The attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers help injured people in Brookline, Massachusetts, navigate the personal injury claims process. We understand the impact a serious injury can have on your life, and we will advocate for the financial compensation you need to move forward. To learn more about how our legal team can help, call us at (774) 310-4648 or complete our contact form today.
At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience handling many types of personal injury cases. Some common cases we handle in Brookline include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Dog bite accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Construction accidents
- Wrongful death
Your Brookline personal injury attorney will work with you to understand the details of your case and explain your legal options.
How to Prove Liability in a Brookline Personal Injury Case
Establishing liability in a personal injury case requires specific standards of proof. To recover damages from the negligent party, you generally must prove the following:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care: The duty of care is a person’s responsibility to act in a way that reasonably protects the safety of others. If an individual breaches this duty, they may be liable for the accident.
- The duty of care was breached: A person may breach the duty of care if they act unreasonably and cause harm to others. A driver who runs a red light is breaching the duty of care.
- The breach caused your damages: You must show that the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries and resulting losses.
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85. If you were partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if your share of fault is greater than that of the party or parties you are seeking compensation from.
Proving a personal injury claim can be challenging to do on your own. At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys gather evidence to help establish liability and damages on your behalf.
What Damages May I Be Eligible to Collect Through a Personal Injury Claim in Brookline, MA?
If you were injured because of another party’s carelessness or recklessness, you should not have to pay for your recovery on your own. Accident victims may be eligible to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. Some types of damages you may be able to recover include the following:
Lost Wages and Earning Potential
Your injuries may keep you from working or reduce your ability to earn in the future. If you miss paychecks while recovering, you may have the right to seek compensation from the negligent party for the financial burden the injury has placed on you and your family.
Current and Future Medical Expenses
Hospital stays and ongoing treatment can be costly, and medical bills can add up quickly depending on the severity of your injury. Through a personal injury claim, your attorney can help you pursue compensation for your current medical expenses as well as expenses you may incur in the future.
Property Damage
Some accidents, such as Brookline car accidents and motorcycle accidents, can damage your vehicle or other personal belongings. If your property was damaged because of someone else’s carelessness, the negligent party may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
Serious accidents can cause physical pain, emotional trauma, and distress. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering can be difficult to prove, but an experienced attorney can help document how your injuries have affected your daily life and pursue fair compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Massachusetts?
In most Massachusetts personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. Some claims, such as those against a public entity or certain medical malpractice cases, may involve different deadlines or notice requirements. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
Partner With a Brookline Personal Injury Attorney Today
The attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims in Brookline and the surrounding areas. Our managing partners, J. Tucker Merrigan and Peter M. Merrigan, have over a decade of experience helping clients pursue compensation for their losses. Their recognitions include Super Lawyers Rising Stars and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
To learn more about how our legal team can assist you, call us today at (774) 310-4648 or complete our contact form.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Advertising.
