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Massachusetts Personal Injury Questions & Answers
Q: How to proceed after intervening in a domestic violence incident at work?
I am seeking legal advice regarding an incident I experienced during a home visit as part of my job. I witnessed a father physically attacking his daughter, and the situation escalated to the point where I had to intervene to protect the child. I reported the incident to my company and filed a... View More 
Greg Vanden-Eykel
answered on Nov 3, 2025
answered on Nov 3, 2025
Sounds like an extremely difficult situation. Assuming you are eligible, you could ask your employer for information regarding Paid Family and Medical Leave ("PFML"), which you may qualify for to address your own serious health condition. The Department of PFML makes the ultimate... View More
2 Answers
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in
Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law, Insurance Bad Faith, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law
for
Massachusetts
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Q: How can I sue for negligence and unsafe conditions?
I am looking to file a lawsuit against my rental insurance company and previous landlord for negligence. I have documented evidence, including a letter from the Randolph, Massachusetts water commissioner stating high levels of lead poisoning and other bacterial diseases in the water. My doctor has... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 28, 2025
answered on Oct 28, 2025
I'm sorry for the ordeal you and your daughter have suffered. One option is to reach out to Massachusetts attorneys to discuss the multiple issues here, including personal injury and landlord-tenant. It's possible a larger law firm could be in a better position to consider such a matter,... View More
2 Answers
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in
Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
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Q: Hit parked car, left note, owner contacted after weeks, filed hit-and-run claim. What next?
Three weeks ago, I accidentally hit a parked car and left a note for the owner, but I did not involve the police. Since I didn't hear back from the owner, I filed my claim as a hit-and-run. Today, the owner contacted me asking for my insurance information to file their claim. There's... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 26, 2025
answered on Oct 26, 2025
What should you do? Contact your insurance carrier again. They should handle the claim with the owner of the other vehicle. It looks like they've already assigned a claim number to you. Reference that claim - there's no point creating a new file and second claim number in connection with... View More
Q: How lenient might a judge be in a court case for a 17-year-old involved in a car accident without injuries or citations?
I am 17 years old and was recently involved in a car accident in which I am at risk of being found at fault. There were no injuries, citations, or witness statements. If I choose to fight this in court, how lenient might a judge be given my age and the circumstances that there were no injuries or... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 1, 2025
answered on Aug 1, 2025
A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Based on your post, it doesn't appear that you did anything wrong. If you were licensed, not cited (and presumably not charged with anything), then the matter seems to be one of determining liability. It... View More
3 Answers
| Asked
in
Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
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Q: My boyfriend received a citation for unlicensed operation after an accident. Should we attend court?
My boyfriend was involved in a car accident and received a citation where the criminal application box is checked. The offense noted is unlicensed operation. It's his first offense, and only the car was damaged. He has since applied for his license. Should we ignore this citation, or is it... View More
Lissa McKinney
answered on Jun 24, 2025
answered on Jun 24, 2025
YES! Absolutely he must attend and participate in the hearing either "personally or through counsel." Usually an attorney would relate all the information to the clerk that you would otherwise have to testify to.
The clerk's hearing where the application for complaint... View More
2 Answers
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in
Consumer Law, Contracts, Products Liability and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Can I sue for a junkyard car part causing issues?
I want to know if I can sue someone who replaced a part in my car, claiming it was new, but it turned out to be from a junkyard. The initial issue surfaced right after I got the car on July 17, and after he replaced the part on July 22, the issue returned eight months later. I have proof that the... View More
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jun 4, 2025
answered on Jun 4, 2025
In order to sue, you have to have an agreement or representation by the mechanic that the part was going to be new, that the mechanic breached the contract by installing a used part, or his representation was false, and you have to have damages a result of the mechanic's breach of the contract... View More
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Officer threatened me during a traffic stop; seeking damages and accountability.
