Somerville is a city in Middlesex County, located just two miles south of Boston. With an estimated population of about 80,000 residents in 2013, it is one of the most densely populated cities in New England. Somerville attracts workers, students, and young professionals from around the state and the world, with more than 50 languages spoken in its schools. Its squares, including Davis and Union Squares, are magnets for small businesses and restaurants, and they serve as entertainment centers for the community. When you have a legal matter in Somerville, the lawyers at Pulgini & Norton can provide the assistance you need. Our real estate attorneys advise clients in a broad range of property transactions, including zoning, purchases and sales, and financing. We also help injured individuals in workers’ compensation claims.
Advice on Buying and Selling a HomeMassachusetts real estate transactions often involve complex local laws. A homeowner may pour money into a change or addition to his or her property before realizing that the modification requires local government approval. The Somerville Zoning Ordinance dictates what types of property changes are permissible, and which require a special permit or variance. If a particular change requires a special permit, the Planning Division will have to approve it. The Design or Site Plan Review Committee may also need to approve a change before issuing a special permit. If the change is contrary to the ordinance, the homeowner will need a variance, which is issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Obtaining a special permit or variance is often a multi-step process, which includes a zoning application, a public hearing, and possibly an appeal if the application is denied.
Somerville residents and newcomers may also need assistance buying or selling real estate. These sales and purchases require a keen eye for detail, particularly when it comes to drafting and negotiating the listing agreement, the offer, and the purchase and sale agreement.
The listing agreement is the contract between the seller of the property and the real estate broker. It describes the seller’s obligations, what the broker must do to market and sell the property, the commission, and under what circumstances the broker is entitled to payment. For example, a seller may need to pay the real estate broker’s fee regardless of who finds the buyer during the term of the agreement.
The offer is the buyer’s proposal to purchase the property from the seller. The offer includes the purchase price, the down payment, and when a buyer can rescind the offer. For instance, offers are generally contingent upon the results of a property inspection.
The purchase and sale agreement is the contract between the buyer and seller for the purchase of the property. The agreement spells out the terms of the purchase and describes what each party must do to close the transaction. For example, a seller will need to clear any title issues before it can convey the title to the buyer, and a buyer will need to secure financing by a specified date.
Seeking Benefits After a Job-Related Accident or IllnessIf you work in Somerville and were hurt on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. In Massachusetts, an injured individual can claim benefits if he or she suffered a work-related accident or illness that keeps him or her from returning to the job for five or more days. This type of financial assistance may include wage compensation and medical coverage to treat the injury. Wage benefits depend on whether the injury is considered a partial disability, temporary total disability, or permanent total disability. They are also subject to an annual state cap.
If an insurer denies your claim or wants to reduce your benefits, you will need to appeal to the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). We can help you prepare and present your claim if you need to appeal an insurer’s denial or request for a modification.
Somerville Attorneys Knowledgeable in Work Injury Claims and Property TransactionsAt Pulgini & Norton, our workers’ compensation lawyers advocate for the rights of injured individuals in the Somerville area. Our attorneys have four decades of collective experience handling these claims as well as real estate transactions. As our client, you can depend on our knowledge of both state and local laws, as well as our ability to craft and negotiate terms that protect your interests. For a consultation, call us at 781-843-2200 or complete our online form today.