Wrongful death claims in Massachusetts arise from many different kinds of loss, and the cause shapes everything about the case: who is responsible, what has to be proven, and which deadlines apply. This page is a map of the areas we cover. Find the situation that fits your family, and follow it to a plain explanation of how that claim works. If you are not sure where your case belongs, start with our Massachusetts wrongful death guide or call us at 617-415-2100.
Motor vehicle and roadway deaths
The most common fatal cases in Massachusetts come from the roads.
- Car and truck crash deaths
- Truck crash deaths
- Motorcycle deaths
- Bicycle deaths
- Pedestrian deaths
- Bus and transit deaths
- Drunk driving deaths
- Dram shop and social host liability
- Hit-and-run deaths
- Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) deaths
- Train and railroad crossing deaths
- ATV, dirt bike, and snowmobile deaths
- Aviation and plane crash deaths
- Finding all the insurance coverage after a crash
Medical malpractice deaths
When negligent medical care causes a death, the case follows special rules, including a screening tribunal. See our overview of medical malpractice wrongful death, and the specific situations below.
- Cancer misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose (stroke, heart attack, aneurysm)
- Medication and pharmacy errors
- Sepsis deaths
- Surgical errors
- Birth injury and infant death
- Loss of chance and missed diagnosis
- Suing a hospital for wrongful death
Workplace and construction deaths
A fatal injury at work often supports a claim beyond workers’ compensation. See workplace fatality wrongful death.
- Construction site deaths
- Workers’ compensation and third-party claims
- Electrocution deaths
- Mesothelioma and asbestos deaths
Nursing home and elder neglect
- Nursing home neglect deaths
- Fatal nursing home falls
- Bedsores and pressure injuries
- Warning signs of nursing home neglect
Premises, product, and other deaths
- Fatal falls on property
- Negligent security deaths
- Burn and fire deaths
- Carbon monoxide deaths
- Drowning deaths
- Boating deaths
- Defective product deaths
- Fatal dog attacks
- Wrongful death of a child
Understanding your claim
However the death happened, these guides explain the law that applies to every Massachusetts wrongful death case.
- Who can file the claim
- What families can recover
- The deadline to file
- How the claim process works
- Wrongful death vs. survival action
- Punitive damages and gross negligence
- What to expect at trial
- Mediation and settlement
- The claim and the criminal case
Attorney at Scalli Murphy Law, P.C. Massachusetts personal injury and wrongful death practice since 1994. This overview is general information and not legal advice.