Lawrence, MA Personal Injury Lawyers

Fighting for Lawrence’s Working Families Since 1993

Law office of John J. Sheehan
Lawrence, MA Personal Injury

Wins for our clients

$1.5 Million

Construction Site Accident

Steel I-beam accident on a construction site, resulting in TBI and thoracic spine fracture, fractured ribs

Steel I-Beam fell from wood framing and fell on welder who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic spine compression fracture, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs and crushed foot/ankle. Following extensive litigation with the general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to the job site, case settled at mediation.

$800,000

Trip and Fall at Work

A wire loop hazard on a demolished construction floor caused a trip & fall with a right patella fracture and neck injury

Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site. While walking across demolished floor of building being renovated, employee was caused to trip on a wire loop that was protruding from the demolished concrete floor. Employee was caused to fall forward landing on his knees. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a right patella fracture and neck injury. Eventually, Employee right patellofemoral replacement surgery. MRI of the cervical spine confirmed foraminal narrowing of C5-6 and C6-7 with possible compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Employee filed a lawsuit to pursue third-party personal injury claims against the general contractor, demolition subcontractor and site subcontractor for the construction site where his accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim settled for $350,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled at mediation with all defendants for $450,000. In addition to the workers’ comp and third-party claims, Employee successfully filed for SSDI benefits.

$700,000

Construction Fall From Ladder

Ladder fall at work, resulting in a fractured and dislocated ankle with talus displacement

Employee was working as a master carpenter when he fell from a ladder and sustained multiple injuries including fractured and dislocated ankle with displacement of the talus. Employee underwent multiple surgeries to treat the ankle fracture including open reduction with internal fixation and hardware removal. Employee developed an infection of the ankle requiring multiple surgeries including skin graft surgeries. Employee developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”) of the lower extremity. Employee underwent Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery for chronic pain management related to the CRPS. Workers Comp claim settled prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits.

$656,000

Slip and Fall at Construction Site

Carpenter foreman slipped on ice at a construction site, causing an L4–5 herniated disc requiring surgery

Carpenter foreman slipped and fell on ice at construction site. Client injured his lower back and suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 with impingement requiring surgery. Settled workers’ comp claim for $200,000 and third-party claim against general contractor for $456,000.

$625,000

Pedestrian Hit By Car

Pedestrian pinned under a truck, suffering displaced compound tibia/fibula fractures

Pedestrian was standing by his uncle’s landscaping truck that was parked on the side of the road when a car hit the back of the truck and hit the pedestrian pinning him under the landscaping truck. Pedestrian sustained multiple severe and permanent injuries including displaced compound fractures to the tibia and fibula, clavicle fracture and multiple abrasions and contusion. Pedestrian underwent multiple surgeries to repair the fractures and skin grafting. Case settled prior to filing suit.

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Where We Put Our Focus in Lawrence

