Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

August 30, 2025

Massachusetts Personal Injury News for August and Early September 2025

Late summer in Massachusetts brought a cluster of developments that matter to anyone who handles or follows personal injury cases. A catastrophic assisted-living fire moved quickly into civil litigation. Automated traffic enforcement in bus lanes and around school buses took concrete steps toward real-world deployment. The Commonwealth’s minimum auto insurance limits increased, which is already affecting claim valuations. Agencies ran an end-of-summer impaired driving crackdown. A Massachusetts food manufacturer initiated an allergen-label recall that reached local grocery shelves. The Superior Court also refreshed model jury instructions on personal injury damages and wrongful death. This roundup explains what changed, why it matters, and how to adjust your approach in ongoing and upcoming cases.

Assisted-living fire in Fall River, and the surge of civil filings

The July 2025 fire at the Gabriel House assisted-living residence in Fall River resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries. In early and mid-August, survivors and families began filing lawsuits in Bristol Superior Court. The complaints focus on alleged failures in life-safety systems and emergency planning, along with claims about training, supervision, and oversight. Several filings also name third-party vendors that serviced alarms and suppression equipment, suggesting that the litigation will involve a web of contractual relationships and maintenance records.

August 13, 2025

Central Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster: What Happened, Who May Be Liable, and How Victims Can Protect Their Rights

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

This post provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.

What We Know Right Now about the Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

New York City health officials are investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem (ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039). As of August 12, 2025, the City reports 90 confirmed cases, three deaths, and 15 people currently hospitalized. The Health Department sampled and tested cooling towers in the investigation zone. Towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria underwent remediation under City orders, and the agency continues to monitor and direct additional treatment as needed.

July 16, 2025

Tragic Fire at Fall River Assisted Living Facility: A Call for Accountability and Justice

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As a personal injury attorney with decades of experience representing victims and their families in Massachusetts, I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River. On a quiet Sunday night, a devastating fire claimed the lives of nine elderly residents and sent dozens more to the hospital, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we have seen far too many cases where preventable accidents in care facilities lead to unnecessary loss of life. As experienced fire and explosion lawyers, we recognize that this incident underscores the vital importance of fire safety protocols in assisted living facilities, where vulnerable populations rely on facility operators for their protection.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of the fire, provide a legal overview of potential liabilities, and discuss how affected families can seek justice. Our goal is to empower readers with knowledge while honoring the victims and highlighting the need for systemic improvements.

June 17, 2025

Giving Back Is Part of Who We Are: Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers Charity

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, community service is woven into the fabric of our practice. Every client who walks through our doors entrusts us with something precious, their well-being after a life-altering injury. Honoring that trust means prioritizing safety, health, and dignity in the courtroom and everywhere we live and work. That is why my team and I dedicate significant time, funds, and energy to various charitable partners. Below is an inside look, straight from us, at the programs we support and why they matter.

Inclusion, Health & Disability

I believe no one should face life’s challenges alone, and that begins with opening doors for people of all abilities. Our partnership with Best Buddies International exemplifies that commitment. Each spring, we participate in the Hyannis Port 100-mile Challenge, raising critical funds to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience friendship, employment, and leadership programs.

December 1, 2024

Lights Brigade: MassBike and Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers Advocating For Bicyclist Safety

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, MassBike, has advocated for safer and more accessible cycling since 1977. For over four decades, we have led the charge to improve conditions on our roads, paths, and trails, meeting the needs of our riders to encourage everyday riding.

We have successfully supported the passage of a new law on road safety, which had been making its way through the state house for almost a decade. It was known as the An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities. The law designates “vulnerable users” on our roadways as a special protected class for people on foot, on bikes, on horses, doing roadside repairs, and on farm equipment, all of whom are sharing our public ways with drivers of automobiles. This legislation, with its clear regulations and forthcoming amendments, is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of all road users. It essentially clarifies the need for drivers to give people space and patience to keep our fellow road users safe.

