Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

August 14, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Experiencing an injury of any type can cause considerable physical and emotional distress. Suffering catastrophic injuries due to someone else's negligence is even more challenging. If someone's careless behavior injured you, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer at Dolman Law Group to protect your rights as soon as possible.

Whether you are an innocent victim of a car accident, dangerous property condition, medical malpractice, or other people's careless or negligent actions, you deserve a compassionate and experienced legal representative who will fight for your rights and help you recoup the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

The personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims and people just like you. From our convenient Canal Street offices, we serve the greater Boston area and beyond, so call today for a free and confidential consultation.

Why You Should Partner With Dolman Law Group's Successful Boston Injury Lawyers?

Dolman Law Group is a proud member of the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum. Less than 1% of the nation's attorneys are members because membership is limited to firms with a proven track record of success that have recovered more than $1 million in damages for their clients.

Consider some of the results we've achieved for injured claimants:

  • $5 million for a car accident injury: Our client was rear-ended by another driver, sending their vehicle into the guardrail. They suffered burns on over 40% of their body. We were able to reach a settlement out of court. 
  • $3.85 million for a motor vehicle accident injury: Our client suffered spinal cord trauma and a traumatic brain injury following a collision with a semi-truck. Compensation included payment for their past and future healthcare expenses. 
  • $1.75 million for a truck accident injury: Our client was traveling on a highway when a truck struck their vehicle. We resolved their case through insurance negotiations. 

We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for your injury-related losses as well.

Which Types of Cases Can Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston, MA, Resolve?

Which Types of Cases Can Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston, MA, Resolve

A personal injury can happen at work, at home, in your car, or just about anywhere. Accidents are often caused by negligent parties that breach a legal duty of care. If you're injured due to another person's negligence, you might face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and other losses that you shouldn't have to pay. Personal injury victims are often confused about how they should handle such costs. Turn to a dedicated Boston injury lawyer to handle these issues. We will do everything possible to resolve your case to your satisfaction.

The following are the most common types of injury claims and lawsuits that our injury law firm handles:

Car Accidents in Boston

Auto accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. A moment's distraction can cause a driver to swerve into oncoming traffic or miss an oncoming hazard, substantially increasing the risk of a crash. Car accidents can result from driver intoxication, aggression, or simply ignoring the rules of the road.

Many car crash victims suffer catastrophic injuries that impact every aspect of their lives. Our legal team helps victims with severe medical concerns such as spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck injuries, amputations, severely broken bones, and more. These collisions can also cause vehicle and other property damage.

Sadly, we also handle Boston wrongful death claims that arise following motor vehicle accidents and other serious incidents. Wrongful death is defined as the loss of life caused by someone's negligence, whether by an individual or a corporation. When fatal accidents result in a wrongful death case, experienced wrongful death lawyers often consult with expensive experts to build a solid case. When you choose a Boston personal injury lawyer to work on your case, be sure to find a law firm with the financial resources to handle such a complicated claim.

Another common factor behind car accidents is distracted driving. Far too many drivers divert their attention to texting or playing with their phones while driving. Our law firm has successfully represented numerous injured victims of distracted driving.

Boston Truck Accidents

Boston Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial trucks pose similar hazards on the road as smaller passenger vehicles but with an even greater impact. The tremendous weight and mass associated with most big trucks can put accident victims at higher risk for severe injuries.

If you are involved in a Boston truck accident, you may need to pursue compensation from the truck driver's employer and file a claim directly with the truck driver's insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries, depending on your unique situation.

Boston Motorcycle Accidents

Although bikers are usually careful and observe everything going on around them to decrease their risk of serious injury in a Boston motorcycle accident, other motorists don't always show the same level of caution when motorcycles are present.

Even with proper protective gear, including a helmet, jacket, and gloves, motorcycle riders have little protection from passenger vehicles or big trucks on the road. In many cases, motorcycle riders suffer severe injuries because of accidents. Again, an alarming percentage of motorcycle accidents result in wrongful death.

Medical Malpractice in Boston

Doctors always have a strong duty of care to their patients, whether they suffer from injuries or illness. A doctor who fails to take proper care of their patient, on the other hand, can lead to considerable additional pain and suffering.

