Mass Transit & Aviation

Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow’s first objective in every case is to obtain the necessary compensation for victims and their families. From the first meeting at Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, clients have the advice and counsel of lawyers who have extensive experience with aviation and mass transit personal injury law. MBBB has earned its reputation as a successful advocate for those injured in transportation accidents.

When clients retain MBBB’s legal services, they have the benefit of all of the attorneys’ experience and knowledge of transportation law, and the skills developed in a wide range of successful lawsuits, including:

Public Transportation accidents including bus, train, and boat accidents
M.B.T.A. subway and commuter rail train accidents
M.B.T.A. water taxi accidents
Mass transit accidents caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment
Injuries and wrongful deaths caused by negligence of transit workers
Injuries and wrongful deaths resulting from assault in mass transit stations with inadequate security
Fatal and nonfatal airplane crashes – both commercial airliners and private planes
Airport collisions between taxiing aircraft
Aircraft accidents caused by negligent actions of the airport or regulator officials

Significant Cases

MBTA Commuter Train Case

$3.9 million settlement in case alleging that MBTA commuter train personnel failed to stop the train to seek emergency medical attention for a passenger suffering cardiac arrest, despite repeated requests and warnings by the other passengers that the man was not breathing and required immediate medical attention.

Single-Engine Plane Crash and Fire

$1.75 million settlement in case where a student pilot and his wife were severely injured after the plane they were flying crashed during landing and caught fire due to defective fuel tanks.

Deadly Plane Crash

Substantial settlement achieved against a governmental public authority in case where a private plane crash resulted in the death of all passengers onboard. The public authority was alleged to have contributed to the deadly crash due to their negligent maintenance and operation of the runway and fire rescue efforts.

Since 2012, there have been more than 200 fatal aviation accidents every year in the United States, and close to 1,000 non-fatal accidents. In 2021, 322 deaths occurred on public transit in the U.S., an increase of 11% from 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mass transit accident?

A mass transit accident is an accident involving public transportation like a bus or train. For example, in the Greater Boston area, buses or trains are often operated by the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Massachusetts has around 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the state. Driver error, mechanical failure, hazardous road conditions, and inadequate safety standards are common causes of mass transit accidents. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) generally investigate mass transit accidents to determine the cause of an accident and recommend changes to prevent future accidents.

Can I sue the MBTA for an injury?

If you were injured in an accident caused by the negligence of the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), you may be able to sue for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. It may also be possible to sue third parties such as maintenance companies or manufacturers, depending on the cause of the accident. It is important to speak with a lawyer experienced in mass transit accidents as soon as possible after your accident so they can protect your rights.

How long after an accident can you sue in Massachusetts?

Victims of accidents in Massachusetts have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called a statute of limitations. If a lawsuit is not filed within those three years, you may be prevented from receiving any compensation. However, if a public entity, such as the MBTA or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a possible defendant, notice of your claims must be provided within two years from the date of the accident. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to preserve your right to file a lawsuit.

Can I sue for an MBTA water taxi accident?

As with other types of accidents, if you were injured in a water taxi accident caused by the negligence of the MBTA, you may be able to sue for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. If the negligence of other parties contributed to the accident, such as a manufacturer or maintenance company, they may also be held liable. It is important to consult an attorney with experience in public transportation accidents to best protect your rights.

Can I sue an airline for a personal injury?

If you were injured in an accident caused by an airline’s negligence, you may be able to sue that airline for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may also be able to seek punitive damages if the airline acted with gross negligence or recklessness. If you have suffered an injury, it is important to consult with an attorney experienced in aviation accidents as these claims have issues that differ from other types of personal injury matters.

What is the most common cause of aviation accidents?

Human error is the leading cause of aviation accidents. This can include improper maintenance, pilot error, air traffic controller errors, and inadequate safety procedures. Other common contributing factors include poor visibility due to weather or terrain, bird strikes, and design flaws. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conduct investigations into aviation accidents to determine causes.

What are the most common types of aviation accidents?

The most common types of aviation accidents include mid-air collisions, runway incursions, bird strikes, and uncontrolled descents. When airplanes come too close to each other, they can collide mid-air. Runway incursions involve an aircraft entering a runway or taxiway without proper clearance from air traffic control. Bird strikes occur when birds are sucked into a plane's engines, causing them to stall or lose power. Uncontrolled descents involve an airplane losing altitude at a rapid rate due to pilot error or mechanical malfunction.

What is general aviation?

General aviation is civilian non-commercial flight. According to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, this includes “sport aviation, business travel, humanitarian aid, agriculture, environmental conservation, and bush flying.”

How many general aviation accidents happen every year?

Around 1,000 general aviation accidents happen each year in the United States. This number includes everything ranging from a minor incident to a fatal accident. According to the NTSB, in 2021, there were 341 fatalities in general aviation, compared to 0 fatalities on scheduled and non-scheduled U.S. air carriers.

Client Testimonials

Great Law Firm. Their paralegal, Nora, is so professional and very accurate, and gets back to you regarding any questions that you may have. Also, one of the attorneys, Peter, is nothing but professional and again is willing to answer any questions that you may have regarding any legal matters. THIS IS A 5 STAR FIRM AND ALL EMPLOYEES ARE VERY COMPETENT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! — Christine S.

Working with Jeremy Carroll has been a great experience in managing my auto accident case. He listens, he is knowledgeable, experienced, and personable. He was able to achieve and negotiate a fair settlement. I would absolutely recommend hiring Jeremy! — Elisabeth W.

