Briones Law Group Blog

I suffered an injury on a wet floor at the gym. The manager says I can’t sue because I signed a “general release” when I joined. Is this true?

While it’s standard procedure for a health club or gym to require members to sign a liability waiver, members still have rights. The purpose of a general release of liability waiver is to protect the gym from injuries caused by members. It’s common to sustain an injury while exercising. For example, pulling a muscle by lifting too much weight, misusing an exercise machine, or overexerting are typical injuries covered members are prohibited from bringing about

It’s in Your Best Interest to Avoid a DCF 51A/B Investigation

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) takes allegations of abuse and neglect very seriously. When a report is made to DCF regarding suspected child abuse or neglect, a 51A report is filed. The 51A report initiates the intake process for a social worker or other DCF professional to reach out to the parents or caregivers to determine the report’s credibility and whether or not it indicates the need for an investigation regarding child

What You Need to Know About Filing a Wrongful Death Suit in Massachusetts

When processing the death of a loved one caused by someone else’s bad choices, you need skilled legal representation to advocate for your—and your late loved one’s—interests in the judicial system. Below, we lay out the basics of filing a wrongful death suit in Massachusetts. The Basics of a Wrongful Death Suit In general, whenever a living person could file a personal injury suit on behalf of himself or herself, the estate of a deceased

Will Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Insurance Cover Your Injury Expenses?

When it comes to auto accident injuries, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries. Even the most careful motorcyclists cannot always guard against the negligence of other drivers. This is why motorcyclists need to carry adequate insurance. Do you have enough coverage? Every state sets minimum requirements known as Compulsory Coverage. Let’s review Compulsory Coverage in Massachusetts and why it may not be enough for motorcyclists. Massachusetts motorcyclists are required to have the following

The Preponderance of Evidence Standard and What It Means for Your Personal Injury Case

Aside from those of us who choose the law as our professional calling, most people will find the inside of a courtroom a disorienting, unfamiliar place, populated by the plotlines of police procedurals and award-winning dramas. When you are confronted with the prospect of not only visiting a court, but placing all your faith and hope for restitution in the court system, such as when you are already coping with physical pain and financial loss

How does the court determine fault for injuries suffered in a car accident?

The terms comparative fault and contributory negligence are legal doctrines often referred to during auto accident lawsuits to address who is at fault. More precisely, these terms determine the percentage of each party at fault to determine how and if damages will be awarded. If you are injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover damages from the responsible party. Under Massachusetts law, anyone operating a motor vehicle has a duty to

The Truth About Prenuptial Agreements And Who Should Have One

You may have recently entered a new relationship status—fiancée. However, the last thing on many new couples’ minds is a prenup. Couples often wonder if they need a prenuptial agreement. While some couples view a prenup as an exit strategy to a quick divorce, others view it as an insurance policy. Think of it this way, are you doomed to be in a car accident when you ride in a car with airbags? No, of

How can parents receive compensation for the death or injury of their child?

A Lawsuit No One Wants to File The worst thing a parent can imagine is harm coming to their child—be that serious injury or even death. Indeed, even people without children cringe at the thought of a little one’s suffering. Unfortunately, in the world we live in, the most vulnerable among us are not shielded from injury and accident. As such, the law has remedies for parents that they wish they never would have needed—financial

Premises Liability and Comparative Negligence in Massachusetts

When someone gets injured on a property in Massachusetts, who is responsible? The property owner? The tenant leasing the property? Or could the injured person’s conduct have caused the injury? Massachusetts law recognizes that questions of liability—premises liability or otherwise—are seldom black-and-white. If you have been injured on someone else’s property and are seeking compensation, you may find yourself puzzling over terms like ‘premises liability’. While nothing can replace the counsel of an experienced personal

Who is responsible for paying debt after a divorce?

When couples decide to divorce, they understand the assets accumulated throughout the marriage will need to be divided. Generally, both parties seek homeownership and other real estate holdings, high-value assets, and child custody during this process. However, when it comes to debt, couples are usually slow to take responsibility. No matter who is responsible for accumulating the debt in a marriage, both parties can be held accountable. Under Massachusetts divorce law, marital property is divided

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