By Robert I. Feinberg | Published July 26, 2018 | Posted in Litigation, Personal Injury | Tagged Tags: Loss of Consortium | Comments Off on A Short Primer on Consortium Claims
We know that the law often changes or, as academics are fond of saying, evolves. Yes, over the years more claims have been permitted by the highest court of Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Massachusetts state legislature. Of course, sometimes the pendulum swings the other way, that is against the rights of victims.
In terms of which courts adjudicate personal injury cases, federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction by the terms of the constitution. They can only hear certain cases. Those cases include the United States as an active party, cases that bring into question violations of the constitution, other federal questions and then a big catchall: diversity cases.
A recent and tragic case brings home the proposition on just how cruel the law can be, or at least seem to be. A fourth grader in a Lynn public school had been the target of ongoing bullying. One morning, when the class was lining up to enter the school, he was pushed down the stairs. The child suffered a severe spinal injury, resulting in paralysis.
It seems to me that the more you watch sports these days the more it calls for legal thinking. I’m not trying to elevate the profession of lawyers, but I am trying to say the interpretation of the rules in sports has become a complicated matter.
Telling the truth in litigation is very, very important. Examples which I have in mind are telling your lawyer about any prior medical condition as well as giving a full and complete description of how an accident occurred.