Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP

What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in Boston?

Immediately following an injury accident, the most important thing is to get the treatment you need and to make sure the doctors are aware of any injuries or pain you are feeling. In the days that follow, you should also contact an attorney right away. An attorney can help navigate initial billing issues with medical providers and will begin investigating your potential claim. This includes preserving and securing evidence, speaking to witnesses, and contacting authorities. Contacting an attorney early will help you focus on your recovery while knowing your legal rights are being protected.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim in Massachusetts?

The only way to truly know if you have a personal injury claim is to speak with an attorney. Many people simply aren’t aware that they have a claim because they never spoke to a lawyer. Initial consultations with personal injury attorneys are free of charge, so there is no reason not to explore your potential rights through a consultation. In fact, even if you don’t have a claim, consulting an attorney will be beneficial as it will prevent you from wondering years later whether you should have hired a lawyer.

What types of compensation can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit in Boston?

In Massachusetts, compensation is available to cover medical expenses, lost wages and income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, including wrongful death, punitive damages are available. There are also claims available for spouses of loved ones through consortium claims.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Statute of Limitations vary from State, but most personal injury cases in Massachusetts have a three year statute of limitations which means that if the case is not filed in Court before three years from the date of the injury, then the time window has passed and the case is forever barred. However, some cases in Massachusetts have a much shorter period of time. For that reason, you should not delay in speaking to an attorney. There are also circumstances that require a notice letter to be sent to the potential defendant within a limited period of time.

Will my personal injury case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?

Ultimately, whether a case goes to trial or settles out of court is a decision made by the client. Some clients want the certainty of an out-of-court settlement, while others need to tell their story at trial. Attorneys will always explain the advantages and disadvantages associated with going either route. Nonetheless, the vast majority of cases settle without the need for a trial in court.

How does the contingency fee structure work with your Boston personal injury law firm?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are only paid if we are successful. We will never ask a client to pay a bill or compensate us for our time during the case. The only time we get paid is through a percentage when we are successful, either at trial or through an out-of-court settlement.