During an unlawful traffic stop, the officer threatened to assault me, claiming to smell marijuana and said he would rip me out of the car if I didn't give it up. I told him multiple times that I don't smoke and had nothing in the car. I received a ticket but successfully contested it... View More
Lissa McKinney
answered on Apr 14, 2025
answered on Apr 14, 2025
This seems pretty outrageous as you describe it! There are other ways to press the complaint, epending on how you already went about it, which you do not describe. You can also file a complaint at the POST Commission here: https://policecomplaints.mass.gov/complaint and let them look into it, or... View More
Q: As next of kin, do I have rights to view my deceased father's life insurance policy held by his ex-girlfriend in Massachusetts?
As the next of kin, do I have the right to view a life insurance policy on my deceased father that is held by his ex-girlfriend? He passed away unexpectedly without a will. They were in a long-term domestic partnership, and I suspect she may have removed me as a beneficiary without informing me or... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 5, 2025
answered on Apr 5, 2025
A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Until you are able to consult with a Massachusetts attorney for state-specific guidance, in most places, the carrier won't share that info with anyone who is not designated on the policy as a beneficiary.... View More
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Construction Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
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Q: Legal actions against contractor for unfinished work in Lynn, MA
I hired a contractor in March 2022 for a project in Lynn, MA, and paid $175,000 of the contracted $180,000. The contractor failed to complete the kitchen renovation and other work, resulting in water damage estimated at $25,000 and charging $20,000 for an unfinished kitchen. Despite attempts to... View More
Christopher Tolley
answered on Feb 20, 2025
answered on Feb 20, 2025
I assume you have spoken to him and made demand on him and asking for the money or the work to be corrected has been fruitless. You will have to seek the services of an attorney to pursue him legally. You may be able to obtain partial relief from the Massachusetts guaranty fund:... View More
Q: Good morning
I was in a car accident, i did not sustain much physical damage, Yet I was not able to use the bathroom.
For about a week and when I decided to go and give it a push It was painful and I started bleeding, mind you I do not have any prior problems healthy all around, that lasted for about 5 months I had a terrible pcp and I had to see another DR, the first did not help, my lawyer told me that it's... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 15, 2025
answered on Jan 15, 2025
A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident and the ordeal it has caused you. As far as those things you added to the car, PD adjusters do not always consider them. That would be the adjuster's call and the... View More
Q: Can a landlord be held liable for injuries in a tenants leased space that they have full control of?
Id like to know if a commercial landlord can be held liable for any personal injuries suffered by any persons within the confines of the tenants leased space that a tenant has full control of, when the tenant agrees per lease agreement they are solely responsible to perform ALL upkeep, repairs and... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
In general, a commercial landlord's liability for injuries that occur within a tenant's leased space is limited when the tenant has full control over the space and has agreed to maintain it. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider:
1. Lease agreement: If the... View More
2 Answers
| Asked
in
Family Law, Immigration Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Greetings. My name is Mikael 34 years old.I've been victim of domestic violence. Can i file for citizenship?
We've been in a relationship for almost 5 years I have videos of the abuse and after we break up she and her brother stated that if i ever go back to my country they will get me killed.
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
Mikael, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Experiencing domestic violence is a serious matter, and it's important to know that there are legal protections available to you.
Regarding your citizenship query, being a victim of domestic violence does not automatically qualify... View More
Q: Can I sue for defamation due to a mistaken identity arrest by the police?
I am seeking legal assistance with a defamation case involving the Woonsocket Police Department. They mistakenly arrested a family member under my name, despite acknowledging the error after reviewing my documents. This mistake has led to my name being associated with a drug charge in newspapers... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2025
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answered on Nov 5, 2025
Being falsely linked to a crime can feel deeply humiliating, especially when it damages your name and standing in the community. In your situation, the mistaken arrest under your name and the spread of that false information could form the basis for a defamation or false light claim. Since you have... View More
1 Answer
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in
Divorce, Domestic Violence, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: How to begin divorce after abuse and mental illness in MA?
