Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Brockton

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brockton, Massachusetts?

  For non-emergencies, the Brockton Police Department can be reached at 508-941-0200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Brockton, Massachusetts?

  You can request a copy of a police report from the Brockton Police Records Department in person, via email, or by phone call.

  Brockton Police Department 7 Commercial Street Brockton, MA 02302 Phone: (508) 941-0208 Email: records@brocktonpolice.com.

  You can also submit a public records request online at https://brockton.ma.us/online-services/records-request/

• Are personal injury settlements taxable in Brockton, MA?

  Most of your personal injury settlement in Brockton will not be taxed. The compensation for your injury is not an income, but is paid out to recover your losses, hence, not taxable. Generally, the only portion of your settlement that gets taxed is the payment for your lost income/wage and potential future income. You will pay taxes on these the same way you would have if you weren’t injured and continued working normally.

• What is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Brockton, MA?

  No. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, the dog keeper or owner is liable when the dog damages a person or property. However, for this liability to apply, the injured party must not be trespassing on your property or abusing, teasing, or tormenting the dog when the damage occurred. If your dog has injured someone or you have been attacked by a dog, a Brockton personal injury lawyer can advise you on your legal rights.

• What is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Brockton, MA?

  You need to file your personal injury lawsuit within three years from the date you got injured according to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2. In cases where the injury victim passes away, the surviving family has three years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Brockton. This is according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 229, Section 2.

• How long do personal injury cases take in Brockton, MA?

  Generally, it could take several months. At the very least, you need to wait for your “maximum medical improvement." This is the point where you have finished treatment and you have recovered from your injury as much as possible. Your physician can then provide information regarding your injury’s full extent, the effect it may have on your future, and the medical care you may need moving forward. Your Brockton personal injury claim cannot be resolved until these information are available.

• Can you still get compensation from your Brockton personal injury case if you were accused of being at fault?

  If you are 51% or more at fault for the incident, you won’t get any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages in proportion to your fault percentage. For example, if your damages total $10,000, but you are 20% at fault, you will only get $8,000. Brockton uses a modified comparative negligence system which assigns a fault percentage to all parties found to have contributed to the incident that resulted in damages.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.