Lawrence Car Accident Lawyers
Route 114 remains one of the most dangerous corridors in the Merrimack Valley, with the Route 114/Andover Street intersection ranking among those with the highest crash frequencies in the region.
In 2025, there were 1,817 traffic accidents reported throughout the city. Whether your collision occurred on I-495, along the congested Merrimack Street corridor, in downtown Lawrence near the Common, or in a parking lot at Lawrence Plaza, our Lawrence car accident attorneys are here to hold the negligent drivers in your accident accountable.
We understand the challenges Lawrence drivers face: heavy commuter traffic from Boston, congested intersections along Essex Street and Broadway, and dangerous conditions near construction zones in the mill district.
Our team investigates every accident thoroughly, from securing police reports at the Lawrence Police Department to obtaining witness statements and fighting insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
Types of Lawrence auto accidents we handle:
- Route 114 corridor collisions
- I-495 highway accidents
- Merrimack Street commercial vehicle crashes
- Essex Street downtown accidents
- Broadway pedestrian strikes
- Parking lot incidents at shopping centers
- Lawrence Common collisions
- Intersection accidents
Lawrence Construction Accident Attorneys
Lawrence's ongoing transformation from industrial mill city to mixed-use community has created a construction boom, and with it, serious workplace hazards. The city's historic mill buildings are being renovated into residential, commercial, and educational spaces like Union Crossing and the Northern Essex Community College campus.
These massive redevelopment projects involve scaffolding on multi-story structures, demolition of aging infrastructure, electrical work in century-old buildings, and excavation near the Merrimack River.
Construction remains the deadliest industry in Massachusetts. In 2023, construction accidents caused 37 fatalities. Hispanic construction workers face an even greater risk, with workplace fatality rates 1.4 times higher than other demographics. As a fluent Spanish-speaking construction accident lawyer, Attorney Sheehan understands the unique dangers facing Lawrence's predominantly Latino construction workforce.
Common Lawrence construction accidents we handle:
- Falls from scaffolding at mill renovations
- Struck-by incidents with falling materials
- Electrical injuries in old mill buildings
- Trench collapses and excavation accidents
- Equipment failures and machinery defects
- Caught-in-between accidents
- Union Crossing development site injuries
- Wood Worsted Mill renovation accidents
- Roofing falls on residential projects
- OSHA violations leading to serious injuries
Our Lawrence construction injury attorneys don't just file workers' compensation claims. We investigate whether general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers created unsafe conditions. When third parties are liable, you may recover significant compensation beyond workers' comp benefits.
Lawrence Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Massachusetts law protects all workers injured on the job, regardless of immigration status, how you were paid, or whether you speak English.
Lawrence's economy includes manufacturing facilities, a thriving restaurant industry along Essex Street, retail businesses in the Gateway District, healthcare workers at Lawrence General Hospital, transportation and delivery drivers, and municipal employees. Workplace injuries happen across all sectors, and our Lawrence workers' compensation attorneys know how to navigate the complex DIA system on your behalf.
Types of workplace injuries we handle in Lawrence:
- Manufacturing accidents in textile operations
- Restaurant kitchen burns and slip-and-falls
- Retail worker injuries
- Healthcare worker injuries at Lawrence General Hospital
- Delivery driver accidents (route of employment claims)
- Warehouse injuries at distribution centers
- Municipal worker accidents (DPW, parks department)
- Office injuries throughout Lawrence businesses
- Transportation industry accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
Lawrence Third-Party Injury Claims
When someone other than your employer caused your workplace injury, you may have a third-party claim worth significantly more than workers' compensation alone. These cases allow you to recover full damages, including pain and suffering, lost future earning capacity, and compensation that isn't limited by workers' comp caps.
Common third-party claims in Lawrence:
- General contractor negligence at mill construction sites
- Equipment manufacturer defects (defective machinery, tools, scaffolding)
- Subcontractor safety violations
- Property owner negligence that creates hazardous conditions
- Work-related car accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Negligent security leading to workplace violence
- Toxic exposure from improperly maintained buildings
Attorney Sheehan has recovered millions for Lawrence workers through strategic third-party claims that hold all negligent parties accountable.

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Your Case Is Our Priority: Call Now!

You deserve justice and maximum compensation. Whether you speak English or Spanish, whether you were born here or arrived last month, your rights matter. Let's build your case together and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Free Consultation

Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Our Legal Process for Lawrence Injury Cases

