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Massachusetts: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 10 topic we track for Massachusetts on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Massachusetts compares.
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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Medical malpractice | 3 years; max 7 years (repose) |
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| Wrongful death | 3 years from death or discovery |
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| Damage cap | $500,000 noneconomic, unless the injury is substantial or permanent |
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| Expert affidavit or certificate | Not required |
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| Before you sue | Medical malpractice tribunal reviews the claim after the answer |
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| Dollar limit | $7,000 (no cap for car property damage) |
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| Filing fee | $40 to $150 |
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| Lawyers | Allowed |
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| Small estate limit | $25,000, plus one vehicle |
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| Wait after death | 30 days |
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| Real estate | No |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 6 years |
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| Written contracts | 6 years |
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| Promissory notes | 6 years |
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| Rule | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are 51% or more at fault |
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| Expanded? | Yes |
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| Since | Jan. 1, 2014 |
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| Marketplace type | State-run marketplace |
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| Where to enroll | Massachusetts Health Connector |
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| Acknowledge | No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness |
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| Accept or deny | Reasonable time |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Estate tax | Yes: estates over $2,000,000, taxed at 0.8%-16% |
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| Inheritance tax | No inheritance tax |
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