Boston medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional:

  • Fails to properly diagnose a patient, given the necessary evidence of the patient's symptoms
  • Misdiagnoses a patient despite clear evidence
  • Commits a surgical error
  • Fails to properly inform a patient about the risks associated with a medical procedure or medication
  • Prescribes the wrong medication or the wrong dose of a medication
  • Birth injuries - these are injuries caused by an OBGYN or medical provider during the birthing process. The baby or the mother can sustain the actual injuries. Birth injuries include oxygen deprivation and fetal distress, which in turn may result in cerebral palsy. A delay in ordering a c-section can also result in fetal distress.
  • Medical malpractice can also occur when a medical device malfunctions or fails to perform as described. When medical devices fail, they often cause serious injury to the patient.

Pedestrian Accidents in Boston

Motorists don't always watch where they're going, and they sometimes forget to look for people walking across the street. Maybe they're driving too quickly on a residential street, focused on where they're going instead of where they are, and a ball pops out into the road—with a child right behind it.

Or they're trying to beat a red light at an intersection near the theater district, where someone is walking to a show. Maybe you encounter a Boston drunk driver who just left a bar, and they swerved onto the curb. If these drivers injure you or a loved one, our Boston pedestrian accident lawyers can help recover the compensation you deserve.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Boston

You're at a Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins game, and you slip and fall when someone fails to clean up a spilled beer in the stands. Or maybe you're out in the suburbs, loading up on supplies at Walmart, and the store neglected to clear ice off the parking lot or left a puddle of melted snow in the entry where you fell. Or you're flying out of Boston Logan International Airport, and you find a loose railing on a staircase—the hard way.

Slips and falls aren't always minor embarrassments—they can cause severe injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries that require hospital stays, physical and cognitive therapy, and other expensive treatments.

If this happened to you because of someone else's negligence, contact the Boston slip and fall lawyers at Dolman Law Group.

Boston Premises Liability Accidents

Any time you visit a property, especially a public property, you expect a reasonable standard of care from the owner of that property. For example, when walking through a store, you expect clean floors that do not pose an unnecessary fall hazard. Or at a hotel, you may expect well-maintained elevators or proper handrails when you use the stairs.

Sometimes, however, a public venue may fail in its obligation to keep you safe. Boston premises liability accidents due to slip and fall hazards or falling objects can lead to serious injuries for which you, as the victim, may deserve substantial compensation.

Boston Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

A nursing home should offer an incredibly safe location where elderly individuals can live out the rest of their lives in comfort while receiving the medical and personal support they need to maintain a high quality of life.

Unfortunately, some facilities fail to provide the required standard of care. Boston nursing home abuse and neglect can occur in several different ways:

  • Failure to provide adequate care. Nursing homes exist to provide care for elderly individuals who can no longer provide that care for themselves. Nursing home staff may need to help with cleanliness, feeding, toilet needs, and medical care. Failure to provide such services for elderly individuals can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, more frequent illness and injuries, and, in some cases, wrongful death.
  • Physical abuse. Physical elder abuse occurs when one party uses physical force against another, often either as a show of power or to force the abused party to perform specific actions. Family members may notice signs of physical abuse, such as increased bruising and unexplained injuries.
  • Emotional abuse. Emotional abusers use the victim's emotions to manipulate, coerce, and take away their sense of power. In a nursing home, caregivers may abuse residents by trying to separate them from their loved ones, suggesting that they do not deserve a high quality of care or belittling them. Seniors in nursing homes deserve a high level of respect and care, but emotional abusers often fail to deliver it.
  • Sexual abuse. Sexual abusers may force sex on nursing home residents or engage in unwanted forms of sexual contact. A patient who cannot consent, including patients with dementia, can also suffer sexual abuse when a caregiver commits sexual acts against the victim's will. Sexual abuse may include non-medical genital, rectal, or breast contact.
  • Financial abuse. In addition to other, more obvious forms of abuse, some seniors may suffer financial abuse from their caregivers, including caregivers in nursing home environments. In financial abuse situations, the abuser may steal or coerce money from the senior for the abuser's own purposes, often to take care of personal bills and expenses.

