wrongful death

March 22, 2019

Risks of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Attorney General this week announced settlements with seven nursing homes over the deaths of five residents.

One nursing home operator has been banned from participating in state-run healthcare programs for a period of seven years, while others agreed to fines ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 and will undergo retraining of staff. But the settlement falls short of criminal prosecution, which safety advocates contend needs to occur to hold large for-profit nursing home operators accountable for the health and safety of residents.

The Worcester Telegram reported more nursing home closures are expected across Massachusetts. Currently more than 400 Massachusetts nursing homes operate 45,000 beds. About 20 Massachusetts nursing homes closed last year.

The aging Baby Boomer population, consolidation of the industry into a few large for-profit nursing home operators, and a lax regulatory and oversight environment have created a perfect storm in the American nursing home industry. As our nursing home abuse attorneys in Massachusetts reported last year, instance of nursing home mistreatment or neglect can be even more likely at these for-profit facilities.

June 12, 2018

Worker Dies After Falling Out of Tree

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 11, police and emergency crews received a report of a workplace accident involving a worker falling from a tree. The accident occurred on Monday and was reported to Medway Police and Fire Communications Center through a 911 emergency call stating a man at 27 Broken Tree Road fell approximately 30 feet out of a tree.

Upon arrival, an ambulance transported Lewis P. Umbenhower III, 38, to Milford Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced dead while at the hospital. Preliminary investigations into the incident indicate Umbenhower was cutting a portion of a tree when he fell. The incident is under investigation by OSHA as well as local police. Umbenhower was an independent contractor.

Workplace Accidents

June 12, 2018

Update: Police Identify 4 Killed in Crash

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 11, an update has become available about a car crash reported on earlier this week. The car crash occurred in Berwick and killed four people. Initially, the names of the victims were not released, but these names have now been released by police.

According to authorities on the scene, the crash happened when 31-year-old Robert Howard of Buxton made an improper pass and slid into the path of another vehicle. Howard was one of the people who passed away. Two passengers in his car, Kevin Clark, 29, and Davin Clark, 7, were also killed. Barbara Allen, 73, also died. She was a passenger in the other vehicle. Four other people also sustained injuries in the crash. This incident took place on Route 4.

Injuries and Vehicle Accidents

June 11, 2018

Two-Vehicle Accident Leads to Death of Robert Lind

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 10, State Police responded to a head-on collision which lead to one fatality. According to police, a 32-year-old man, Robbery Lind, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash which occurred in the afternoon.

The incident happened after a vehicle being driven by 26-year-old Sarah Loos of Bondville crossed the center line and struck Lind’s vehicle. Police have charged Loos with grossly negligent operation resulting in death and driving under the influence of drugs. She is expected to appear in court at a future date. A passenger in Lind’s vehicle was also airlifted to a hospital and had sustained significant injuries. Lind suffered minor injuries in the crash, also.

Fatalities and Vehicle Accidents

June 11, 2018

Two-Vehicle Accident Leads to Death of Three People

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 10, a lethal car accident caused the death of three people, including a 7-year-old child.

State Police responded to the accident which occurred around 1:30 in the afternoon. A Woburn woman was behind the wheel of a car that was hit by another driver. The 46-year-old woman was driving a Ford Explorer on Portland Street when her car was hit by a 1994 Honda Civic that slid into her path. The two vehicles collided, killing three people in the Honda.

The victims including a 31-year-old driver, a 29-year-old man, and a 7-year-old boy. A 73-year-old woman riding in the ford was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The names of the victims in this accident have not yet been released. The crash is still being investigated by State Police and other police departments.

June 11, 2018

Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested in Three-Car Crash that Killed a 63-Year-Old

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 10, State Police responded to a three-car crash that occurred in Chelmsford. The accident occurred on Route 3. Emergency responders including EMTs were dispatched to the scene quickly

Upon arrival, first responders found that Christopher Thompson, 38, of Nashua, had caused the accident and appeared to be driving. He was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and causing serious bodily injury. Thompson was driving a 2016 Jetta when he rear-ended a 1996 Toyota Camry being driven by a 63-year-old man. The accident occurred around 1:25 a.m.

The 63-year-old victim was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the crash. His identity has not been released at this time.

June 10, 2018

Update: Victim in Fatal Brighton Crash Identified as Theodore J. Schwalb

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Car accidents can happen out of nowhere, and they can have fatal consequences. It is essential to remember that negligent driving is serious and can have lethal impacts on innocent lives. This is why all drivers must remain aware at all times and remember the duty of care they have to others when behind the wheel.

An update is available related to a vehicle accident that occurred earlier this week. Police responded on Wednesday to a call for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle on Commonwealth Avenue. On arrival, officers located an adult male victim in his eighties suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The operator of the vehicle did not stop or remain at the scene.

The victim has since been identified as 80-year-old Theodore J. Schwalb. Police later located the suspect and have now arrested Phocian Fitts, 23, in connection with the accident.

June 9, 2018

Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver Kills One in Westford

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Car accidents can sometimes lead to fatalities. Accidents that cause fatalities can leave family, friends, and entire communities grieving the loss. Drivers must remember that they share the road with others. We all must be accountable to do our part to keep our roads safe.

On June 8, the troopers from the State Police Barracks in Concord received a report about a car accident that occurred around 2:00 a.m. They received multiple calls reporting a white Nissan was traveling the wrong way while driving north on I-495 southbound in Westford. Around 2:13 a.m., calls were received reported a serious injury.

Upon arrival, Trooper Trooper Christopher Lopilato located the crash just south of Exit 32. An early investigation into the crash has revealed that a 2018 Nissan Rogue, driven by a 45-year-old woman, was traveling the wrong way when she struck a 2017 Honda Civic being driven by a 35-year-old man.

June 8, 2018

Elderly Woman From Plymouth Dies in Crash

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Car accidents can be some of the most dangerous events that happen, and they can leave victims and families devastated. Vehicles are large and sometimes traveling at high speeds, and they can cause severe damage. It is vital to remember to remain attentive and cautious whenever you are behind the wheel as some car accidents can be deadly.

On June 7, police averaged a crashed that killed an elderly Massachusetts woman.

The accident involved a 79-year-old woman from Plymouth. Her vehicle collided with a second vehicle shortly after 10 in the morning. She and the driver of the other car, a 58-year-old from Portsmouth, were transported to a local hospital with injuries. The 79-year-old woman succumbs to her injuries while at the spatial. Detectives are investigating the deadly crash and are asking witnesses for information. The names of the two women have not been released.

June 8, 2018

Elderly Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Sadly, some car accident can cause fatalities. These accidents are tragic, and they leave family and friends behind to grieve the loss of their loved one. Whenever anyone gets behind the wheel, they must remember that their actions could have deadly consequences. We must all do our part to keep our roads safe.

On June 7, an eight-year-old man was struck and killed while walking across a crosswalk in the middle of the 1300 block of Commonwealth Avenue. A suspect was taken into custody soon after the accident occurred.

The collision happened in Allston when a Jeep caused this hit-and-run crash. Police quickly located the driver in Brighton. The crash occurred around 12:50 p.m. near the Griggs Street MBTA station. The victim was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released. Police are still investigating this incident.