Tag: attorneys

Choosing a Boston Personal Injury Law Firm

When you experience a serious injury, you need attorneys you can count on. But how do you go about finding the right attorney? What should you look for in a legal representative, and how do you know when you’ve found the right match?

Here are key factors to keep in mind:

Legal Services in Boston, MA

The legal system in Boston has been established over hundreds of years and continues to evolve as society changes. The city is home to more than 2,000 law firms, many of which are recognized leaders in their fields. Sokolove Law was founded in Boston over 40 years ago.

Boston firms employ thousands of people who work to help clients navigate their legal issues, which makes the legal services market in Boston highly competitive.

Many law firms are associated with major companies or universities. It also has a large population of lawyers who work for government agencies or large corporations.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more. It costs nothing to speak with our team.

About the Legal System in Boston

• The judicial branch consists of several different courts that handle other cases, including criminal offenses, civil cases, and administrative matters such as traffic violations or complaints against businesses or individuals who may have violated specific laws or regulations.
• The Boston Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in New England, with more than 15,000 members representing all practice areas. Its mission is to promote justice, encourage excellence and advance the quality of legal services for the benefit of the community.
• The Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) is an organization that represents all lawyers licensed to practice law in Massachusetts from across the state. The MBA provides continuing legal education for its members and programs for law students and volunteers who work with lawyers who represent low-income clients through pro bono work.

Know the city, know the law. As the capital and most populous city in Massachusetts, Boston is a vibrant city with rich history and culture. However, it’s also a place where lawyers can make their mark.

At Sokolove Law, we’re proud that we’ve helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses in Boston secure justice in civil matters.

Our Boston city legal guide will help you learn more about the city and the laws to help you get the legal services you need.

Boston Demographics

The population of Boston is currently a little over 690,000. The average Boston resident is 30-40 years old, married, and makes a little more than $76,000 a year, according to the 2020 US Census Report.

Unlike many other parts of the United States, more than half of Boston households are “non-families.” That might mean roommates or romantic but unmarried couples living together. Boston also has the third-largest LGBTQ population in the United States.

Thirty-three thousand Suffolk County residents (including Boston) receive Social Security disability benefits and 12{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8} of the population in Boston has a disability.

Boston Disability Insurance Denial Lawyers

Disability insurance may be your only source of income if you can no longer work. However, some insurance companies may try to deny your disability claim even if it is valid.

If your Social Security Disability Insurance or long-term disability claim was denied, our nationwide network of lawyers may be able to help you appeal the denial and receive compensation.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more. There’s no cost to speak with us about your options.

Testimonial From Boston Comedian Lenny Clarke

Boston Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Boston has its unique character and history, but they’re all connected by the water surrounding them and the people who call them home.

While the downtown area is home to some of the most famous historical landmarks in the country, it’s also worth exploring some of the other neighborhoods that make up this great city.

