An injury can happen to anyone, at any time. From dog bites to boat accidents to negligent security, you may have been injured because of what someone else did — or what someone else failed to do. We understand: the physical, emotional, and financial toll of sustaining an injury can be overwhelming.
At Combies Hanson, P.C., we advocate for people who have been wronged. Our attorneys have more than three and a half decades of combined experience pursuing justice and seeking financial compensation when you need it most. Whether you are in Boston, Cape Cod, or Providence, Rhode Island, we’re available to work with you to champion your rights and fight for the future you deserve.
Your personal injury claim will be approached differently depending on the state. Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island approach personal injury claims through a system called ‘comparative fault’ (or ‘comparative negligence’). This means that monetary damages will generally be allocated according to the percentage of each party’s fault. While both states are comparative fault states, Massachusetts has adopted a modified version of comparative fault.
Take this scenario as an example: if you were involved in a car wreck in Rhode Island that was caused by another driver running a red light, but you were also texting while driving, the court may find that you were 60% at fault. As a result, your overall settlement will be reduced by 60% to account for your level of responsibility in causing the crash. If the court awards you $10,000 in damages for your injuries, you will actually only be entitled to receive $4,000.
Imagine this same car accident occurred in Massachusetts. Because Massachusetts approaches each personal injury claim as a “modified comparative fault” state, monetary damages will only be given out if the injured party is less than 50 percent at fault for causing the injury. If the injured party was 51 percent at fault or more (as in the example above), they will not be able to recover any damages. However, suppose the court finds you 30% at fault. In that case, you will be entitled to receive damages (because it is less than 51%), but the amount of money will be reduced according to the percentage of your fault. It’s important to seek out legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts’ modified comparative liability laws.
At Combies Hanson, P.C., we help you navigate liability and other legal complexities in the following types of cases and many others:
Remember, your health is always your top priority. Focus on getting better, and we’ll take care of the rest.
The shock of a personal injury can lead to uncertainty. However, knowing what to do in the days immediately following your personal injury is a way to regain a sense of stability. Follow these steps:
After your injury, don’t take any more emotional energy away from your recovery process. Allow quality legal representation to fight for you when you need it.
According to the statutes of limitation in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, you have three years since the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. While this may seem like a long time, it’s not forever. It is critical that you immediately contact an attorney so that an investigation can take place and we can start protecting your future. The responsible party’s insurance company is conducting its own investigation with the intent of minimizing your claim, so it’s important to act fast.
A personal injury can be devastating, but you can make the choice to protect your future. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help defend your rights, pursue the compensation you deserve, and seek stability for you and your loved ones. If another person’s negligence resulted in your injury, contact Combies Hanson, P.C. in Boston today.