What Factors Should I Consider Before Selecting a Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer?
Not every attorney is equipped to handle personal injury claims. When choosing a Springfield personal injury attorney (such as Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers), consider:
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Experience & Specialization
Prefer a firm that focuses primarily on personal injury law. Ask about their past verdicts and settlements, whether they handle catastrophic cases, and any professional credentials or recognitions specific to injury law. -
Local Knowledge & Court Experience
A Massachusetts-based attorney—especially one familiar with western Massachusetts and Springfield courts—will be more comfortable navigating local judges, procedures, and insurance carriers. -
Accessibility & Communication
You should be able to reach your lawyer by phone, email, or in-person meeting. For seriously injured clients, a firm should be willing to meet you at your home, hospital, or wherever is convenient. -
Support Resources & Investigative Capacity
Strong firms deploy resources: accident reconstruction, medical experts, private investigators, and connections to local service providers. A firm must be able to handle complex injury cases, not just simple settlements. -
Fee Structure & Risk Sharing
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis (they get paid only if you recover). Ask exactly what percentage the firm will take, which costs come out first, and whether you may owe anything if the case is unsuccessful.
If you or a loved one was injured in Springfield, call Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers at (800) PERKINS today for a no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
Sample Case Results by Our Springfield Injury Attorneys
Note: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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$1,000,000 settlement in a Motorcycle Collision case
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$2,000,000 jury verdict for a Slip & Fall
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$2,300,000 settlement for an Auto Accident
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$850,000 resolution in an Auto Accident case
How We Establish Fault in a Springfield Personal Injury Case
To recover compensation, we must prove negligence. Our approach includes:
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Thorough Investigation
We collect the scene evidence (photos, measurements, CCTV, skid marks), secure police reports, interview witnesses, and retrieve any public records or maintenance logs. -
Identifying Liable Parties
Liability may rest not only on an individual but also on corporations, property owners, municipalities, contractors, or product manufacturers. -
Expert Consultation & Appraisal
We engage reconstruction engineers, medical experts, economists, life-care planners, and other specialists to strengthen our case. -
Demand & Negotiation, or Litigation
We first present a demand package. If negotiations fail, we will file a lawsuit and present your case to a jury if needed.
When parties dispute liability, we will vigorously pursue depositions, motion practice, and use evidence to show your case is stronger.
Damages You May Recover in a Springfield, MA Personal Injury Claim
When negligence is proven, you may claim several types of damages under Massachusetts law:
Compensatory Damages
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Economic Damages — recoverable, measurable losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and legal costs.
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Non-Economic Damages — compensation for intangible losses: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, impairment.
Punitive Damages
These are seldom awarded in Massachusetts and apply only in very limited circumstances (e.g. where defendant’s conduct is malicious, willful, or wanton) — mostly in wrongful death cases or intentional torts.
Massachusetts Specifics: Statutes, Rules & Deadlines
Statute of Limitations & Deadlines
In Massachusetts, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of injury.
Some exceptions or variations apply:
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For claims against a Massachusetts city, town, or public entity (e.g. Springfield itself), you must first file a presentment / notice within two years, then file the lawsuit within three years.
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For minors or mentally incapacitated persons, the limitation clock may be tolled (paused) until later.
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In medical malpractice claims, there is often a “discovery rule” (meaning the deadline may begin when the injury is discovered), and a hard cap (e.g. no more than 7 years in many cases) on how long after the act you can file.
Missing these deadlines almost always results in losing the right to sue, no matter how strong the case is. That’s why early contact with a lawyer is critical.
Comparative Negligence (Fault Reduction)
Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence under M.G.L. c. 231 § 85. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, though your award is reduced by your share of fault. If over 50% at fault, you cannot recover.
No-Fault Auto Insurance & PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
For motor vehicle collisions, Massachusetts law requires insurers to provide PIP benefits (up to $8,000) regardless of fault.
You generally must exhaust PIP before you can access fault-based liability claims for pain and suffering, unless certain thresholds are met (e.g. your medical costs exceed $2,000 or you suffered a serious injury).
Suing the City of Springfield or Public Entities
When the city or a public agency is involved (e.g. slip on public sidewalk, potholes, municipal facilities), special rules apply (Massachusetts Tort Claims Act). You must file a presentment (notice) within two years, and the procedural hurdles and immunities are stricter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a personal injury case, and when should I file one in Springfield?
A personal injury case claims damages when someone is harmed due to another’s negligence or wrongful act. If your medical bills, lost wages, or pain are significant, you should consult an attorney to evaluate whether filing is appropriate.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Massachusetts?
Generally, you have 3 years from the date of injury. Cases against municipalities require an earlier presentment (notice) within 2 years. Exceptions and tolled periods may apply.
What does a personal injury lawyer charge in Springfield?
Most work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and the lawyer receives an agreed percentage of the recovery. Always confirm exactly how the fee is calculated and which expenses are deducted.
Do I need a lawyer after an accident in Springfield?
Yes. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer levels the playing field: they gather evidence, negotiate strategically, and litigate when needed. Cases involving serious injury, disputed liability, or public entities almost always benefit from counsel.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Massachusetts’s modified comparative negligence, you can still recover as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your award will be reduced by your fault percentage.
Get Started with a Free Evaluation
Were you or a loved one injured in Springfield, MA? Don’t wait. Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers now at (800) PERKINS for a free consultation and case review. You owe nothing unless we win your case.
Practice Areas Served in Springfield, MA
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Car & Truck Accidents
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Medical Malpractice
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Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse
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Product Liability
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Wrongful Death
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Pedestrian / Bicycle Accidents
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Catastrophic / Brain / Spinal Cord Injuries
Other Locations We Serve
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Holyoke, MA Personal Injury Lawyer
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Chicopee, MA Personal Injury Lawyer
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Westfield, MA Personal Injury Lawyer
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Pittsfield, MA Personal Injury Lawyer