Step
1
Call us 24/7 or complete our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with Attorney John Sheehan. During this conversation, we'll:
- Listen to your complete story without rushing
- Review how the accident happened and who may be liable
- Discuss your injuries and medical treatment
- Explain your legal rights in clear language (Spanish or English)
- Answer all your questions honestly
- Outline the potential value of your case
- Discuss next steps with no pressure or obligation
We offer consultations at our office, your home, Lawrence General Hospital, or any location convenient for you. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
No fee. No obligation. Just honest legal advice.
Step
2
Once you hire us, we immediately begin building your case. This comprehensive investigation includes:
Accident Scene Investigation:
- Visiting the accident location
- Photographing and documenting conditions
- Identifying safety violations and OSHA non-compliance
- Locating witnesses and obtaining statements
- Reviewing police reports from the Lawrence Police Department
- Preserving video evidence (traffic cameras, surveillance footage)
Medical Documentation:
- Obtaining all medical records and imaging studies
- Coordinating with treating physicians
- Arranging independent medical examinations
- Consulting with medical experts about prognosis and future care needs
- Calculating past and future medical expenses
- Documenting pain, suffering, and quality of life impact
Employment Records:
- Gathering wage documentation to calculate benefits
- Obtaining personnel files and safety training records
- Reviewing employer incident reports
- Investigating company safety history and OSHA violations
- Identifying all insurance policies that may provide coverage
Legal Analysis:
- Determining all liable parties (employers, contractors, manufacturers, property owners)
- Identifying applicable insurance policies
- Calculating maximum potential recovery
- Developing litigation strategy
Step
3
We handle all paperwork and legal filings, including:
Workers' Compensation Claim:
- Filing an injury report with the Massachusetts DIA
- Submitting a claim to your employer's insurance carrier
- Handling all correspondence with insurance adjusters
- Scheduling a DIA conference at the Lawrence office
- Preparing for hearings before administrative judges
Personal Injury Lawsuit (if applicable):
- Filing a complaint in the appropriate court (Lawrence District Court, Essex Superior Court)
- Serving defendants with legal notice
- Demanding preservation of evidence
- Initiating the discovery process
- Taking depositions of witnesses and defendants
Important Deadlines:
- Workers' compensation: Four years from injury date
- Personal injury: Three years from the accident date
Don't wait. Evidence disappears, and witnesses' memories fade.
Step
4
Most cases settle before trial, but only when insurance companies offer fair compensation. Our aggressive negotiation includes:
- Preparing detailed demand packages with medical evidence
- Presenting a compelling narrative of how the injury impacted your life
- Calculating comprehensive damages (economic and non-economic)
- Negotiating with experienced insurance adjusters
- Explaining all settlement offers clearly in your language
- Advising you on whether offers are fair or should be rejected
We never recommend a settlement unless it's in your best interests. We won't be pressured by insurance companies, and we won't pressure you to accept inadequate offers.
Step
5
If settlement negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, we're prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial preparation includes:
- Expert witness preparation (medical experts, safety experts, economists)
- Jury selection strategy
- Opening and closing arguments
- Presenting evidence and examining witnesses
- Cross-examining defense witnesses
- Demonstrative exhibits and visual presentations
- Pursuit of the maximum jury verdict
Insurance companies know Attorney Sheehan's reputation for thorough trial preparation. This often motivates them to make better settlement offers rather than risk a jury verdict.
Step
6
Whether through settlement or trial verdict, our goal is to secure maximum compensation to cover:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Transportation to medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages (Personal Injury Cases):
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
Workers' Compensation Benefits:
- All reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Section 34 Temporary Disability (typically 60% of average weekly wage)
- Section 35 Partial Disability
- Section 34A Permanent and Total Disability
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Lump Sum Settlements (MGL Ch 152 Sec 48)
- Section 19 Agreements
Step
7
Once Attorney Sheehan secures your settlement or verdict, our office handles all final paperwork and ensures you receive your compensation as quickly as possible.

Our Legal Process

Lawrence Accident Statistics and Risk Factors

Why Lawrence Residents Face Elevated Injury Risks

Lawrence's unique demographic and economic profile creates specific injury risks that our attorneys understand:

Traffic Safety Concerns:

There were 1,800+ traffic accidents in Lawrence in 2025.
The Broadway/Canal Street intersection has the highest crash frequency in the Merrimack Valley region.
Downtown congestion on Essex Street and Broadway creates pedestrian hazards.
The I-495 corridor experiences frequent multi-vehicle collisions.
Heavy truck traffic through neighborhoods puts residents at risk.

Workplace Injury Statistics:

In 2020, over 69,000 workplace injuries were reported in Massachusetts.
There were 37 construction-related fatalities in Massachusetts during 2023.
Hispanic workers face workplace fatality rates that are 1.4 times higher than other demographics.
Construction accounts for the highest number of workplace deaths in Massachusetts.
Falls remain the leading cause of construction fatalities (11 of 37 construction deaths in 2023).

Lawrence-Specific Risk Factors:

The 83.2% Hispanic population works disproportionately in high-risk construction jobs.
12 million square feet of mill buildings are undergoing active renovation.
44.6% of the population are foreign-born residents, who may face language barriers affecting safety training.
The city’s 17.6% poverty rate can pressure workers to accept unsafe conditions.