Construction Site Accidents in Boston

Boston construction sites present opportunities for accidents and injuries everywhere. Construction sites include heavy machinery, exposed electrical wires, and numerous other hazards that pose serious problems for both workers and visitors to those sites. Construction site injuries tend to be severe and often catastrophic. Victims may be eligible for workers' compensation claims or even independent third-party negligence-based personal injury lawsuits.

When construction companies fail to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines, they can cause serious injuries. Potential dangers include crushing injuries, falling injuries, electrocution, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Equipment failures can also pose a substantial hazard.

Boston Workers' Compensation

Employees have grounds for a Boston workers' compensation claim when they suffer an injury on the job. Workers' compensation claims do not work like traditional personal injury claims. Under workers' compensation, a person can claim compensation for a percentage of their lost wages while they are on leave due to their injuries.

Workers' compensation will also pay for all medical expenses associated with an on-the-job injury. It does not matter who caused the accident; if it occurred at work, the employer or, more often, the employer's workers' compensation insurance will pay the claim.

In some cases, workers' compensation victims may have the right to additional compensation. If, for example, your workplace injury caused serious complications that now prevent you from returning to work, you may have grounds for a financial settlement. Or if someone other than your employer caused your accident, you might be able to file a third-party claim.

If you believe you have the basis for a personal injury claim against negligent third parties, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Dolman Law Group as soon as possible following your accident to discuss the details of your accident.

<iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-YzeFr4ERbQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen title="What Makes Us Sibley Dolman"></iframe>

Dolan Law Group's Boston Law Office Location

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has a law office in Boston located at: 44 School St, Rm 350, Boston, MA 02108.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Boston Accident Statistics

According to IMPACT, Massachusetts' data reporting system for accidents across the state, Massachusetts reported 132,946 total traffic-related accidents in the most recent year, resulting in 30,412 non-fatal and 490 fatal injuries. Included in those statistics are breakdowns of the following types of accidents:

  • 1,302 total bicycle accidents, with 992 injuries and 10 fatalities
  • 1,903 motorcycle accidents, with 1,398 injuries and 54 fatalities
  • 1,941 pedestrian accidents, with 1,508 injuries and 97 fatalities

As the largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts, Boston sees its share of injurious and fatal traffic accidents, and in a recent year, the city reported 32 fatalities resulting from vehicle accidents and 11 pedestrian fatalities.

Common Accident Injuries Our Boston Personal Injury Attorneys Help Clients Recover Compensation For

Larry Nussbaum, Esq.
Larry Nussbaum, Boston Personal Injury Attorney

Any time you suffer injuries due to the negligence of another party, you may have grounds for a personal injury case.

In some common types of accidents, victims may suffer physical injuries that leave them with lifelong consequences—not to mention medical bills that become a substantial financial burden, especially if the injured party cannot return to work.

Some of the more common injuries our Boston injury lawyers can assist with include:

Traumatic Brain Injury

Blunt-force trauma to the head may lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries commonly occur in Boston bicycle accidents or motorcycle crashes, especially if the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. They can also occur on construction sites or nursing homes, especially after a slip and fall.

Some victims with traumatic brain injury will eventually recover normal cognitive function, though even victims with mild cases may notice that symptoms linger a year or more after the accident. Victims with a severe TBI, on the other hand, may never fully recover their former cognitive processing abilities.

Not only does a traumatic brain injury potentially cause problems with long-term memory, but it can also cause short-term memory issues, difficulty with focus and concentration, and emotional disturbances, including the inability to regulate emotions properly.

Victims may need help completing everyday tasks. In some severe cases, victims may need a full-time caregiver to help prevent impulsive choices and provide other necessary care.

Spinal Cord Injury

Victims with a complete spinal cord injury in Boston usually suffer full paralysis below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries can also impact the function of organs below the site of the injury.

Incomplete spinal cord injury, in which the spinal cord does not sever completely, can still cause limited mobility and decreased function.

