Boston Injury Lawyer Blog

November 6, 2024

Independent Contractors and Work Injuries in Massachusetts, What Are Your Rights?

The gig economy is booming, with more people working as independent contractors than ever before. While this employment model offers flexibility, it also raises questions about workers’ rights, especially regarding injuries sustained on the job. Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors often face challenges when seeking compensation for work-related injuries. Consider the following facts and figures:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, approximately 16 million people in the U.S. were classified as independent contractors.
Studies indicate that independent contractors may face higher injury rates compared to traditional employees due to less regulatory oversight and fewer safety resources.

September 24, 2024

Parking Lot Accidents

by Altman & Altman

Parking lots might seem like relatively safe places compared to busy streets, but they are frequent sites for accidents that can lead to serious injuries or property damage. In Massachusetts, where busy shopping centers, office buildings, and harsh winters can make parking lots particularly hazardous, understanding the nuances of parking lot accidents is critical for anyone involved in such an incident.

Massachusetts law requires drivers to maintain a minimum standard of care while driving anywhere, parking lots included. According to Massachusetts Traffic Safety Facts, over 500 parking lot accidents are reported each year, contributing to a significant number of minor and severe injuries.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

September 24, 2024

How to Ensure Your Safety When Using Ride-Share Services

by Altman & Altman

Ride-share services have become integral to modern transportation, offering convenient and affordable options for travelers around the world. However, as the popularity of these services increases, so do concerns about passenger safety. Reports indicate a rise in incidents ranging from accidents to more serious safety breaches, including assaults. To ensure your safety while using ride-share services, it’s critical to take the following proactive steps and stay aware of your surroundings during rides.

Verify the Driver and Vehicle

Before entering the vehicle, take a moment to verify both the driver and the car:

June 5, 2024

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Dog bites can result in serious injuries and emotional trauma for victims. In Massachusetts, understanding the laws and regulations surrounding dog bites is important for both dog owners and those who have been injured. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.
Nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims requires medical attention.

May 20, 2024

Injuries Caused by Poorly Lit Stairways and Parking Lots

by Altman & Altman

Poorly lit stairways and parking lots pose serious safety hazards, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls that can lead to severe injuries. Whether you are walking down a flight of stairs at a Boston sporting event, parking your car at Copley place or walking in the various buildings/parking lots in Boston’s Seaport district, you should be aware of the possibility of poorly lit facility and stairwells. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for over 8 million emergency room visits annually.

Poor lighting can lead to other injuries as well. From strains and sprains to assaults, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim if you’ve been injured due to inadequate lighting in a public or private space. Here’s what you need to know:

The Importance of Adequate Lighting

March 5, 2024

Types of Premises Liability Cases in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Premises liability cases arise when individuals suffer injuries due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. These cases can encompass various scenarios, from slip and fall accidents to dog bites and beyond.

Read on to explore some common types of premises liability cases and learn how victims can seek compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured by another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help.

Slip and Fall Accidents

February 21, 2024

Biggest Mistakes People Make Following a Car Accident

by Altman & Altman

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In the chaos that follows, it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Fortunately, by familiarizing yourself with the most common mistakes people make following a car accident, you can avoid making the same costly errors.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention and legal counsel. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our skilled and compassionate car accident team will review your case, determine fault, calculate damages, and negotiate for the maximum settlement available to you.

Mistake #1 — Failing to Seek Medical Attention Immediately

February 13, 2024

Common Injuries in Car Accidents and Their Long-Term Effects

by Altman & Altman

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injury and death in the United States. In 2020 alone, injuries occurred in 1,593,390 crashes and 35,766 crashes resulted in fatalities. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but speeding and drunk driving rank high on the list of causes.

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to a range of injuries that vary in severity, having a significant impact on the lives of those involved. Serious and chronic injuries often lead to physical pain, costly medical bills, a decrease in the enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma.

Understanding the potential long-term effects of common car accident injuries emphasizes the importance of obtaining comprehensive medical care and legal assistance. Read on to explore some of the most common injuries in car accidents and their long-term effects, and if you’ve been injured, seek immediate legal counsel to ensure that your medical and financial needs are met.

January 26, 2024

Negligent Security – Legal Consequences for Property Owners in MA

by Altman & Altman

Ensuring the safety of visitors and tenants is a major responsibility for property owners in Massachusetts. Negligent security can have severe consequences, leading to injuries, assaults, or property crimes that could have been prevented with proper measures in place. Understanding the legal implications of negligent security is essential for property owners to protect both their occupants and themselves.

Duty of Care in Property Security

Property owners have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for those on their premises. This duty extends to implementing adequate security measures to prevent foreseeable criminal activities. Negligent security occurs when property owners fail to fulfill this duty, resulting in harm to individuals due to criminal acts.

January 3, 2024

Guest and Invitee Rights — Premises Liability Laws in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Premises liability is a core component of personal injury law, especially when it comes to the rights of guests and invitees on someone else’s property. Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain a safe environment for those who enter their premises. In Massachusetts, property owners owe different levels of care to visitors based on their legal classification.

Premises liability claims are not uncommon, and they often result in serious injuries. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), over one million people visit the emergency room each year due to slip and fall accidents, a common type of premises liability claim. If you’ve been injured on another’s property, it is in your best interest to seek immediate legal counsel.

Legal Classifications of Visitors