• Allston-Brighton: Allston and Brighton are two large neighborhoods lying side by side. They’re often considered a single area due to their close proximity. This neighborhood is known for its music scene, including clubs like Brighton Music Hall. It’s also home to many colleges and universities, including Harvard University, Boston University, and Northeastern University.
• Back Bay: Famous for its rows of brownstone homes, Back Bay was built on reclaimed land in the Charles River basin. Known for its beautiful architectural sites, it’s also a center of business and a popular shopping destination.
• Beacon Hill/West End: This is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city. This neighborhood has been popular with tourists since the 19th century because of its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Today you can visit historic sites like Old North Church where Paul Revere warned colonists about British troops coming ashore during the American Revolution. It’s an upscale area, home to many professionals and university students. The Massachusetts State House is located in this popular neighborhood.
• Charlestown: This diverse waterfront neighborhood is a largely residential area. As the city’s oldest neighborhood, Charlestown has a rich maritime history and a distinct personality. You’ll find plenty of pubs here and some of the best restaurants in the city.
• Chinatown: One of the largest Chinatowns in the United States, Boston Chinatown is home to just over 5,000 people. Many people enjoy visiting Chinatown for a meal or to soak in the local culture.
• Dorchester: As the city’s most densely populated area, Dorchester is packed with people practically whatever time you choose to visit. It’s filled with local businesses and attractions, and there’s always something happening.
• Downtown Boston: Downtown is where it’s all going on. This is where skyscrapers tower over the streets and big business deals are completed. Many popular Boston events take place in this area.
• East Boston: The historically Italian neighborhood of East Boston is becoming increasingly diverse. Although new real estate developments mean it’s a popular choice with high-earning professionals, it also has a strong working-class population. There are many great parks in the area, making it popular for outdoor fans.
• Fenway-Kenmore: Fenway-Kenmore is well-known as home to the Boston Red Sox, one of the most famous sports teams in the world. Many Boston celebrities, as well as stars from across the country, can be seen in the area, enjoying a spot of retail therapy or a day at the ballgame. These are two distinct neighborhoods that are close together but have very different personalities. Fenway is known for its sports culture (as home to the Boston Red Sox) and Irish heritage, while Kenmore is known as the home of many wealthy families who have lived there for generations.
• Hyde Park: Just like London, Boston has its own Hyde Park neighborhood. This quiet area is the southernmost neighborhood in Boston. With a mostly older population, it’s very peaceful and relaxed.
• Jamaica Plain: Jamaica Plain is popular with young professionals. There are lots of unique restaurants and stores in this area. This neighborhood has long been known as one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods because its population includes people from all over the world — including many immigrants seeking refuge from conflicts in their home countries.
• Mattapan: With plenty of green space, a zoo, and a trolley system, there’s always plenty to do in this quirky neighborhood.
• Mission Hill: A centrally located area, Mission Hill is a diverse and friendly place. It offers a mix of new and old housing.
• North End: North End is one of the most affluent areas in Boston. As the oldest residential community in the city, it is home to a variety of arts institutions and historic sites.
• Roslindale: Roslindale is a pleasant, residential neighborhood bordered by Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, and Mattapan. Sometimes called “the garden suburb of Boston,” it has a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
• Roxbury: Roxbury is one of the oldest communities in Boston. It is easily accessible and features many historical sites.
• South Boston: A historic, Irish-American neighborhood, South Boston is a mostly residential area. There’s plenty to do in the evenings since the area is home to many beloved taverns and pizzerias.
• South End/Bay Village: This neighborhood is filled with traditional red brick buildings and is home to diverse communities. South End is also known for its important role in the history of jazz.
• West Roxbury: West Roxbury is a completely distinct neighborhood from Roxbury. It’s a small, pleasant suburb with friendly local businesses and restaurants.

Boston Local Government

Boston was originally settled by the Puritans in 1630, who established Boston as their capital. Today, Boston is the state capital of Massachusetts and is home to more than 690,000 people.

The city’s government is organized into a mayor-council system, where the mayor serves as the chief executive officer and the council serves as the legislative branch. The city also has its police department, fire department, and public works department.

Serving the People of Boston

Boston has an elected mayor who serves four-year terms and an appointed city council that meets every two weeks to vote on legislation and make decisions on behalf of the city. There are nine districts in Boston, each represented by one member of the council.

The mayor appoints all other members of Boston’s executive branch — including the police commissioner, fire commissioner, and head of public works — with approval from the council.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) is headquartered at One Schroeder Plaza in South Boston’s Seaport District. It employs officers who work 24 hours a day to protect residents from crime and enforce traffic laws throughout Boston’s neighborhoods.

Boston Economy and Job Market

Boston’s thriving economy includes finance, technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. The city’s job market is currently on the rise with Boston having an unemployment rate of 3.3{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8}.

There are more than 1,000 companies headquartered in the area, which makes up nearly one-quarter of the state’s entire GDP. The city has a strong manufacturing base thanks to its proximity to the ocean and access to inland highways like the Mass Pike (I-90).

Boston also has an incredible tech scene — several startups call Boston home because they can find talent here at lower costs than in Silicon Valley or New York City!

The City With a Bright Future

With major international corporations, including General Electric and Raytheon, and dozens of small businesses growing quickly, this city is showing no sign of slowing down. It also has a high number of immigrants, so it offers a diverse marketplace for businesses to thrive.

With all these factors combined, Boston is one of the top cities in the United States for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture or expand their current one.

Boston Labor & Employment Laws

In addition to its historical significance, Boston also has a strong labor law presence that provides protections for its workers.