Birth Injury

Any time a Boston child suffers a serious injury, it causes the parents as much anguish as the child. Birth injuries do not just cause immediate suffering for both children and parents; they can cause limitations that may affect an otherwise healthy child for the rest of their life.

Common birth injuries include:

  • Brachial palsy
  • Facial paralysis
  • Subconjunctival hemorrhage
  • Fractures

Mothers may also suffer severe injuries during the birthing process. In some cases, those injuries can lead to sexual dysfunction or infertility.

Amputations

Accidents on construction sites or auto accidents, especially motorcycle accidents or bicycle accidents, can quickly lead to amputations or the removal of a limb due to trauma. In some cases, amputations occur because of the force and trauma of the accident itself.

In other cases, accident victims may require amputation surgery after the accident itself due to decreased blood flow to the limb or the extent of the injury and trauma.

Amputees often need prosthetic devices to help aid in mobility and independence. While those devices can help create more independence in the patient, they also require frequent replacement and represent a lifelong medical expense.

Broken Bones

Broken bones usually heal with time, though some may require surgical treatment for the victim to recover fully. They can, however, cause severe complications, especially during the early stages of the healing process.

Many victims with broken bones suffer lifelong limitations due to their injuries. While healing, they may lose the ability to work temporarily or, in some cases, permanently.

Contact a Boston Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me - Call (857) 407-4182 to request a free consultation on how we can help you get compensation for your injuries someone else caused.

What Should I Do to Protect Myself After a Boston Accident?

What Should I Do to Protect Myself After a Boston Accident

If you suffer serious injuries in an accident, the steps you take immediately after that accident can have a huge bearing on both your recovery and your future personal injury claim.

  • Seek medical attention: Never walk away from an accident, assuming you have only minor or insignificant injuries, especially if you have any pain or lost consciousness at any time. Not only does that medical care visit help ensure that you get the right treatment for your injuries, but it can also provide you with vital evidence of when your injuries occurred.
  • Take pictures: If you can move safely around the scene or have someone with you who can help, take pictures to provide photo evidence of what led to your accident.
  • Avoid accepting liability in any form: Do not brush off the liable party's apologies or accept responsibility yourself.
  • Contact an attorney as soon as possible: An attorney can advise you about your next steps, including how to file a personal injury claim. We offer a free consultation and case review.

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim in Boston?

If you suffered serious injuries in an accident due to the negligence of another party, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Dolman Law Group as soon after your accident as possible.

Our personal injury attorneys can give you a better idea of the compensation you deserve, determine who caused or contributed to your injuries, and what factors you need to consider as you file your claim

Based on Extensive Experience, We Can Help Determine Who is Responsible for Your Losses

Sometimes, you can clearly determine the liable party in an accident. For example, if you tripped on poorly maintained stairs and fell while walking through your Boston hotel, you may understand that the hotel bears liability for those injuries. In other cases, you may find it much more difficult to establish liability.

Take, for example, an auto accident with a big truck where the truck driver lost control of his vehicle in a jackknife accident, causing the trailer to swing around and hit your vehicle. Who bears liability?

Clearly, the truck driver bears liability for the accident since the truck driver bears primary responsibility for anything that occurs while he drives his vehicle. However, other parties may share liability.

For example, the driver's employer may also be responsible for forcing the employee driver to drive in unsafe conditions or exceed the legal number of hours the driver can spend behind the wheel each day. In addition, if an outside party loaded the trailer and a shifting load caused the jackknife accident, the party that loaded the vehicle may share liability for the accident.

An attorney can help identify all parties that contributed to your accident, allowing you to request damages from all liable parties. Often, accident victims find this can increase their compensation.

To determine liability, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will consider:

  • Who bore a duty of care to you at the time of your accident?
  • How did that party violate that duty of care?
  • How did that violation lead to your injuries?

All drivers, for example, bear a duty of care to others with whom they share the road. Likewise, trucking companies bear a duty of care to those who share the road with their drivers.

Drivers who break the rules of the road, allow their attention to drift off the road, or drink and drive have violated their duty of care and, therefore, bear liability for any injuries they cause.