Construction Industry Dangers:

Mill renovation projects involve scaffolding on structures several stories tall.
Demolition of century-old buildings creates asbestos exposure risks.
Electrical systems in buildings constructed 1850s-1960s present shock hazards.
Excavation near Merrimack River canals creates trench collapse dangers.
Union Crossing and Gateway District redevelopments employ hundreds of workers simultaneously.

Call Our Attorneys Today!

Free Consultation

Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

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Why Construction Workers Choose Attorney John J. Sheehan

Immediate Action
We step in quickly to protect your rights, secure medical care, and deal with insurance companies.
Proven Results
With over 30 years of experience and millions recovered, we know how to build strong cases and push for the maximum compensation.
Hablamos Español
We explain every step of the process in simple terms — in English or Spanish — so nothing gets lost in translation.

2026
2026

Meet Our Team

Since 1993, Attorney John Sheehan has represented injured workers and accident victims across Massachusetts, fighting for justice against powerful insurers and corporations. Fluent in Spanish and deeply involved in Boston’s Hispanic community, John has earned a reputation for listening, explaining complex legal matters, and securing maximum compensation for his clients.

Behind John is a strong team of legal professionals who share one goal: providing each client with direct counsel and relentless advocacy. With decades of legal experience, we approach each case with the understanding that every injury and every person is unique.

Learn More John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

Managing Attorney

Mary Lopez
Senior Paralegal and Office Coordinator
Santina Sheehan
Office Manager/HR Generalist

Serving Grieving Families Throughout Greater Boston

Lawrence
Methuen
Haverhill
Lynn
Chelsea
Revere
Everett
Malden

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Wakefield Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 607 North, Ave, Suite 2A-12 Wakefield, MA 01880
Boston Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 
10 Tremont St. Suite 309
Boston, MA 02108

