At New England Law Group, our workplace injury lawyers understand how devastating a workplace injury can be. One moment, you are doing your job as expected. The next, an unexpected accident leaves you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next.

Our attorneys are dedicated to standing up for injured workers in Waltham, Massachusetts, ensuring they receive the compensation, protection, and justice they deserve under Massachusetts law.

A Serious Workplace Accident at a Waltham Manufacturing Facility

Our client, who we will call “Mike,” was a machine operator at a manufacturing plant in Waltham. He had worked for the company for more than five years and was well known for his strong work ethic and reliability.

During routine maintenance on a conveyor belt, Mike’s hand became caught in the machinery due to a missing safety guard. This was a clear violation of workplace safety regulations. As a result, Mike suffered a severe hand injury that required emergency surgery followed by months of rehabilitation.

Employer Pushback After a Workplace Injury

When Mike reached out to New England Law Group, he was dealing with mounting medical bills and uncertainty about his income. Like many injured workers, he quickly encountered resistance from his employer.

The company attempted to downplay the incident, shift blame, and minimize its responsibility. Unfortunately, this is a common tactic when workplace injuries occur, especially when safety violations are involved.

How Our Waltham Workplace Injury Attorneys Took Action

Our legal team immediately launched a thorough investigation into the accident. We worked closely with safety professionals and gathered evidence that clearly showed the employer failed to maintain required safety measures.

We assisted Mike with filing his workers’ compensation claim and aggressively challenged the insurance company when it attempted to reduce his benefits. Our focus was on protecting Mike’s rights and ensuring the full scope of his injuries was recognized.

The Emotional and Financial Toll of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries affect far more than physical health. Mike was dealing with pain, stress, and anxiety about his ability to provide for his family while recovering from a serious injury.

Throughout the process, we provided consistent communication and compassionate legal guidance. Mike never felt left in the dark, and he knew his case was being handled with care and urgency.

A Fair Settlement and Safer Conditions for Workers

Ultimately, our efforts led to a fair settlement that covered:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

In addition to securing compensation for Mike, the case prompted the employer to implement stronger safety protocols. This outcome helped protect other workers from experiencing similar injuries in the future.

Helping Injured Workers Across Waltham and Massachusetts

At New England Law Group, we believe every injured worker deserves a strong advocate. Whether your injury occurred at a factory, construction site, warehouse, or office in Waltham or surrounding communities, our attorneys are ready to help.

We have extensive experience with Massachusetts workers’ compensation and workplace injury claims and a proven track record of success in complex cases.

Injured at Work in Waltham? Get Legal Help Today

If you or a loved one has been injured at work, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Contact New England Law Group today for a free consultation.

Determining who is at fault in a car accident is one of the most important and often most confusing steps after a crash. Fault affects everything from insurance claims to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While some accidents have an obvious cause, many require a thorough investigation to understand what truly happened.

This guide explains how fault is determined in Massachusetts and what evidence plays the biggest role in proving liability.

How Fault Works Under Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

• You can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault
• Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault

For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and awarded 100,000 dollars, your final compensation would be 80,000 dollars.

Because of this system, determining fault accurately is essential for protecting your rights and financial recovery.

Key Factors Used to Determine Fault in a Car Accident

Determining who is responsible for a car accident typically involves reviewing multiple forms of evidence. Insurance companies, attorneys, and investigators may evaluate the following:

1. Police Reports

Police reports are one of the most important sources of information. They often include:

• Officer observations
• Citations issued at the scene
• Initial statements from drivers and witnesses
• Crash diagrams
• Noted violations such as speeding or failing to yield

Although not always final, the officer’s findings carry significant weight.

2. Statements From Witnesses

Witnesses can provide valuable insight regarding:

• How the drivers behaved before the crash
• Which vehicle had the right of way
• Whether any distractions or unsafe driving took place

Independent witness statements can help confirm or challenge each driver’s account of events.

3. Photos and Videos From the Scene

Visual evidence can be extremely helpful, including:

• Photos of vehicle damage
• Skid marks or debris patterns
• Weather or road conditions
• The final position of the vehicles

Images from cell phones, dash cams, or nearby security cameras can help reconstruct what occurred.

4. Traffic Camera or Security Footage

When available, surveillance footage can capture:

• Red light violations
• Speeding
• Sudden lane changes
• Driver inattention

This type of evidence often provides a clear and objective view of the crash.

5. Vehicle Damage and Accident Reconstruction

In more complex situations, experts may rely on:

• The point of impact
• The angle and depth of damage
• Airbag deployment data
• Black box information such as braking or speed

Accident reconstruction specialists can use this information to create a detailed analysis of how the collision occurred.

Common Situations Where Fault Is More Clear Cut

Although every accident is unique, some situations tend to indicate fault more clearly.

Rear End Collisions
The driver who rear ends another vehicle is usually at fault because all drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance.

Left Turn Collisions
A driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. When a collision occurs, the turning driver is often found responsible unless the other driver was speeding or ran a red light.

