In Newton, MA, a total of 143 premature deaths occurred in the city, according to annual statistics from Mass.gov. Among residents under aged 44, injury was the leading cause of premature death. Poisoning, including overdosing on drugs, has long been the top reason for injury-related deaths. Falls are the second-leading cause of death due to injury, and the number of fall-related deaths has been increasing an average of 11 percent annually since 2000. Motor vehicle accidents, on the other hand, have been declining 5.9 percent each year since 2002 and as of 2009 were the fourth leading cause of injury-related deaths.
Because many unintentional injuries result from negligence or a failure to fulfill a legal obligation, victims of injuries or their family members need to understand their legal rights. A Newton, MA personal injury lawyer at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers can help those who have been harmed to recover compensation for medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages.
Newton, MA Residents Face RisksNewton, Massachusetts is located just seven miles to the west of Boston’s downtown area. Newton is a suburb of Middlesex County that has repeatedly been voted one of the best places in the country to live. Many residents commute to Boston for work and cultural activities, but Newton is also close to Watertown, Brighton, Brookline, Needham and Wellesley.
The city of Newton is made up of a patchwork of 13 different villages, including Newton Corner, Chestnut Hill, Newton Highlands and the Newton Lower Falls area. Villages are not clearly differentiated, which can cause some confusion for visitors. Both residents and those passing through have plenty of activities to do within Newton’s villages, as both Crystal Lake and Chestnut Hill Reservoir provide space for outdoor activities and the Newton History Museum offers a look at the past.
Unfortunately, both residents and visitors are potentially at risk of injury in the Newton area. The Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a general medical and surgical hospital located in Newton. According to US News Health, a total of 50,522 people visited the emergency room at this facility over the course of the year, many as a result of suffering injuries. The 216-bed hospital also admitted a total of 16,405 people to receive inpatient services such as burn care; surgeries; pain management; end-of-life care; and other treatments for acute injuries.
Acute injuries are far too common not just in Newton, but statewide. There were a total of 2,820 deaths in Massachusetts in 2008. According to Mass.gov, 31 percent of all fatalities among residents aged 44 and under happened because of unintentional injuries. Accidental injury was the leading cause of death within this age group. The top causes of accidental injuries leading to death included:
In Newton, City Data reports one death in a motor vehicle collision on city streets in 2011 and four fatalities in Newton crashes in 2010.
When any type of injury occurs, the victim or surviving family members can take legal action against those responsible.
Newton Injury Victims Have RightsVictims of personal injury in Newton can pursue a claim to be “made whole” for losses. Cases may be resolved outside of court or victims can have a jury determine if the defendant was negligent and what an appropriate damage amount should be. Generally, compensation is available for medical costs; wages lost; pain and suffering; emotional distress and wrongful death.
Schedule your free consultation with a Newton personal injury lawyer at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. Call (617) 777-7777 or contact us online.