Chelsea, MA Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injuries can occur in a variety of circumstances and can impact every aspect of the victim’s life. When the accident that caused the injury could and should have been prevented but for the negligence of another person or entity, legal paths to monetary recovery exist.
Whether you were injured in a car accident, a slip and fall on someone’s property, by a defective product, or through medical malpractice, it is imperative that you seek legal help as soon as possible. You should give yourself plenty of time before the three-year statute of limitations runs out on your case.
The experienced Chelsea personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan have years of experience pursing financial recovery for our personal injury clients through settlements and trials. To get a free initial case assessment, reach out to us today at our offices by calling (617) 925-6407.
Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits in Chelsea
Generally, personal injury claims exist in most situations where a person failed to meet their duty of care to someone else, putting them in harm’s way. These claims can arise in a variety of circumstances. Below, our Chelsea personal injury lawyers have highlighted some of the most common situations that lead to personal injury lawsuits.
Car Accidents
Every year, car accidents are a leading cause of negligent injury in Chelsea and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any driver that fails to behave reasonably behind the wheel may be liable for the consequences that result, whether the injury victim is another driver, a passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Massachusetts uses no-fault insurance rules, so you will have to demonstrate that you suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident. To determine whether your car accident injuries meet the criteria to file a lawsuit, call our experienced Chelsea personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Premises Liability
Whenever a property owner invites someone else onto their property, they are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent dangers from harming their guest. To determine whether the owner met their duties in your case, you will first have to distinguish whether you were a licensee (one who enters the property for the business interests of the owner) or an invitee (one who enters the property with no business interest). Slippery floors, unstable footing, and poor lighting are some of the most common causes of injury on someone else’s property.
Defective Products
Depending on the product in question, the manufacturer or retailer may incur liability if the product is not safe to use as intended or does not feature explicit instructions on safe use. You can sue for injuries caused by a defective product even if you were not the purchaser of the product, so long as your injuries were a foreseeable consequence of the defective product. One of the first steps that our Chelsea personal injury attorneys will take in your case is to determine who is to blame for the defect that caused you injury.
Medical Malpractice
Chelsea residents are fortunate to be in close proximity to some of the finest medical care providers in the country. Unfortunately, practitioners at even the most well-respected facilities are capable of significant blunders in care that can substantially harm those who depend on their professional responsibility. Medical malpractice suits are also available in situations where the medical care provider’s behavior exacerbated a preexisting condition, particularly in instances of misdiagnoses.
Damages for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Chelsea
When a personal injury plaintiff succeeds with their claim in Chelsea, they are entitled to monetary damages that reflect the financial and personal consequences of their experience. In some cases, the court may award additional damages where the defendant deserves further punishment.
Economic Damages
The first step in calculating your damages will be to assess all of the direct financial consequences that resulted from your accident and injuries. Primarily, this will include all medical expenses incurred from the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from your injuries. In many cases, you can also claim lost wages, missed career advancement opportunities, and the cost of necessary alterations made to your home in your calculation of economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are what separates a lawsuit from an ordinary insurance claim. These compensable harms are calculated based on the personal pain and suffering that the victim experiences. The injurious experience as well as the injuries themselves can impact each victim differently, so it is important to discuss your story with a dedicated Chelsea personal injury attorney to get a reasonable idea of what your case could be worth.
Punitive Damages
A third type of damages, known as punitive damages, is not available in every case. Massachusetts courts will only award punitive damages in situations where the defendant’s behavior was intentional or constituted gross recklessness that deserves additional punishment. Discuss the potential for punitive damages in your case with a Chelsea personal injury lawyer.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuit in Chelsea
Massachusetts has laws, known as statutes of limitations, that limit how long a plaintiff has to file their personal injury complaint in court. Missing the appropriate deadline will almost certainly result in your losing the ability to recover for your injuries in court.
Generally, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. However, there are a number of good reasons why you should not wait too long into this period to contact a Chelsea personal injury lawyer.
Some exceptions do exist that accelerate your timeline, such as when the defendant is a government entity or a ski lift operator. Acting early gives you a better chance of preserving evidence that can be lost over time. Additionally, the sooner you file your claim, the earlier you will recover the compensation that you deserve.
Have You Suffered a Personal Injury in Chelsea? The Law Office of John J. Sheehan Can Help
It is in your best interest to get started on your legal path to justice as soon as possible. To get access to a free initial case assessment today, call our seasoned Chelsea personal injury lawyers today at (617) 925-6407.