Failure to Yield Accidents
If a driver fails to yield at an intersection, crosswalk, traffic circle, or merge point, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Distracted Driving Crashes
When evidence shows that a driver was texting, eating, adjusting controls, or otherwise distracted, they may be found at fault for the crash.

What If Both Drivers Share Fault

Massachusetts allows fault to be shared among drivers. Each driver is assigned a percentage based on their contribution to the accident. As long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, you may still recover compensation, although your award may be adjusted according to your percentage of responsibility.

How an Attorney Helps Prove Fault and When to Seek Legal Guidance

An experienced car accident attorney can strengthen your claim by:

• Gathering and preserving essential evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts when needed
• Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Building a strong argument that reflects the true cause of the crash

This support ensures that your side of the story is fully represented and that you are not unfairly blamed for the accident.

If you were injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, determining fault accurately is critical to protecting your rights. Even seemingly minor details can affect the outcome of your claim. Speaking with an attorney early in the process can help ensure that important evidence is preserved and that your claim is handled properly from the start.

New England Law Group is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate the details of your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

Many people worry that not wearing a seat belt automatically prevents them from filing a claim after a car accident. While wearing a seat belt is a critical safety requirement, the reality is that you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were unrestrained at the time of the crash. The key factor is how state law handles comparative fault and how much your lack of a seat belt may have contributed to your injuries.

This guide explains what you need to know if you were injured in a Massachusetts car accident and were not wearing a seat belt.

Seat Belt Use and Liability in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts in most circumstances. However, failing to wear one does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation if you are injured. Instead, your compensation may simply be adjusted based on how your choices contributed to the severity of your injuries.

This is because Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If your actions partly contributed to your injuries, your final compensation amount may be reduced.

How Comparative Fault Works When You Are Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Comparative fault assigns each party a percentage of responsibility. In car accident cases, this percentage may reflect both the cause of the crash and the cause of the injuries.

If you were not wearing a seat belt, an insurance company may argue that:

• Some or all of your injuries were made worse by not being restrained
• You would have suffered fewer injuries if you had been wearing a seat belt
• Your compensation should be reduced to reflect your partial responsibility

For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle, that driver may be mostly responsible for causing the crash. However, if your injuries were more severe because you were not wearing a seat belt, a percentage of fault may be assigned to you. If your total damages were 100,000 dollars and you were found 20 percent responsible due to lack of restraint, your compensation could be reduced to 80,000 dollars.

Seat Belt Evidence and How It Is Evaluated

In some cases, accident investigators, medical experts, or reconstruction specialists may determine how much your injuries were affected by not wearing a seat belt. Factors they may consider include:

• Where you were seated in the vehicle
• The type and location of your injuries
• The severity and direction of the collision
• Whether airbags deployed
• Statements from witnesses or passengers
• Vehicle damage and interior markings

Not wearing a seat belt does not prove fault, but it can influence how injuries are evaluated when determining compensation.

What You Can Still Recover Even Without a Seat Belt

If another driver caused the crash, you may still be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future treatment needs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long term or permanent disability

The key factor is whether the other driver was more responsible for causing the accident than you were for contributing to your injuries.

Why Insurance Companies Use Seat Belt Arguments

Insurance companies often focus on seat belt use because it gives them an opportunity to reduce payouts. They may argue that:

• Your injuries would have been minor if you were restrained
• Your medical care costs are higher due to lack of restraint
• You are partially responsible for the harm you suffered

An attorney can challenge these claims by demonstrating that the other driver was still the primary cause of the accident and that many of your injuries may have occurred regardless of restraint.

How an Attorney Can Help Protect Your Compensation

If you were not wearing a seat belt during a collision, the insurance company may try to place more blame on you than is justified. An experienced car accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash
• Demonstrating the other driver’s negligence
• Working with medical experts to explain your injuries
• Challenging unfair attempts to reduce your compensation
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf

This support ensures your rights are protected and that you are not assigned more fault than you deserve.

When to Contact an Attorney

You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you were injured in a car accident, regardless of whether you were wearing a seat belt. The sooner your legal team can gather evidence and build your case, the stronger your claim will be.

New England Law Group can help you understand your options, evaluate how comparative fault may impact your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

When it comes to child custody, few legal issues are more emotionally charged — or more deeply personal. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separating from a co-parent, or revisiting a custody arrangement that no longer works, the process can feel overwhelming.

At New England Law Group, we help parents navigate these decisions with clarity, compassion, and strong legal advocacy. We know you’re not just fighting for “time” or “rights” — you’re fighting to protect your child’s well-being, stability, and future. And we take that seriously.

Understanding Custody in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, custody is divided into two types:

• Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about your child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
• Physical custody refers to where the child lives and how parenting time is shared.

Both types of custody can be shared between parents or granted solely to one parent, depending on the circumstances.

The court’s guiding principle? The best interests of the child. That sounds simple, but in practice, it requires looking closely at things like:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The child’s educational and emotional needs
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The ability of the parents to communicate and co-parent effectively

Can Parents Create Their Own Custody Agreement?

