Attleboro Personal Injury Lawyer

The Attleboro personal injury lawyers from Robert C. Shea represent injury victims and their families when they get hurt because of another person’s or entity’s negligent, reckless, or careless conduct. Apart from physical pain, personal injuries also cause the victim and their families emotional and financial stress.

Our attorneys understand that a personal injury has the potential to completely alter lives, whether it is caused by a dog bite, a defective product, a car accident, or a negligent property owner. At Robert C. Shea, you can expect us to represent you aggressively and effectively while you recuperate.

If you or someone you love has been hurt because of another person’s or entity’s negligence in Attleboro or anywhere in Massachusetts, we can help. Please call 508.510.5107 to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation today.

What Should I Do After an Injury?

After sustaining a personal injury, you should do the following to look out for your interests and legal rights:

Get Medical Treatment

Get medical treatment If needed and keep records of all treatment. After any accident – whether it’s at work or a car wreck – never assume your injuries, however minor. Seeing a doctor will ensure you are treated for the evident and not-so-apparent injuries. Not only will you get treatment but also vital medical records that can be used as evidence.

Record the Scene and Speak to Witnesses

If your health or condition allows you to move around the scene safely, take pictures and videos to prove what caused your accident. Get witness information, including their names and numbers.

Report the Accident

Report the incident or accident, i.e., Inform your manager or supervisor in case of a workplace injury or the police in case of an auto accident.

Never Admit Fault

Don’t apologize or take the blame for the accident. Only speak to your lawyer.

Call a Lawyer Right Away

Call our Attleboro, Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at Robert C. Shea. An attorney can advise on the best next course of action, including the claim filing process.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Your chances of having a successful lawsuit are hinged on whether you will retain an attorney. While you aren’t required by law to hire a lawyer, your chances of winning will be much higher with a lawyer than without one. Here’s how an Attleboro personal injury lawyer can help:

Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit

An attorney can evaluate your claim, carry out investigations to determine liability, and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Settlement Negotiation

Lawyers are experienced negotiators. In addition to protecting you from exploitative settlements, a lawyer can handle all negotiations with insurance carriers to get you the maximum recoverable compensation.

Trial Preparation & Representation

A lawyer can prepare your case for court by conducting investigations to collect evidence that supports your claim. A lawyer will also represent you before a judge or jury.

What Type of Damages Can I Recover?

In a Massachusetts personal injury case, you can recover economic, non-economic, and in very rare cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable. They comprise damages that can be measured in monetary terms like medical expenses, lost income, and future earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensatory damages are difficult to compute because they are not actual financial losses. They typically compensate victims for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages

Massachusetts courts do not award punitive damages to personal injury victims except for successful wrongful death cases.

How Is Liability Determined?

In Massachusetts, liability for personal injuries is determined using the following four fundamental elements of negligence:

Duty of Care

To be liable, the defendant must have a duty of care to the plaintiff. For example, all motorists bear a duty of care to other road users.

Breach of Duty of Care

A defendant who violates his or her duty will bear liability in case of any injures. Drivers who flout traffic laws can be held liable for injuries in case of an accident.

Causation

If the defendant’s actions directly or indirectly harm the plaintiff, he or she can be held accountable.

Damages

The plaintiff must show that he or she suffered actual loss or damages because of the defendant’s misconduct.

Contributory Negligence in Massachusetts

When the fault is shared, Massachusetts uses the contributory negligence rule to resolve such cases. Under Massachusetts law, a plaintiff in a personal injury case can recover damages so long as their degree or percentage of fault is not greater than that of the accused.

Strict Liability Rules for Animal Attack/Dog Bite Cases

According to Massachusetts laws regarding animal attack/dog bite cases, dog owners are strictly liable for personal injuries caused by their dogs. This means that the dog owner will be responsible no matter the animal’s history.

No-Fault Insurance System for Auto Accident Cases

Since Massachusetts is a no-fault state, injured car accident victims must seek compensation from their own insurer. The only exceptions to this no-fault system are if:

• Your reasonable medical expenses exceed $2,000 and/or
• you have suffered hearing or sight loss, broken bone(s), or permanent severe disfigurement.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing Personal Injury Claims in Massachusetts?

You have three years starting from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In case of a late discovery, the clock begins to run on the discovery date.

Personal Injury Claims Process

Each case is unique, and the process of filing a personal injury claim can involve different steps depending on the circumstances surrounding each case. However, some of the typical steps involved when lodging a personal injury claim in Attleboro and throughout Massachusetts include:

Step 1: Filing the claim

• First, you need to file a complaint and serve the defendant with a notice of the same, after which they will have 30 days to respond.

Step 2: Discovery hearing

• Next, both sides will be allowed to present their claims. This step involves:
  • Requests for Admission.
  • Requests for Production of Documents
  • Interrogatories between parties.

Step 3: Settlement Negotiation

Step 4: Trial

• If the case doesn’t settle after the discovery hearing and negotiations, each party will be required to present their cases before a judge or jury.

Step 5: Case Deliberation

• A judge or jury will deliver the final verdict, including the amount of compensation to award after listening to both sides.

How Much Will an Attleboro Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Our personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis or a no-win-no-fee arrangement. If we manage to recover compensation, you will pay us a percentage of your settlement award. If not, you will not have to pay any attorney fees. Please call us to discuss your claim and learn more about how much it will cost to work with our legal team.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at Robert C. Shea.

Our Attleboro personal injury lawyers can handle any of the following personal injury claims:

Car Accidents

Drunk, distracted, and careless drivers cause many accidents every year. Our car accident attorneys can help you get compensation for your injuries and losses.

Dog Bites

At Robert C. Shea, we understand that a dog attack can cause serious injuries or even death. The law allows Massachusetts dog bite victims to recover damages. We can help injured dog attack victims hold dog owners accountable.

Premises Liability

Property owners must maintain their buildings in good condition and provide a reasonable standard of care to residents and visitors. When a property owner’s negligence causes your injuries, we can help you seek compensation through a premises liability claim.

Product Liability

Manufacturers and distributors are required by law to provide safe and fit-to-use products or risk being served with a product liability lawsuit. We can help you obtain damages for injuries caused by a dangerous or defective product.

Wrongful Death

The attorneys at Robert C. Shea can help the surviving family members of a decedent recover the financial compensation after the wrongful death of a loved one.

Workers’ Compensation

Employees who are hurt at work can claim benefits through the workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts. We are to make sure your claim is filed correctly. We can also help if your claim was denied.

Contact Robert C. Shea Today

If you have suffered a personal injury in Attleboro or anywhere else in Massachusetts, the personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Robert C. Shea can help. We have extensive experience in handling personal injury claims. Call us today at 508.510.5107 to arrange a free case evaluation.