Next, We Can Help Calculate the Compensation You Deserve

The compensation you deserve for your personal injury case will vary based on the extent of your injuries and your medical needs following the accident.

Most people claim common elements of compensation when they put together their personal injury claims, including:

  • Medical expenses associated with the accident
  • Lost wages due to the inability to work immediately after the accident
  • Pain and suffering related to the accident and injuries

Discuss your injuries and the unique situation that led to your accident with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about the specific compensation you deserve.

How Much Is My Boston Personal Injury Claim Worth?

Since every situation is different, it's impossible to place a value on your unique claim without learning more details. When you share your experience with one of our dedicated Boston personal injury lawyers, you can learn more about the specific worth of your claim.

The compensation you ultimately receive for your injuries can depend on several factors, including the responsible party or parties, insurance coverage, the extent of your injuries, and more.

What Insurance Coverage is Available for My Accident?

In many cases, including auto accidents and premises liability accidents, the party that caused your accident may carry insurance that will pay for your injuries. The limits of that insurance policy may also determine the maximum compensation you can receive for your injuries.

For example, Massachusetts drivers may carry auto insurance that offers just $20,000 maximum bodily injury protection coverage, which could limit the compensation you can receive for your injuries.

Many other parties, including Uber and Lyft drivers, big truck drivers, and premises owners, may carry insurance policies with higher limits, increasing the compensation you can receive for your injuries.

Which Medical Expenses are Covered in an Injury Claim?

In the case of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, you may have hefty medical bills to go along with your injuries. Those medical bills will usually form the foundation of your personal injury case.

You can include all medical expenses associated with your accident, including the cost of emergency medical treatment, any services or treatments you receive to help you recover from your injuries, and ongoing therapy following your accident.

What Losses Beyond Medical Expenses Are Covered?

In addition to physical pain and suffering, your injuries may cause substantial impacts in all areas of your life.

How much work did you have to miss because of your injuries? Could you get back to work quickly, or did you need to spend weeks, months, or more out of work as you recover? You can include those lost wages in your demand package when you file a personal injury claim.

In addition to those tangible losses, discuss the non-financial losses you suffered because of your injuries with your attorney. For example, many victims of serious accidents feel a sense of social isolation after the accident. Victims may miss out on interactions with friends and loved ones or miss meaningful activities within their family or social circle. An attorney can help you learn more about including those losses as part of your personal injury case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Boston Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Boston Personal Injury Claim

You must file your personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out on your accident. In general, the Massachusetts statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, many exceptions exist to this rule.

Contact an experienced Boston injury lawyer to learn more about if you can file a personal injury lawsuit now, even if you think the statute of limitations has run out. We offer a free consultation and case review.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Boston?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Boston

Many accident victims avoid contacting a personal injury attorney because they fear it will be too expensive. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer from our law firm will not charge you legal fees out of pocket.

Our personal injury attorneys start with a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, evaluate your claim, and learn more about your rights. During that consultation, we'll help you decide whether you have a case, and you can determine whether we fit your needs.

We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying upfront for your attorney's services, you will pay your legal expenses based on a percentage of the award you receive for your injuries.

For many accident victims, a contingency fee agreement makes a personal injury attorney much more affordable.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Boston Personal Injury Claim?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in Boston can vary widely depending on a range of factors. These factors can include the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the involved parties to negotiate, and the legal process involved. While it's impossible to provide an exact timeframe, here are some factors that might influence how long it takes to resolve your personal injury claim in Boston:

  • Severity of Injuries: If your injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or ongoing care, the process may take longer as you'll want to ensure all medical costs and future damages are accounted for.
  • Medical Treatment: It's generally recommended to wait until you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling your claim. This might take several months or longer, depending on your injuries.
  • Investigation: Gathering evidence, obtaining accident reports, and collecting witness statements can take time, especially if there's a dispute over liability.
  • Negotiations: The negotiation process with insurance companies can take weeks or months, as offers and counteroffers are exchanged. The complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to provide a fair settlement can impact this timeline.
  • Mediation: If negotiation stalls, you might enter mediation to facilitate a settlement. This can extend the timeline further, as mediation involves scheduling and potentially multiple sessions.
  • Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. The time it takes to move through the court process, including discovery, motions, and potentially a trial, can vary.
  • Court Schedule: The availability of the court and the court's docket can influence the timeline. Courts can be busy, which might result in delays in scheduling hearings and trials.
  • Complexity of the Case: Cases with multiple parties, complex legal issues, or disputes over liability can take longer to resolve due to the additional complexity involved.
  • Cooperation and Settlement: If all parties are cooperative and agree on a fair settlement, the process can be expedited. However, if there are disagreements or disputes, the timeline might be extended.

