Top Myths About Personal Injury Lawsuits in Massachusetts and Connecticut

By Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we speak with injured people across Connecticut and Massachusetts every day. Many hesitate to take legal action—not because they don’t deserve compensation, but because they’ve heard myths about personal injury lawsuits that simply aren’t true.

Insurance companies benefit when these myths spread. Our job is to replace misinformation with clear, accurate guidance so injured victims can protect their rights and focus on healing.

Below, our experienced New England personal injury attorneys debunk the most common myths we hear—and explain the real law in MA and CT.

Myth #1: “If I Was Partly at Fault, I Can’t Recover Compensation.”

The Truth: You may still recover compensation under Massachusetts and Connecticut law.

Both states follow modified comparative negligence rules:

• Massachusetts: You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault

• Connecticut: You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you are not barred from recovery just because you share some responsibility.

Jonathan Perkins Insight:
We regularly help clients recover significant compensation even when insurers claim they were “partly to blame.”

Myth #2: “Personal Injury Lawsuits Always Take Years”

The Truth: Most personal injury cases resolve without ever going to trial.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, many cases are resolved through:

• Strategic pre-suit negotiations

• Insurance settlements

• Mediation or arbitration

While complex cases may take longer, many claims resolve in months, not years. Especially when liability is clear, and injuries are well documented.

Myth #3: “Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Too Expensive”

The Truth: You pay nothing up front at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers.

We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No hourly fees

• No upfront costs

• No legal fees unless we win your case

If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Myth #4: “The Insurance Company Will Be Fair”

The Truth: Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts, not protecting you.

Insurance adjusters are trained to:

• Reduce claim values

• Shift blame to the injured person

• Push quick, low settlements

• Question medical treatment

Even your own insurance company may undervalue your claim. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures your rights—and your recovery—are protected.

Myth #5: “My Injuries Aren’t Serious Enough for a Claim”

The Truth: Injuries that seem minor can become serious over time.

We routinely see cases involving:

• Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries

• Concussions and head trauma

• Back and neck injuries

• Delayed-onset pain

If your injury required medical treatment or caused you to miss work, it may be compensable under Connecticut or Massachusetts law.

Myth #6: “I Have Plenty of Time to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit”

The Truth: Strict legal deadlines apply—and missing them can permanently bar your claim.

Statute of Limitations:

• Massachusetts: 3 years from the date of injury

• Connecticut: 2 years from the date of injury

Certain cases—such as claims involving municipalities, wrongful death, or minors—may have shorter or different deadlines. Speaking with an attorney early is critical.

Myth #7: “If I Didn’t Go to the Doctor Right Away, I Don’t Have a Case”

The Truth: Delayed treatment does not automatically defeat a claim.

Many injuries don’t fully appear until days—or even weeks—after an accident. While prompt treatment is best, our attorneys regularly help clients overcome insurance arguments related to treatment gaps.

What matters most is:

• Getting appropriate medical care

• Documenting symptoms

• Connecting injuries to the accident

Myth #8: “All Personal Injury Lawyers Are the Same”

The Truth: Experience and local knowledge matter—especially in MA and CT.

Personal injury law is state-specific. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand:

• Connecticut negligence and insurance laws

• Massachusetts PIP and liability rules

• Local courts, judges, and insurers

• How New England juries evaluate injury claims

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Myth #9: “I’ll Definitely Have to Go to Court”

The Truth: Most cases settle before trial.

While we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. However, the majority of personal injury claims resolve through negotiation. If a trial becomes necessary, our attorneys handle every aspect. Including evidence to expert testimony, while keeping you informed and prepared.

Myth #10: “Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Just About Money”

The Truth: Personal injury cases are about accountability, stability, and recovery.

Compensation may cover:

• Medical bills and future care

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Long-term life impact

A successful claim gives injured people the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives after a serious accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim in CT or MA?
You are not required to—but insurance companies are far less likely to offer fair compensation without legal representation.

Are personal injury settlements taxable?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable, though exceptions may apply.

What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation in both states.

Talk to Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let myths or insurance pressure stop you from protecting your rights.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we fight for injury victims across Connecticut and Massachusetts, and we don’t get paid unless we win.

Free consultation. No upfront costs. No obligation.

Call today or complete our online form to learn how we can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.