can provide additional advantages, as they possess a deep understanding of the specific laws and regulations governing your area.

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