Attorney Highlight

Published on: November 25, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

Meet Michaela Weaver!

Michaela began working as an Associate Trial Attorney at KJC Law Firm, LLC in October 2019. Her passion for helping others allows her to achieve justice in the courtroom for people who have been injured by the negligence or intentional wrongful conduct of others. Michaela works as an associate with John Martin on employment law cases dealing with victims or marginalized groups. The employment law cases they face mostly include discrimination based on disability, gender, sexual orientation, sexual harassment at work, and medical. Michaela and John also deal with civil rights and federal law cases, whistleblower law suits that focus on unlawful practices in the workplace, brutality at work, and product’s liability. One of Michaela’s favorite core value from KJC Law Firm is the concept of KJCTribe because it reflects the firm’s collaborative and family atmosphere.

Michaela graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 2019 with Distinction in the Trial and Appellate Advocacy Concentration. At Suffolk, Michaela dedicated her time to helping destitute criminal defendants through pro bono work with the Public Defender’s Office for Suffolk Superior Court. She also interned at Middlesex County Public Defender’s office as a 3:03 certified student attorney, where she represented indigent defendants in District Court. Additionally, Michaela interned at Keches Law Group and Kelly Law Office working with workers’ compensation cases and all types of civil litigation. Michaela was a member of Suffolk’s nationally ranked mock trial team and was a regional finalist in the National Trial Competition and Peter James Johnson National Civil Rights Trial Competition. She heard about KJC Law Firm from director Timothy Wilton and coach Benjamin Duggan at Suffolk’s mock trial team.

What is Catastrophic Injury

Published on: November 18, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

What is it?

The definition of catastrophic injury is injury with proximate and direct consequences that damage and prevent an individual from performing any type of work. A catastrophic injury is very serious and in simpler terms leaves the individual with permanent damage. These type of injuries are physical harm to either the brain or spinal cord which has an impact on long term and short term functional abilities. It is important to note that no matter the type of injury, if it is serious enough to be a long term deformity, you have suffered from a catastrophic injury.

Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries can affect basic parts of everyday living such as losing a limb, ability to talk, or ability to walk. A catastrophic injury lawsuit and settlement can be pursued for any type of accident that results to even one individual. A personal injury lawyer can help you be legally compensated for the life altering and wrongful injury that has occurred to you.

Employee Highlight

Published on: November 16, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

Meet Jacki Ryan!

Jacki Ryan began her journey at KJC Law Firm when the firm opened in 2010. She is an essential member of the team, having more than 10 years of experience in customer service and administration. Jacki in in charge of daily administration for the firm, including monitoring the process of each case, scheduling events, and making sure that client questions and concerns are answered or addressed in a timely manner. Jacki is a quick and avid learner. She has rapidly adapted many business skills which strongly attribute to the environment at KJC Law Firm.

Jacki moved to the Worchester area in Massachusetts with her husband in 2009 after living in Champaign, Illinois for 14 years. In Illinois she was involved with customer service and a warranty administrator specializing in helping clients with warranty claims. She has been married for almost 20 years and is a loving mother of two daughters ages 9 and 12. In Jacki’s free time she loves to be around her girls, read, get dinner or a drink with friends, and was a former softball player. In the midst of the pandemic, Jacki is an extremely hard working parent who is balancing work and managing her daughter’s online schooling.

Home for the Holidays

Published on: November 11, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

“Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays”. The holidays are just around the corner and there is no reason why we shouldn’t celebrate wholeheartedly! It is definitely going to be different and more challenging this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but instead of focusing on spending money it is important to focus on spending time for yourself and the ones closest to you.

The holidays are filled with warm memories from making cookies, to shiny lights, decorating, and spending time with family and friends. With money being tight this year as a result of the pandemic, the most precious gifts are the memories made with the people and places that make us smile. With stay-at-home orders encouraging families to stay at home for the holidays instead of travelling, embrace it! Have everyone make gifts for each other at home or buy from second-hand stores. Having these ideas allows people to be more thoughtful when giving gifts to one another. Below are 10 ways to celebrate the holiday season inexpensively and start new traditions.

Secret Santa gift exchange: Have family members or household members draw names out of a hat. Ask each person for a list of 5-10 gifts they’d like to receive (everyone only gets one or two gifts). Or even better have everyone fill out a Secret Santa Survey like the one below so that people really have to get creative.