Attorney Jeremy and Barbara from his team have been so amazing to me and my family. We had a family death and Jeremy has been so professional, so patient, and so thorough every single step of the way. It has been truly one of the toughest years of our lives so far. Having Jeremy and his team's support during the whole process with court, etc. has been SO helpful. Also, what made it special is I didn't feel like I was JUST ANOTHER person, he really cares and really wanted the best for us — he knew what we were going through. THIS IS what you need on your side when you need a lawyer. Absolutely recommend him! — F.J.

Jenn and Catherine are two of the best at their job. Three words I would use to describe them are honorable, empathetic, and unwavering. The transparency of communication with them was unparalleled, and any single question I had was answered thoroughly and understandable. I would recommend the professionalism of Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, P.C to anyone who finds themselves seeking justice in an unfortunate situation. After interviewing multiple law firms in the Boston area, I found that most firms just look at you as numbers on a spreadsheet. They lack humility, and don't realize that you are suffering in real time, not just on paper. This firm is the polar opposite, in that it is made of real people, with real understanding of what you are going through, and will do what it takes to make you feel some sense of closure. Thank you Jenn. Thank you Catherine. Thank you Meehan, Boyle et al. — Alex C.

I had a very positive experience while working with Jeremy Carroll, Peter Ainsworth, and Nora Carroll at Meehan, Boyle, Black and Bogdanow law firm. All three of them treated me with respect and dignity every time we spoke on the phone or had a zoom call and I was always kept abreast with emails. I never needed to speak to any insurance company; it was all taken care of. I was never rushed nor swayed, the decision was always mine to make and my opinion was continually asked. Every aspect was handled with professionalism. I highly recommend this law office to represent you for all of your personal injuries! — Sara W.

My wife and I were in an accident while riding our motorcycle. The accident was clearly the fault of the other operator. We had never hired a lawyer to represent us in a civil action before, and I wasn't even sure we needed one. But the other party's insurance company was being unreasonable, so we decided to hire a lawyer. We have a friend that works at MBBB, and they gave us a strong recommendation, so we had an initial discussion to learn the process. MBBB put Jeremy Carroll and Catherine Croteau on our case, and we could not have been happier with the process and the way things turned out. In addition to being experts at their jobs, both Jeremy and Catherine are kind, empathetic people who held our hands throughout the process. As a settlement was being negotiated and we became impatient, Jeremy talked us off the ledge a few times and asked us to trust in his experience. I'm glad we did, because I believe he maximized our settlement. In addition to being great at what they do and being extremely professional, Jeremy and Catherine are super nice people. I hope we never need it, but if we ever need representation again, we will be calling them!

I can't thank Meehan, Boyle, Black, and Bogdanow law firm enough for everything they did for my family during a really tough time. After a horrific auto accident that left our daughter with permanent physical and emotional damages, MBBB was there for us every step of the way. Not only did they offer expert legal advice, but they also showed genuine care and understanding. They made sure we were always informed, patiently answering all our questions and guiding us through the process, which made such a challenging situation so much easier to handle.

If you’re looking for a law firm that combines professionalism with true compassion, I highly recommend MBBB. Our amazing team—led by the incredible Jennifer, with exceptional support from Catherine and the expertise of Leo—really went above and beyond. We’re so grateful for everything they did for us.

I had a such a pleasant experience working with my attorney, Peter Ainsworth, and his paralegal Barbara. They are reliable, trustworthy, loving, and so caring. If you are looking for an attorney that cares about you, this is the place to go!!!! — Gabriela R.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, and I must say it was a wonderful experience. From the moment I reached out to them, they were attentive, understanding, and empathetic. Dealing with a personal injury can be stressful and overwhelming. They took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly explain the legal process. I would highly recommend them. — Lisa M.

Jeremy Carroll took on our case for a car accident. Barbara and him were wonderful. Very attentive and professional every step of the way. I would highly recommend his services anytime! — Heatherly D.

Leo Boyle and John Carroll were tireless advocates for my family and I in the wake of a devastating severe traumatic brain injury I suffered in 2009. In the months and years after my injury, while the case was pending and long after, Leo and John took a personal interest in our case, continuously advocating for our safety and mental health. They displayed great intellect, as well as dedication and patience, in developing a compelling case and securing a much-needed settlement from the defendants. While it did not reverse the harm done, it provided us with the support, closure, and financial freedom we needed to move forward. — Leslie B.

For years I was dealing with a severe personal injury case. After being represented by four different attorneys, I finally found Meehan, Boyle, Black, and Bogdanow. I interviewed several so-called top firms and spoke to the big largest firms. Unfortunately, none of them understood the case's complexity or had a strategy to navigate successfully. I first spoke to Peter Ainsworth. He listened and showed genuine compassion and care for my situation. Peter then introduced me to the All-Star team of Jeremy Carroll and, Jennifer Denker, Nora Carroll, and then the real work began. Nora Carroll, a superstar who catalogued volumes of evidence from my previous attorneys, and coordinated obtaining additional information in an extensive medical file. Jeremy Carroll was the lead on my case and primary contact. He was invested, knowledgeable, analytical, and extraordinarily thorough. From the review stage to strategy and execution, he was exemplary. With compassion and intensity, this team of true professionals pursued my best interest. Then, when I didn't think it could get better, they added the experience and long-held wisdom of Leo Boyle. Being represented by Meehan, Boyle, Black, and Bogdanow meant the biggest disaster that happened in my life was finally resolved. I am extremely pleased with the negotiated settlement. Their efforts will make a big difference in being able to care for myself and my family. — Tyioun K.

I was in a car accident where I had sustained physical damage to both myself and my vehicle. Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow law firm was fantastic in helping navigate compensation for the damages I sustained. The law firm did a great job communicating with me throughout the entire process and was able to negotiate the best result financially. I would highly recommend this law firm to represent you. — Todd D.