Taunton

Located on a river of the same name, Taunton is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts. If you are buying or selling real estate in Taunton or the surrounding area, the experienced lawyers at Pulgini & Norton may be able to help you. We also are knowledgeable in the workers’ compensation process and can advocate for the rights of injured employees.

Under Massachusetts law, attorneys must handle residential real estate closings. However, it can be helpful to have an attorney involved in the transaction from the beginning. There are numerous tasks during negotiations and before the closing that require time and close attention, and an experienced attorney can help make a purchase and sale, as well as the closing, run smoothly.

For example, the closing attorney will examine the title to the property and review it for defects. When you are buying a home, the title must be researched going back 50 years. If there are title defects, the closing attorney can work with the parties to resolve them. The closing attorney will also handle the issuance of title insurance. There are separate title insurance policies available for lenders and homebuyers. Homebuyers' title insurance is intended to protect a buyer in case there are hidden title defects that could hinder a future sale or refinancing, or result in litigation.

If you have a work-related illness or injury that results in lost work time of five full or partial days, your employer is required to file copies of the Employer's First Report of Injury or Fatality with the Department of Industrial Accidents and its workers' compensation insurer. The form must be filed within seven days of the fifth day of lost work time. The insurer has 14 days from receipt of this form to investigate your claim.

Generally, a claimant will get a check within 3-4 weeks after an injury or illness. The first five days of incapacity are not compensated unless the claimant is disabled for 21 or more days. Many people assume that if they are getting checks it means that the insurer has accepted their claims. However, for the first 180 days after the injury or illness, the insurer can pay benefits to you without making a final decision about your case. The payment does not mean that it accepts liability for the claim, and during that time it may stop or reduce payments by providing a seven-day notice.

If an insurer decides to deny your claim, it will send a notification of termination of benefits. You should consult an attorney about the different levels of review that may be available. There are four different stages at which you can challenge an insurer’s decision.

If you have been injured at work, or if you are buying a house, there may be substantial long-term legal consequences to your actions that an attorney can explain. Real estate and workers' compensation matters in Taunton require close and knowledgeable attention. To consult an experienced attorney about your transaction or claim, call Pulgini & Norton at 781-843-2200 or contact us via our online form.