By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Christopher Mason and Thomas Bodkin
Photo/Nancy Brumback
Worcester?A combined 20 years as insurance claim adjustors give the partners at the personal injury law firm Bodkin & Mason an unusual perspective for successfully pursuing insurance claims on behalf of their clients.
Both Christopher Mason and Thomas Bodkin worked for major insurance firms before going to law school and then setting up their own firm 12 years ago,
“We worked for years investigating, negotiating and settling claims on behalf of the insurance companies,” said Mason. “Now we are in a position to use that knowledge on behalf of our clients in their dealings with insurance companies. We have a pretty good insight into their procedures and what they require.”
“With our backgrounds, we understand the dynamics within the insurance companies and know how to work within their systems,” added Bodkin.
The attorneys specialize in personal injury cases, including automobile accidents, workplace injuries, or any type of personal injury where the person themselves did not cause the injury.
“When someone is injured, it is best if we are involved right away, so the injured person and their family can focus on medical care and getting better. We can take care of all the billing and insurance phone calls and paperwork and also work with the person’s employer on such issues as disability leave and benefits,” Mason said. Often, he noted, there may be at least three insurers involved, such as the two automobile insurers and health insurance, which can be difficult for a lay person to handle.
“If you are talking to an insurance company, you should be talking to a lawyer,” Bodkin added. “It can be very important to have a knowledgeable buffer between the injured person and the insurance companies.”
“People don’t always know what their rights are, especially when they are injured and have a lot of things to worry about,” Mason said.
Bodkin stressed the importance of working with an attorney as soon as possible, before the facts and evidence of the accident becomes less available, to collect and safeguard that evidence, including photographs and interviews with witnesses just after the accident.
They encourage injured parties to call and discuss their situation at no charge. If the firm cannot handle a specific case, they may be able to offer some suggestions on how the person should otherwise proceed.
The attorneys will set up a time to meet a potential client, and will even meet the person at home if he or she is unable to travel to the law office.
Bodkin & Mason works with clients on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees or billing upfront, but the company receives a percentage of the settlement it negotiates for the client.
In about 90 percent of the cases they handle, the client and the insurance companies or other parties reach a settlement without the need to go to court, Bodkin noted. “We know how to build the case and structure and present the arguments to lead to a settlement.”
The length of time a case will take depends on the severity of the injury and the recovery period, Mason said. “We try not to settle before the end point of any medical treatment” to assure everything needed will be covered.
Bodkin & Mason will work with clients anywhere in Massachusetts, but its focus is on the Worcester area and Middlesex County. The attorneys noted that since they are a small firm, their clients receive personal attention from an attorney rather than a paralegal or an assistant.
Bodkin & Mason is located at 37 Mechanic St. in downtown Worcester. Additional information is available on the website, www.bodkinmason.com or by calling 508-459-6253.