I am seeking help to begin divorce proceedings in Massachusetts after 30 years of marriage characterized by domestic abuse and complex challenges. I am disabled, experiencing mental health issues, and financially disadvantaged. Initially disabled in 2009, I returned to work in 2011, but reconciled... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 26, 2025
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answered on Oct 26, 2025
You start by securing safety: request an Abuse Prevention Order under G.L. c. 209A, which can include no‑contact, vacate, temporary custody and support, and firearms surrender, and make a safety plan with advocates or police. If you fear harm today, seek an ex parte order and ask the court to... View More
1 Answer
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in
Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Can I sue for being falsely accused of stealing at Walgreens?
I was accused of stealing at a Walgreens by a store employee who called me back inside while I was leaving. While I was unaware of any theft, she insisted I took a product but later found that I had placed it in a different aisle from where I originally picked it up. This incident embarrassed me... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2025
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answered on Oct 23, 2025
Yes—you can pursue claims arising from a public false accusation of theft in Massachusetts. Two primary theories fit your facts: defamation (slander) for an accusation of a crime made in front of others, and false imprisonment if you were compelled to return or prevented from leaving. Security... View More
Q: Can I sue Walmart in Lynn, MA for discrimination causing seizures?
I would like to file an emergency lawsuit against Walmart Store 780 Lynnway, Lynn, Massachusetts, for discrimination and partiality that occurred on May 28, 2025. As handicapped customers with PTSD, severe arthritis, and other disabilities, my brother and I were subjected to yelling by a racist... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 11, 2025
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answered on Oct 11, 2025
What you went through sounds both painful and unfair, and you have the right to take action if you believe Walmart discriminated against you because of your disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws, stores open to the public must make... View More
1 Answer
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in
Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Child attacked by adults; police involved. Next steps?
I need advice on what to do after my 12-year-old child was attacked by two adults in our apartment complex. My child sustained a head injury, was stomped in the chest, and has a bruise on her arm. The altercation began with the adults provoking my child by saying "come on let's fight... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 11, 2025
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answered on Oct 11, 2025
I’m so sorry you and your child are going through this. What happened is serious, and your first priority should be your child’s safety and well-being. If you haven’t already, take your child to a doctor or hospital for a full medical evaluation — this not only ensures proper care but also... View More
1 Answer
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in
Health Care Law, Civil Rights, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Can a Massachusetts physician refuse life-saving meds and discontinue care same day?
In Massachusetts, can a physician discontinue a patient without sufficient notice and refuse to continue life-saving medication? I was discontinued by my physician on the same day without any alternatives, which was said to be due to failing to follow a care plan that never existed. I cancelled... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
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answered on Oct 8, 2025
What you’re describing sounds deeply concerning, especially since prednisone is essential for someone with adrenal insufficiency. In Massachusetts, a physician generally cannot abandon a patient without reasonable notice or a chance to find another provider, particularly when withholding care or... View More
2 Answers
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in
Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Legal Malpractice, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Seeking to sue Boston MA justice system for wrongful conviction based on discrimination, hearsay, and civil rights violations in son's assault case.
My son was wrongfully convicted of assault on a minor in Boston, Massachusetts, despite no evidence or DNA linking him to the crime, with the indictment coming 2.5 years after the alleged incident and the trial commencing after seven years. The lack of investigation by both the prosecution and my... View More
Lauren Joseph Wolongevicz
answered on Oct 13, 2025
answered on Oct 13, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about what your family has gone through. A wrongful conviction can be one of the most painful and frustrating experiences imaginable, especially when you believe that discrimination or ineffective representation played a role.
From what you’ve described, the next... View More
2 Answers
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in
Medical Malpractice, Products Liability and Personal Injury
for
Massachusetts
on
Q: Seeking legal representation for a medical malpractice and defective product case involving Johnson & Johnson hernia mesh in Boston.
I am seeking legal representation for a medical malpractice and defective product case involving a Johnson & Johnson hernia mesh inserted during surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. This mesh has caused multiple health complications and led to numerous... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 27, 2025
answered on Oct 27, 2025
I'm sorry for your ordeal. Your request for assistance - it looks like you are seeking legal counsel. It is difficult for attorneys here on the Q & A forum to respond to you with offers of representing you. You would need to reach out to attorneys on your own. If you've already been... View More
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