Yes — and courts generally encourage it. If you and your co-parent can work together to create a custody and parenting plan, the court will usually approve it as long as it serves your child’s best interests.

We help many clients negotiate and draft parenting plans that are detailed, fair, and tailored to their family’s real-life schedule. That might include weekday and weekend time, holidays, school vacations, and transportation logistics.

But when communication breaks down or one parent is acting unreasonably, we’re fully prepared to go to court and advocate for your rights — and your child’s needs.

What If There’s Already a Custody Order, But Things Have Changed?

Life doesn’t stay static. Sometimes, the existing custody arrangement no longer works. A parent may move, change jobs, or struggle to meet the child’s needs. In those cases, you can file for a modification — but you’ll need to show that there has been a significant change in circumstances.

We regularly help clients pursue or defend against modifications, including requests for changes in physical custody, legal custody, or parenting time.

What About Grandparents or Non-Parent Caregivers?

In some situations, grandparents or other relatives may need to pursue custody or visitation. Massachusetts law allows this in limited circumstances, especially when it’s in the child’s best interests and necessary for their safety or emotional well-being. We can help you explore your rights and your options.

Custody Doesn’t Have to Be a Fight

Yes, custody cases can be contentious — but they don’t always have to be. We believe in keeping children out of the middle and helping parents build practical, respectful parenting arrangements wherever possible.

At the same time, we’re not afraid to litigate when necessary. If your co-parent is being unreasonable, violating the court order, or creating a harmful environment for your child, we’ll take swift action to protect your rights and your family.

Let’s Talk About What’s Best for Your Child

If you’re facing a custody issue, you don’t have to go through it alone. At New England Law Group, we’re here to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with confidence.

You can schedule a free consultation with one of our family law attorneys — by phone or Zoom — at a time that works for you. No pressure, no judgment. Just straightforward guidance and the support you need.

Your child’s future matters. Let’s protect it — together.

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely put years — maybe decades — of hard work, time, and money into building something valuable. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, partner, or shareholder in a larger venture, your business is more than just an asset — it’s your livelihood, your reputation, and in many cases, your legacy.

That’s why more and more entrepreneurs and professionals are opting for prenuptial agreements before getting married.

At New England Law Group, we help business owners across Massachusetts protect what they’ve built — without making their future spouse feel like they’re signing a hostile contract. When done the right way, a prenup can actually strengthen a relationship by promoting transparency and setting expectations early on.

Why Business Owners Need a Prenup

Marriage creates a legal and financial partnership, and without a prenup, your business could become subject to division in a divorce — even if your spouse never worked in it, invested in it, or had anything to do with day-to-day operations.

In Massachusetts, the courts follow an equitable distribution model. That means all marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. The issue is, your business might not be considered “separate property” just because you started it before the marriage. Any increase in value, reinvested earnings, or marital contributions to the business could become subject to division.

Without a clear agreement in place, your business could be:

• Subject to valuation and forced sale
• Required to “buy out” your spouse’s interest
• Disrupted by having your spouse awarded partial ownership or a share of future profits

A prenup can help you avoid all of that.

What Your Prenup Should Include

If you own a business, your prenup should:

• Clearly identify the business as separate, non-marital property
• Outline whether any increase in value during the marriage will be considered marital property
• Specify how (or if) any spousal support would be calculated using business income
• Detail what happens if you sell the business, take on new partners, or experience significant growth
• Include language about debt and liabilities, especially if the business has loans or lines of credit

We can also include clauses that protect future income streams, intellectual property, or licensing rights if you’re in a professional or creative field.

Every situation is different. Whether you run a solo practice, own a tech startup, or have a stake in a family business, your agreement should reflect your specific structure and goals.

What If You’re Already Married?

If you didn’t sign a prenup before the wedding, you’re not out of options. A postnuptial agreement can offer similar protections — though Massachusetts courts review postnups more carefully and require additional legal safeguards. We handle both and can help you determine what makes the most sense for your situation.

The Conversation Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward

We get it — asking for a prenup can feel uncomfortable, especially if your future spouse isn’t expecting it. But this doesn’t have to be a conflict. When handled with care and honesty, it can actually bring couples closer.

Our team works with clients and their partners to:

• Frame the conversation thoughtfully and respectfully
• Draft fair, enforceable agreements that protect both sides
• Facilitate communication and avoid unnecessary legal tension

A prenup isn’t about distrust. It’s about being proactive, responsible, and prepared.

We’re Here to Protect What You’ve Built

If you’re a business owner preparing for marriage, don’t leave your future — or your company — to chance. A thoughtful, well-drafted prenuptial agreement can give you and your partner peace of mind and a clear roadmap for the future.

At New England Law Group, we make the process straightforward and respectful. You bring the love — we’ll bring the legal clarity.

You can schedule a free consultation by phone or Zoom at a time that works for you. Let’s talk through your questions, your goals, and how to protect what matters.