The term “wrongful death” refers to a death that occurs as the result of misconduct or negligence on the part of an individual or an entity. The responsibility for filing a wrongful death suit falls on the immediate family of the individual who died. These remaining family members are known as “distributees.”

Workers’ compensation, also referred to as workers’ comp, is a form of insurance that is mandated by the state to cover any employee injuries that take place during normal work activities. The specifics of the insurance required vary from state to state.

The term “Vaccine Court” refers to a Federal Claims Court that was first established within the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which entered into law in 1986. It specifies that a family who has suffered injuries that are directly related to a vaccination must turn in documentation to the “Vaccine Court” in order to receive any compensation for their claimed injuries.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury to the head or brain that often requires extensive medical treatment and limits a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Bruising, swelling, or tearing of brain tissue can all be considered traumatic brain injuries.

The term “statute of limitations” refers to the length of time that is permitted to pass between the start of a reasonable cause of action and the time that the right of action is exercised. The statute of limitations that is applicable to a given area of law may differ based on the restrictions of the state in which the suit is made and the type of suit being sought. For example, criminal cases have different statutes of limitations, depending on the type of crime that was committed.

A “slip and fall” injury refers to an injury sustained by an individual while on another person’s property. Liability for a slip and fall injury is determined based on whether or not the property in question was in dangerous condition at the time of the injury. Liability also depends on whether or not the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition of their property and how long the property remained in a dangerous condition for.

Punitive damages, sometimes referred to as exemplary damages, are a form of monetary compensation awarded as punishment to deter others from malicious, evil, or fraudulent behavior. In order for punitive damages to be awarded, it must be proven that the defendant’s conduct was malicious or in total disregard of another person's rights.

In Massachusetts, if a party’s negligence or conduct results in death, punitive damages may be awarded.

In legal terms, product liability refers to physical injuries, financial loss, and other harm caused by a product.

When a product liability claim is filed, it is based on one of three things: defective design, defective manufacturing, or failure to warn consumers about possible risks.

Every year there are thousands of products recalled due to some defect. Examples of recent defective products include, but aren’t limited to: tires, airbags, brakes, car seats, seat belts, Teflon, and helmets.

Personal injury protection or PIP, as it is often referred to, is a form of car insurance that will cover expenses such as medical bills for injuries sustained in a car accident. In some cases, PIP will cover lost wages for those that are unable to return to work after being injured in a car accident.

If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone’s negligent actions, you may be able to recover monetary damages for pain and suffering.