The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division enforces the Massachusetts wage and hour laws and provides information regarding employee employment rights.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) website has a wealth of information about these issues and can help you understand your rights as an employee.

• Massachusetts Minimum Wage Law: The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $14.25 per hour (as of January 1, 2022), and it applies to all employees except those covered by a collective bargaining agreement that provides for a higher rate of pay, such as unionized workers. The minimum wage will increase annually until it reaches $15 per hour in 2023.
• Massachusetts Overtime Law: Under federal law and Massachusetts state law, most employees are entitled to be paid 1.5 times their normal hourly rate for every hour worked over 40 hours in one week.
• Massachusetts Employment Discrimination Lawsuits: Massachusetts employment discrimination lawsuits are handled by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). This agency investigates alleged cases of discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, or gender identity.

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) ensures all employers in Massachusetts have Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage available for employees who are injured on the job.

Common Types of Abuse & Injuries in Boston

Workplace Injuries

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 4.6 million people are injured on the job each year. Around 12,600 workers get hurt every single day. Workers’ compensation claims can help many victims get back on their feet.

But the sad truth is that some workplace injuries could have and should have been avoided.

Common workplace injuries include:

• Cuts
• Falling
• Getting struck or crushed by equipment
• Sprains
• Strained or torn muscles

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more. There’s no cost to speak with our team.

Construction Site Injuries

Many construction workers who are injured may no longer be able to work because of their catastrophic injuries. This can be really hard on them and their families. We can help you with your legal needs as you recover from a site accident.

Our construction accident lawyers in Boston can investigate your case and find out if anyone else is responsible for your injury. We’ll work to figure out what happened and get you the money you need for your recovery.

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are more common than you may think. In 2017, sports-related catastrophic injuries alone, which account for only a small fraction of all catastrophic injuries, totaled 86, according to data compiled by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR).

Catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputation
• Concussions
• Death
• Disfigurement
• Permanent brain damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Third-degree burns

Consumer Fraud

Consumers may be the victims of fraud if their brokers or advisers made negligent or intentionally poor financial decisions on their behalf. As a result, the consumer has lost their hard-earned money or is denied money that they may need.

Common types of consumer fraud include:

• Complicated exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Disability denial
• Insurance fraud
• Unlawful termination

Dog Bites

Dogs not kept on leashes or escaping their enclosures may attack unsuspecting individuals without warning. Even dogs on a leash may pose a threat. Children and seniors are at a higher risk of getting bitten by a dog. More vicious dogs can seriously harm — or kill — people or other animals.

Boston Environmental Hazards

Buildings and the environment can also present hazards to those living in Boston. Most pre-1970 structures have some asbestos-related building product in them. While these products are not a threat if left undisturbed, they are harmful during renovation or demolition.

Suffolk County loses an average of 31 residents each year to asbestos-related illness. Many more residents are living with diseases that drastically affect their quality of life, like mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Sokolove Law is a national law firm that helps people in Boston and other parts of the country get the legal representation they need. Our mesothelioma lawyers are experienced in handling cases centered on mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

We have locations all over the country, and we work with our network of legal partners to help victims of mesothelioma get the financial compensation they deserve.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can occur after asbestos exposure. We have been helping people with mesothelioma and asbestos-related claims get the money they deserve for more than 40 years.

Although Sokolove Law was founded in Massachusetts, we are a national mesothelioma law firm and can help clients in all 50 states.

We are not limited to filing mesothelioma lawsuits in Massachusetts. We will file your case in court where it can be litigated most effectively for you, which could potentially increase the value of your case.

Whether in Boston or beyond, we’re ready to review your case. Call (800) 995-1212 today to learn more about your legal options.

Traffic Safety and Transportation in Boston

Boston is a city with several transportation options. With its large population, it can be difficult to get around without public transit. Fortunately, there are several options available to you.

There are several train stations throughout Greater Boston that connect travelers to Amtrak trains, commuter rail lines, and regional transit authorities such as Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), commonly referred to as “the T” in the Boston area.

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) operates public transportation throughout Boston. The subway system consists of four subway lines: Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line, and Green Line, with 137 stops throughout the region. The buses are also operated by the MBTA. There are also ferry services in Boston Harbor to Georges Island, Hull, and Hingham.

