Massachusetts Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Blog

The Difference Between A Personal Injury Claim And Lawsuit

For many people that have been injured due to negligence, the medical bills and even lost wages begin to pile up.  Many of these negligence victims understandably want to have these losses paid for.  Some though are reluctant to pursue action against the person that caused the accident because they don’t want to sue the person.  It is important to know though that there are important differences between personal injury claims and lawsuits.

If you were injured in a car accident due to negligence you may file a claim.  The claim would be filed with both your car insurance company, and also with the insurance company for the driver that caused the accident.  A claim is merely a filing with an insurance company for a loss you have sustained.  Most claims, including slip and falls and other claims for negligence, are resolved without the need for a lawsuit.  A claim is not filed in court.

What To Expect When You Meet With A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you may be thinking of hiring a lawyer to represent you.  Friends, family or co-workers may be suggesting you “talk with a lawyer.”  If you are curious on what to expect when you meet with a personal injury lawyer, here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your meeting.

Once you sit down with the lawyer he will first want to get some basic background information from you.  He will then ask you which medical providers you saw for the accident, what treatment you received, and what type of injuries you sustained.  You can expect him to ask about your previous medical history, and whether or not you have suffered the same injuries you suffered in the accident, before the accident.

How Do Paralegals Help With Personal Injury Cases?

Paralegals are the unsung heroes of the legal world.  Without paralegals, lawyers would be unable to perform their work.  Paralegals perform legal work and depending on the attorney(s) they work under, handle substantive legal tasks.  They handle an array of duties that greatly assist any law practice.  They are above legal assistants in terms of pay and scope of responsibilities, but generally make less and are ultimately responsible for less than an attorney.

Paralegals wear many different hats.  But how exactly does a paralegal help a personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer?

Boston DIA Moves To New Location
The Boston branch of the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) has a new home.  Effective immediately they are now located at 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111.  The Boston branch is the base and the largest branch of the DIA court system.
Please note this change of address if your Massachusetts workers’ compensation claim is being handled at this branch.  The other four branch locations of the DIA however (Lawrence, Fall River, Worcester, Springfield) remain unchanged.  There has though been recent discussion regarding the Worcester branch moving soon to a new location, but that has yet to be formally announced.

What To Expect At Your Car Accident Trial 

If your auto accident does not ultimately settle with the insurance company, then your case needs to be tried in court.  Most car accident trials follow the same basic flow and procedure.  Here are some things you can expect to unfold at your trial.

Once the jury is selected following a process called voir dire, then the jury will be empaneled.  The judge will then explain to the jury what the case is about, and he will outline some basic rules the jury is to follow during the course of the trial.

What Is The Discovery Phase Of A Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawsuit?

For cases in litigation, the discovery process is what all cases go through. The rules for discovery are set forth in the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure, which largely models the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.  Here are some of the facets of discovery you can expect if your case is already, or expected to be, in litigation.

Interrogatories

What Costs Are Involved With A Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawsuit?

For people that have an ongoing Massachusetts personal injury claim or car accident case that receive an offer they are unhappy with, they have two choices.  They can either accept the offer and settle the case, or they can file a lawsuit.  Many people who consider the latter option want to know what are the costs involved with a Massachusetts personal injury lawsuit? Here are some common expenses you should expect to encounter it your case is litigated.

Filing Fees

Boston Accident Lawyer Releases New Free Books

As a Boston accident lawyer I only represent people that have been injured due to the negligence of others.  I believe that these victims, before they sign any insurance company paperwork or hire a car accident attorney, or workers’ compensation attorney, that they should educate themselves on how to make the best possible legal decisions for their cases.

That is why I am proud and excited to release my new free books, The Truth About Massachusetts Auto Accidents and The Truth About Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Accidents.

What Does A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?

Many people who get injured at work come to find out the claim process that follows a work injury can be very challenging.  Many of these people consider whether or not to hire a workmans’ comp lawyer to represent them.  If you too are wondering this, here are some things that a workers’ compensation lawyer can offer you.

First, the attorney analyses your accident, and your medical records, and then can determine the Massachusetts workers’ compensation rights you are entitled to as a matter of law.