The bill’s name matches the goals for systemic changes, and we have focused on preventing incidents. As in, we intend to stop a crash before it happens. Specifics of the law now require motorists passing vulnerable road users to provide at least 4 feet of space, allowing drivers to legally cross a double yellow line to do so as long as they drive safely and within the speed limit. The law also mandates that large trucks owned or leased by the Commonwealth must have side guards between the front and rear wheels, convex mirrors, and backup cameras to improve driver awareness. Additionally, this legislation adds red rear lights, the required rear reflector, and a front white light for bicyclists riding at night.

November 17, 2024

Airbnb and Premises Liability: How Personal Injury Lawyers Hold the Company Accountable

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The rise of Airbnb has revolutionized the travel and hospitality industry. With over 4 million hosts and 1 billion guests worldwide, Airbnb offers unique, affordable accommodations. However, this convenience comes with potential risks. Many travelers and hosts have faced safety issues, serious injuries, and legal disputes. Personal injury lawyers are stepping in to hold Airbnb accountable for premises liability, ensure justice for injured guests, and create safer standards for the platform. At the forefront of this effort, Airbnb premises liability attorneys at our law firm are fighting to protect the rights of those harmed while staying at Airbnb properties.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. The property owner may be liable if someone is injured due to unsafe conditions, such as broken staircases, slippery floors, or inadequate security.

November 4, 2024

Significant Construction Accidents in USA during 2024

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In 2024, the United States experienced several significant construction accidents that underscored the industry’s inherent dangers and highlighted critical areas for safety improvements. At our law firm, our construction accident attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of construction workers and emphasizing the importance of stringent safety protocols. Here, find three of the most notable construction accidents of the year, analyzing their causes and the lessons they impart.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse – Baltimore, Maryland

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore suffered a catastrophic collapse after the cargo ship Dali lost power and collided with the bridge’s support structures. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of six construction workers who were performing maintenance on the bridge at the time. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary investigation revealed that the Dali experienced multiple electrical failures, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent collision. The collapse caused significant loss of life, disrupted maritime traffic, and necessitated a complex demolition and reconstruction process.

August 29, 2024

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Plant in Virginia

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

This summer of 2024, a deadly listeria outbreak sent shockwaves through the food industry, raising significant concerns about the safety protocols at food manufacturing facilities. Among the most alarming revelations was the discovery of bugs, mold, and mildew at a Boar’s Head plant, where the contaminated products were linked directly to the outbreak. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations, better enforcement, and a renewed focus on public health to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As experienced injury lawyers, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers understand the profound impact food poisoning incidents can have on individuals and their families. We are committed to holding companies accountable for their negligence.

The Listeria Outbreak: A Deadly Consequence of Negligence

August 19, 2024

Know Right Of Way Laws in Boston, MA

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Understanding right-of-way laws is crucial for all drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Massachusetts. These laws help manage the flow of traffic and ensure safety on the roads. As a personal injury attorney at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, I’ve seen numerous cases where ignorance or disregard of these laws has led to accidents and injuries. In this blog post, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to understanding right-of-way laws in Massachusetts, helping you navigate the roads more safely and responsibly.

Intersections Without Traffic Signals

At intersections without traffic signals or where the signals are not functioning, the vehicle arriving first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right should be given the right of way. This rule also applies to four-way stops, where drivers must come to a complete stop and may proceed in the order they arrive.

August 18, 2024

Emerging Trends in Premises Liability Law

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The nuances of premises liability law are evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends and legal developments is essential for property owners, business operators, and legal practitioners. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand that as societal norms shift and technology advances, the legal framework surrounding premises liability adapts, introducing new challenges and considerations.

Increased Focus on Security Measures

With the rise in public awareness around safety, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of security measures in premises liability cases. Property owners are now, more than ever expected to implement reasonable security protocols to protect visitors from potential harm, including criminal acts. This trend reflects a broader understanding of the “duty of care” concept, expanding it to encompass physical safety from accidents and protection from foreseeable criminal activities.