Boston is well-connected with other parts of New England, as well as with other major cities across the country. Massachusetts has eight airports offering year-round commercial and charter flights. Boston’s Logan International Airport handles the majority of international flights to the state; overall, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The roads and highways in and around Boston can also contribute to personal injury lawsuits. Each year, there are an average of 353 traffic fatalities in Massachusetts. Approximately 30 of those accidents each year involved a large truck.

Accidents involving trucks or other large commercial vehicles can often result in more severe personal injuries and property damage than passenger vehicle accidents.

Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Auto Accidents

Car accidents bring harm to hundreds of thousands each year. In 2017 alone, over 40,000 people were killed in auto accidents. Cars can get smashed, flipped over, or explode during a collision. Even minor accidents can leave people with long-term physical and/or mental health issues.

If you were injured in a car or truck accident that wasn’t your fault, the aftermath can be challenging. Insurance companies often offer low settlements that don’t cover the true cost of an auto accident. Victims are often left to deal with the consequences on their own.

Depending on your situation, hiring a Boston auto accident lawyer may be the best way to get the financial compensation you deserve. Sokolove Law has over 40 years of experience helping people across the country receive the money they need after an auto accident.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Every 15 minutes in the United States, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks crash and injure or kill someone, adding up to over 555,000 truck accidents annually. Thousands more accidents happen each year involving other types of commercial vehicles, like delivery vans, rideshare vehicles, or buses.

While accidents involving large trucks or commercial vehicles occur for a variety of reasons, many are preventable and are often the result of trucking companies violating safety standards to maximize profits.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more. There’s no cost to speak with our team.

Boston Health and Education

Boston is a hub of health and education in the United States. The city has some of the most renowned hospitals in the country, including:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Brigham & Women’s Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

Boston is home to some of the most impressive colleges and universities in the world and has several established medical schools, including:

• Harvard Medical School
• Boston University School of Medicine
• Tufts University School of Medicine

Despite the broad range of medical care options and excellent reputation of Boston’s medical centers, nearly 1 in 5 Massachusetts residents have experienced a medical error, which justifiably leads to many Boston medical malpractice lawsuits.

Boston Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Medical malpractice is common. It happens a lot. In fact, Johns Hopkins Medicine says that as many as 250,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical mistakes. That makes it the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.

If you think you have been a victim of malpractice, you might be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to get money for pain and suffering, medical bills, expenses, life care costs, and lost work wages.

Examples of these kinds of errors include:

When you experience a serious medical error that leaves you injured, you need a Boston medical malpractice lawyer.

Boston Birth Injury Lawyers

As of the 2020 Census, there are over 7,500 babies born each year in Boston. If a baby suffers an injury before, during, or after delivery due to medical error by a hospital, doctor, or other health care provider, the long-term care costs can be very high, costing up to $1 Million.

Sokolove Law has Boston birth injury lawyers, cerebral palsy lawyers, and Erb’s palsy lawyers who have helped families affected by birth injuries for decades, recovering over $834 Million across the country.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more about your legal options. It costs nothing to speak with us.

Boston Hospital Safety Ratings

There are 10 major hospitals located in or very near Boston. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a letter grade that scores hospitals based on how well they protect patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

When compared to an A-rated hospital, your chance of dying increases by 35{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8} in a B-rated hospital and 88{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8} in a C-rated hospital. This research was conducted at the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

List of Boston Hospitals and Their Grade

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  55 Fruit Street
  Boston, MA 02114
  Hospital Safety Grade: A
• Tufts Medical Center
  800 Washington Street
  Boston, MA 02111-1552
  Hospital Safety Grade: A
• Boston Medical Center
  1 Boston Medical Center Place
  Boston, MA 02118-2908
  Hospital Safety Grade: B
• CHA Cambridge Hospital
  1493 Cambridge Street
  Cambridge, MA 02139-1099
  Hospital Safety Grade: C
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  330 Brookline Avenue
  Boston, MA 02215-5491
  Hospital Safety Grade: B
• Brigham And Women’s Hospital
  75 Francis Street
  Boston, MA 02115-6110
  Hospital Safety Grade: A
• CHA Everett Hospital
  103 Garland Street
  Everett, MA 02149
  Hospital Safety Grade: B
• Mount Auburn Hospital
  330 Mount Auburn Street
  Cambridge, MA 02138
  Hospital Safety Grade: A
• St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
  736 Cambridge Street
  Brighton, MA 02135-2997
  Hospital Safety Grade: B
• Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
  1153 Centre Street
  Boston, MA 02130-3400
  Hospital Safety Grade: A

Caring for Boston Seniors

More than 100,000 Boston residents are aged 60 or older. There are 17,600 assisted living units in Massachusetts, and 90{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8} are occupied.