Thanksgiving 2020

Published on: November 6, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

Ahh Thanksgiving. Family, turkey, mashed potatoes, pie, and football are some of the traditions American’s look forward to enjoying every year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still present and many areas are seeing a spike in cases. Things are going to be different this year. Especially for those who are used to travelling far to visit loved ones. The CDC states that Thanksgiving travel increases the chances of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Not to mention if you are travelling from a hot-spot state, you may need to quarantine before or after travelling.

Family gatherings may be putting loved ones at risk this year, especially grandparents and elder relatives. If you must travel, the CDC insists that you must avoid these activities in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These activities include:

attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside your house

What is Wrongful Death

Published on: November 4, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

When another person is killed because of another person’s negligence or misconduct it is called wrongful death. Wrongful death is a separate civil action and different from any criminal charges even though there may still be criminal prosecution related to the death of the person. The standard of proof is lower in this case than it would be for a case of murder or manslaughter.

Some instances of wrongful death lawsuit include motor vehicle accidents, toxic torts, criminal activity, manufacturing defects, and medical malpractice. Wrongful death statues are different depending on the state. Each state has its own criteria and procedure for wrongful death lawsuits. There are certain agencies in special cases that have government immunity from the prosecution of wrongful death lawsuits.

A lawsuit may be filed from a representative on behalf of the decedent’s death. The representative depending on the state is on the behalf of the eligible survivors who experienced harm from the incident. The eligibility of family members depends on your state and the survivors are called “real parties of interest.” In order to sue the negligent party, spouses, children, and parents of children who are not married can act as a representatives. Depending on the state, other people like spouses or financial dependents can recover damages. In addition, other states may allow siblings and grandparents to make a claim.

How to Have a Healthy Halloween

Published on: October 30, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

Traditional activities on Halloween are fun and festive, however some traditions can increase the exposure to spreading COVID-19 and other viruses. However, Halloween should not be put on hold because of COVID-19! We can still celebrate and have a spooky time with friends and family while promoting healthy habits. In fact, safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands can be easily incorporated into festivities.

Trick- or- Treating

Trick-or-treating is one of the best parts of Halloween. Seeing your kids get all dressed up and excited when they get their favorite treats is heartwarming. And sneaking some of the kid’s candy is always something to look forward too! However, going from house to house and being exposed to people you haven’t been around is definitely a risk for possibly getting or spreading COVID-19 and other viruses. But have no fear because there are plenty of ideas to safely trick-or-treat.

Payment or Denial of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Claim

Published on: October 28, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

Workers’ compensation insurance coverage, also known as workers’ comp can give benefits to employees who suffer from a work related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation can protect your business and employees and also provide benefits to employees who are injured. Workers’ comp can help cover missed wages, medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, or in extreme cases death benefits.

In Massachusetts, the claims reporting process requires an injured employee becoming eligible for weekly compensation benefits when they are physically unable to attend work for 5 or more calendar days as a result of injury or illness at work. The five days do not need to be consecutive. After missing work days, the employer is required to electronically fill out the Employer’s First Report of Injury / Fatality. If the injury or illness results in missing less than 5 full calendar days, then it is considered a “medical only” claim and does not have to be reported to the DIA.

Payment or Denial of Claim

Self-Care For Parents During the Coronavirus

Published on: October 23, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

By KJC Law Firm

Being a parent is rewarding but sometimes self-care is forgotten in the mist of our busy lives. Taking good care of yourself is not slacking off from your parental duties, it is essential to your well-being. When the kids are home and stress is building, it is more important than ever. Taking care of yourself benefits the whole family! Below are five tips to help incorporate self-care in your lifestyle.

Establish Me Time

Worker’s Compensation- Private Right of Action in Massachusetts

Published on: October 22, 2020 | by KJC Law Firm, LLC

By KJC Law Firm

Workers’ compensation benefits are exclusively for employees who are either injured or killed during work hours. Employees may not sue employers for damages other than work related injuries or illnesses. The employee is required to show a written notice to the employer and show him or her the claims of right of action.

The rights of action are under the common law either at hire or within 30 days of the time that the employer obtains insurance or becomes a self-insurer. The employee may sue in court if the employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance.

Massachusetts Injury Lawyer Blog

Meet Michaela Weaver!

What is it?

Meet Jacki Ryan!

Trick- or- Treating

Payment or Denial of Claim

Establish Me Time

By KJC Law Firm