Understanding Personal Injury Damages and the Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts
- John T. Gatie, Esq.
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
When you are hurt because someone else acted negligently, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Medical appointments, missed work, and insurance paperwork can add stress during an already difficult time. At JTG Legal Services, we help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
One of the most common questions clients ask is what types of damages they may recover and how long they have to file a personal injury claim. Here is a simple overview to help you get started.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury cases can happen in many different ways. Some of the most common claims in Massachusetts include:
Car accidents
Truck and motorcycle accidents
Slip and fall incidents
Dog bites
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Construction or workplace injuries
Defective products
Medical and nursing home negligence
No matter how the injury occurred, the goal remains the same. You deserve a fair process, clear support, and a path forward.
Understanding Negligence in Personal Injury Cases
To recover compensation in a personal injury claim, it must be shown that the other party acted with negligence. This means:
The other party had a duty to act with reasonable care.
They failed to meet that duty.
That failure caused your injury.
You suffered damages as a result.
It is also important that the injured person was not at fault for causing the accident. Massachusetts follows comparative negligence rules, but that topic will be covered in detail in a future blog post.
What Are Personal Injury Damages?
Damages are the losses you experience because of your injury. In Massachusetts, personal injury damages typically fall into two main categories.
Economic Damages
These are financial losses with clear, measurable costs. They may include:
Medical bills
Future medical care
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
These damages reflect the direct financial impact the injury has on your life.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are not tied to receipts, but they represent real losses. They may include:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Impact on personal relationships
Non-economic damages acknowledge the physical and emotional toll the injury has on you and your family.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters
The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Massachusetts, most personal injury cases must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, even when the other party was clearly at fault.
Some situations may affect the timeline, such as cases involving minors or injuries that are discovered later. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights and ensures you understand all your options.
How an Attorney Can Help
Personal injury cases can be complex, especially when insurance companies try to minimize your claim. An experienced attorney can:
Review the facts of your case
Determine whether negligence can be proven
Calculate the full value of your damages
Communicate with insurance companies
Protect your rights
Guide you through each step of the legal process
Having clear guidance can reduce stress and help you focus on healing.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
If you were injured in Massachusetts, we are here to help you understand your options and move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney for advice specific to your situation.