In addition, there are 189 memory care communities in the state, for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other severe memory problems. While the vast majority of those who care for these elderly residents are experienced, compassionate and licensed, mistakes do happen.

In fact, 15{c024931d10daf6b71b41321fa9ba9cd89123fb34a4039ac9f079a256e3c1e6e8} of the state’s nursing home facilities have been cited by the state health department for a deficiency that caused harm to a resident or put residents in jeopardy.

Boston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse and neglect are becoming more common as our population ages. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you identify the signs of abuse and work to get justice and compensation for your loved one.

Sokolove Law has more than 40 years of experience helping families whose loved ones have suffered nursing home abuse. We understand the challenges you are facing and are here to help.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 995-1212 to learn more. It costs nothing to speak with our team.

Statutes of Limitations and Personal Injury Claims

If you or someone you love is the victim of a personal injury, you may be able to seek compensation. However, you will need to file your claim within a certain time frame.

Statutes of limitations are laws that determine how long you have to file a claim. These laws vary for each state and by type of case, so don’t delay in reaching out to our case managers.

Unfortunately, if you do not file your claim within the time limit, you will never be able to file one. However, you can ensure your claim is filed in time — and filed properly — by working with an experienced law firm like Sokolove Law.

Sokolove Law Has Served Boston & New England as a Personal Injury Law Firm for Over 40 Years

In 1979, Jim Sokolove founded Sokolove Law in Boston. One of his goals was to help the families of people harmed through no fault of their own get the justice and compensation they deserve. Because of Jim’s determination and vision, Sokolove Law has become a nationwide firm.

We help people from all walks of life — including those of different races, genders, and economic statuses — file personal injury claims. We provide free legal case evaluations to our clients and will dedicate a team of legal professionals to your case, including a personal injury attorney, paralegal, and nurse case manager.

You and your family matter to us. Let us fight for you.

Boston Zip Codes

Boston zip codes range from 02108 to 02298.

• 02108
• 02109
• 02110
• 02111
• 02112
• 02113
• 02114
• 02115
• 02116
• 02117
• 02118
• 02119
• 02120
• 02121
• 02122
• 02123
• 02124
• 02125
• 02126
• 02127
• 02128
• 02129
• 02130
• 02131
• 02132
• 02133
• 02134
• 02135
• 02136
• 02137
• 02163
• 02196
• 02199
• 02201
• 02203
• 02204
• 02205
• 02206
• 02210
• 02211
• 02212
• 02215
• 02217
• 02222
• 02241
• 02283
• 02284
• 02293
• 02297
• 02298

Cities Surrounding Boston

• Arlington, MA
• Belmont, MA
• Brookline, MA
• Cambridge, MA
• Chelsea, MA
• Everett, MA
• Malden, MA
• Medford, MA
• Melrose, MA
• Milton, MA
• Revere, MA
• Somerville, MA
• Watertown, MA
• Winchester, MA
• Winthrop, MA

Boston Charities that Sokolove Law Supports

• The B Fund – Supporting Boston Children’s Hospital
• Friends of Boston’s Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Winter Apparel Drive – Homeless Advocacy, Woods Mullen Women’s Shelter and Southampton Men’s Shelter in Boston’s South End
• Anton’s Cleaners Coat Drive – Winter coats for children and adults
• Project Just Because – Adopt-a-Family during the Holidays

Boston Personal Injury Attorney

Boston is more than just a city. It’s a place to call home. To visit. To learn. To work and play. And, when you’re looking for legal services in Boston, we want to be your guide along the way.

At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have decades of experience handling cases in various legal fields, and we know what it takes to win.

We will work with you every step of the way, from determining your eligibility for a claim to negotiating with defendants on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Boston or the surrounding areas, contact us today for a free consultation.