Given these variables, it's important to maintain open communication with your personal injury attorney throughout the process. They can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case. While resolving your claim efficiently is important, it's also crucial to prioritize your health and well-being as you navigate the legal process. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney from the Dolman Law Group in Boston will help you understand the timeline and steps relevant to your particular situation.

Can I Still Recover Compensation in Massachusetts If I Was Partially At Fault?

Yes, you can still recover compensation in Massachusetts even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Massachusetts follows a legal principle known as "comparative negligence" or "comparative fault." Under this principle, your ability to recover compensation is not necessarily barred just because you contributed to the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will be adjusted based on your degree of fault.

Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence system, specifically the "51% Bar Rule." This means that as long as you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but the amount you are entitled to will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault.

Here's how it works:

  1. If you are found 0% at fault: You can recover 100% of the damages you're eligible for.
  2. If you are found partially at fault (less than 51%): Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would be entitled to recover $80,000 (100% - 20% = 80%).
  3. If you are found 51% or more at fault: In this case, you would not be eligible to recover compensation.

It's important to note that the determination of fault is often a complex legal process involving evidence, witness testimony, accident reports, and more. Insurance companies and legal professionals will assess the circumstances of the accident to determine each party's degree of fault.

To navigate these complexities and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve, it's strongly recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with Massachusetts' laws and can advocate for your rights effectively. An attorney from the Dolman Law Group can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.

What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process in Boston?

The personal injury claims process involves a series of steps that an injured person (the plaintiff) takes to seek compensation from the party (the defendant) whose negligence or wrongdoing caused their injuries. This process can vary based on the jurisdiction, the specific circumstances of the case, and the type of accident. Here's a general outline of the personal injury claims process:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries. Your well-being should be the first concern.
  2. Preserve Evidence: Document the accident scene, injuries, and damages. Take photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and obtain any relevant records, such as accident reports.
  3. Notify Relevant Parties: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police, if necessary. Inform your insurance company about the accident and injuries.
  4. Consult an Attorney: Consider consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in handling cases similar to yours. An attorney can provide legal advice, assess the merits of your case, and guide you through the process.
  5. Investigation: Your attorney and possibly other experts will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine liability.
  6. Medical Treatment and Documentation: Follow your doctor's treatment plan and document all medical expenses, including bills, prescriptions, and therapies. Medical records will play a crucial role in establishing damages.
  7. Demand Letter: Your attorney may draft a demand letter to the at-fault party or their insurance company. This letter outlines your injuries, damages, and the compensation you are seeking.
  8. Negotiations: The insurance company will review the demand letter and may engage in negotiations. Both sides may exchange offers and counteroffers to reach a settlement.
  9. Settlement: If a settlement is reached, you'll receive compensation in exchange for signing a release form that relinquishes your right to further legal action against the defendant.
  10. Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. The formal legal process begins with filing a complaint outlining your claims.
  11. Discovery: Both sides exchange information, evidence, and documents through a process called discovery. This includes depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
  12. Mediation: Before going to trial, parties may engage in mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates negotiations to reach a settlement.
  13. Trial: If mediation is unsuccessful, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses. A judge or jury determines the verdict and any awarded damages.
  14. Judgment or Settlement: If you win the trial, the court issues a judgment. If a settlement is reached during or after the trial, you'll receive compensation based on the terms of the settlement.
  15. Appeals: Either party may have the right to appeal the verdict or judgment if they believe errors were made during the trial.

Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the specific steps and timeline can vary. It's crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

The At-Fault Party's Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement. Should I Still Pursue a Claim?