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Massachusetts workers' compensation law protects all workers injured on the job, regardless of citizenship, visa status, work authorization, or documentation. Workers' compensation is a confidential civil matter between you, your employer, and their insurance company; it is not reported to immigration authorities, ICE, or any government agency related to immigration enforcement. We've represented countless undocumented workers in Lawrence and secured full benefits without any immigration consequences.
Yes. How you were paid does not determine whether you're entitled to workers' compensation benefits or not. Cash payments are common in Lawrence's construction industry and restaurant sector, but they don't disqualify you from protection under Massachusetts law. What matters is whether you had an employment relationship with the company where you were injured.
Even if your employer failed to report your wages or pay into the workers' compensation system, you still have options. We can calculate your average weekly wage based on the actual amounts you received, witness testimony, and industry standards for your position.
Massachusetts uses comparative negligence rules. As long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. Your percentage of fault will reduce your settlement. Attorney Sheehan fights to minimize your percentage of fault.This is illegal retaliation, and Massachusetts law strictly prohibits it. Employers cannot threaten, fire, demote, reduce hours, or take any adverse action against workers who file workers' compensation claims or report workplace injuries. Such threats violate both workers' compensation law and employment discrimination statutes. Additionally, threatening to report someone to immigration authorities as retaliation for exercising legal rights may constitute extortion under criminal law.
We can file your workers' compensation claim, document the retaliatory threats, and potentially pursue additional legal action against your employer for illegal retaliation.
Yes. The Massachusetts workers' compensation system accommodates injured workers without Social Security numbers by using alternative identification methods. We can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), Massachusetts driver's license, consular identification card (matrícula consular), or other forms of identification accepted by the DIA.
The absence of a Social Security number does not disqualify you from receiving workers' compensation benefits or filing personal injury lawsuits. We've successfully represented numerous Lawrence clients without Social Security numbers and secured compensation for their injuries.
Massachusetts has strict time limits called "statutes of limitations" that vary by claim type:
- Workers' compensation claims: Four years from the date you knew or should have known your injury was work-related. However, you should report injuries to your employer immediately; delays make investigations harder.
- Personal injury lawsuits: Three years from the date of your accident.
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation. Don't wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies become more suspicious of late-reported claims. Contact our Lawrence injury lawyers immediately for a free consultation to understand your specific deadlines.
The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) is Massachusetts's court system specifically for workers' compensation cases. The Lawrence office is located at 354 Merrimack Street, Suite 363, and serves injured workers throughout Essex County. Here's how the DIA process works:
- Filing: After you're injured, your employer (or we, on your behalf) files a workers' compensation claim with the DIA and sends notice to your employer's insurance carrier.
- Insurer response: The insurance company has 14 days to either accept your claim and begin paying benefits, deny the claim, or pay benefits while continuing to investigate ("pay without prejudice").
- Conference: If the insurance company denies benefits, stops paying, or disputes the extent of your disability, we can request a conciliation conference, where an administrative judge meets with both sides to try to resolve disputes informally.
- Hearing: If conciliation doesn't resolve the dispute, we proceed to a formal hearing before an administrative judge who takes testimony, reviews medical evidence, and issues a written decision.
- Appeals: Either party can appeal the administrative judge's decision to the DIA Reviewing Board and eventually to the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
Our Lawrence workers' compensation attorneys appear regularly at the DIA Lawrence office and know the administrative judges, procedures, and strategies that lead to successful outcomes. We'll guide you through every step.
Case value depends on numerous factors unique to your situation, making it impossible to give accurate estimates without reviewing your specific circumstances. However, here are general ranges we've recovered for Lawrence clients:
- Workers' compensation settlements: Most Lawrence workers' comp cases settle for tens of thousands of dollars, though serious permanent disabilities can result in six-figure settlements or ongoing weekly payments for life. Benefits include all medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and lump sum or structured settlements for permanent impairment.
- Car accident cases: Lawrence auto accident cases with clear liability, documented injuries, and full recovery average $7,500-$50,000. Cases involving permanent injuries, surgeries, or long-term disabilities range from $50,000-$500,000+. Fatal accidents resulting in wrongful death claims can exceed $1 million.
- Construction accidents with third-party liability: When contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers are liable (not just your employer), case values increase dramatically. Minor to moderate injuries might settle for $100,000-$500,000, while catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or severe burns can recover $2-9 million or more.
During your free consultation, we'll review your specific circumstances and provide an honest assessment of your case's potential value.
Most Lawrence personal injury cases and workers' compensation claims settle before trial, but the outcome depends on whether insurance companies offer fair compensation. Here's the typical progression:
- Workers' compensation: The majority settle through negotiations with the insurance carrier or at conciliation conferences. If a settlement isn't reached, the case proceeds to a hearing before an administrative judge.
- Personal injury lawsuits: The vast majority of personal injury cases settle before reaching trial. However, settlement often occurs after we've filed a lawsuit, conducted discovery, taken depositions, and prepared for trial. Insurance companies make their best settlement offers when they see we're serious about taking the case to court.
Attorney Sheehan has over 30 years of trial experience, and insurance adjusters know we're not afraid to present your case to a jury. However, we never pressure clients to settle. The decision is always yours, and we'll explain the pros and cons of each settlement offer.
- Trial advantages: Potentially higher verdicts than settlement offers, public accountability for negligent defendants, and setting precedent for future cases
- Settlement advantages: Guaranteed compensation without trial risk, faster resolution, less stressful than testifying in court, and privacy (settlements can include confidentiality provisions, whereas trials are public)
We'll guide you through these decisions with honest advice based on extensive experience in Lawrence courts.
Yes. Massachusetts law requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, but many small businesses in Lawrence, particularly in construction, restaurants, and retail, operate without coverage.
If your employer failed to obtain required insurance, you can still recover benefits through the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Trust Fund, a state-funded program that pays claims when employers don't have insurance. Filing through the Trust Fund follows the same DIA process as insured claims, but with an important difference: you can also sue your uninsured employer directly for negligence in civil court.
Normally, workers' compensation is your "exclusive remedy" against employers, but uninsured employers lose this protection. This means you can potentially recover workers' compensation benefits through the Trust Fund and full personal injury damages through a lawsuit against your employer.

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Whether you were injured on Route 114, hurt at a Lawrence mill renovation, or injured at work anywhere in the Gateway City, Attorney John Sheehan is here to answer your questions and fight for maximum compensation. Don't wait. Call now for your free consultation in English or Spanish.

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