Always contact an attorney and ask for advice before accepting any settlement offer issued by the liable party or that party's insurance company after a serious accident. Usually, the insurance company or liable party genuinely does have your best interests in mind.

The company may recognize that it cannot avoid making a large payout and want to shorten the process as much as possible, or the liable party might accept guilt and want to make things right and offer a fair resolution.

Often, however, that settlement offer does not come out of a desire to make things right but rather out of a desire to settle fast before you can talk to an attorney. Often, an insurance company will issue a low settlement offer in that initial contact.

If you accept that offer, it can prevent you from receiving the full compensation you really deserve for your injuries. Many victims mistakenly take a first offer, then end up without the funds they need to cover their medical bills and other expenses.

We Offer Many Valuable Resources After an Accident in Boston

We Offer Many Valuable Resources After an Accident in Boston

Here are some resources that could help you navigate this challenging time:

  • Our podcast: Interested in exploring your legal options further? Check out our podcast. We cover dozens of topics related to personal injury law, including what you should do after a car accident.
  • Free case reviews: We understand that choosing a personal injury lawyer in Boston, MA is a big decision. That's why we offer free case reviews and a free consultation where you can explore partnering with our team. Here, we can discuss your case's potential and what you can expect from the legal process.
  • Our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page: We understand that you might have many questions about pursuing fair compensation for your losses. On our FAQ page, you can get the answers to many pressing questions you have, including topics you might not have considered.

When You Need a Boston Personal Injury Lawyer, Call The Team at Dolman Law Group

Matthew A. Dolman, Attorney
Boston Personal Injury Lawyer, Matt Dolman

After a serious accident, you need a dedicated Boston personal injury lawyer. Dolman Law Group is here to help. We handle injury cases throughout the greater Boston metropolitan area, including the following areas, Boston, East Boston, Bunker Hill, Charlestown, Roxbury, Duxbury, Dorchester, Revere, Chelsea, Cambridge, Brookline, Medford, Winthrop, Brighton, Chestnut Hill, Winter Hill, Newton, Watertown, Everett, and Malden among others.

Contact us today for a free consultation where you can learn more about your legal rights from one of our Boston personal injury attorneys. Call (857) 407-4182 anytime or complete our simple online contact form. We're here for you 24/7.

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
44 School St, Rm 350
Boston, MA 02108
(857) 407-4182

Client Reviews: What Do Others Have to Say About Dolman Law Group?

Some of our satisfied clients have shared these reviews:

  • “Took away all the hassle with the insurance company. Attorney Dolman took care of all the hassles and paperwork I was being sent by the insurance companies. This allowed me to get treated by the doctors and focus on getting better. They handled all the doctor's bills and even got them reduced to put more money in my pocket.” – Bryan 
  • These are great people, ethical people, and they advocated for me. …I'd recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA and really no one else.” – Bonnie 
  • Great Attorney. Matt and his team are very responsive and know how the system works. We have worked together on many cases in the past and I have learned a lot from him. I will continue to practice law with him more and more in the future. In fact, I have consulted with him personally on my own personal injury matter, which is a true testament on how much I trust him and his skills.” – Brent

Read more reviews on Google!

Resources

Boston Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Centers

If you suffered a serious personal injury in Boston, seek immediate medical care from any of the following healthcare facilities:

Boston Courthouses

Neighborhoods We Serve in Boston

South Boston 02127, South Boston Waterfront 02127, North End 02109, 02110, 02113, Downtown 02203, East Boston 02128, 02228, Back Bay 02115, 02116, 02199, Dorchester 02124, 02125, 02121, 02205, 02122, Fenway–Kenmore 02115, 02215, Beacon Hill 02108, Chinatown 02111, South End 02118, Charlestown 02129, Jamaica Plain 02130, 02131, 02120, 02119, Roxbury 02119, 02121, 02118, 02125, Brighton 02135, Allston 02134, 02215, 02163, 02135, West Roxbury 02132, Roslindale 02131, Hyde Park 02136, 02132, 02137, 02199, 02110, Mattapan 02126

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

Learn More