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Wrongful Death of Woman with Bipolar, Addiction History Settled for $1.25M

Keches Took Case After Client was Rejected by Multiple Law Firms

Keches Law Group Attorneys Jeff Catalano and Gisela DaSilva recovered $1.25 million related to the wrongful death of a young woman at a rehabilitation facility where she sought inpatient treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

The mother of the patient contacted multiple law firms prior to Keches Law Group, but she said the other firms declined the case because of her daughter’s history of mental health issues and drug use.

“We took this case on because people who live with addiction and mental health disorders are entitled to appropriate care and treatment as much as, if not more than, any other patients,” Catalano says. “The need for compassion and advocacy must persist even after their tragic deaths.”

Case Details

Our client’s daughter was diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and substance abuse disorder, both of which contributed to her experiencing homelessness. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly reported that after admission, she began to experience dehydration and a possible electrolyte imbalance due to persistent nausea and vomiting.

The rehabilitation facility immediately ordered laboratory studies and planned to send her to a hospital for IV fluids if the results indicated severe dehydration, but the labs were never drawn.

The following morning, she was found dead in her room.

“She went there seeking help because she wasn’t giving up on herself. Sadly, they gave up on her.” Catalano says. “I’m glad we were able to help our client obtain accountability and answers for the death of her daughter.”

How Did Keches Law Attorneys Get Justice for Our Client?

With the help of Catalano and DaSilva, highly qualified medical experts were retained and prepared to testify that had the lab studies been completed, they would have demonstrated low sodium levels and electrolyte derangement that would have necessitated transfer to a hospital, which would have prevented her death from cardiac arrythmia.

The defendant chose to settle the case for $1.25 million.

Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Keches Law Group Can Help

If you need a medical malpractice or personal injury lawyer, contact us, and let our skilled attorneys walk you through the process.

March 6, 2024
Attorney Stacey Marmorstein Recovers $1.5 Million for Family of Man Who Choked to Death at Group Home

Attorney Stacey Marmorstein’s client worked hard to get her brother into a high-quality care facility – the kind of facility you could trust would look after your loved one. Her brother had been disabled for nearly 30 years, so our client knew the level of support he needed.

Tragically, our client’s brother choked to death while eating lunch unattended, even though the facility was aware that, due to his medical conditions, he was at greater risk of choking.

“No person should be concerned about the safety of their loved ones in a high-quality facility,” said Marmorstein. “Our client’s brother’s death is a tragedy, not only in the horrific way he passed, but because the incident was entirely preventable.”

On behalf of her client, Marmorstein demanded the residential facility take accountability for the man’s death, and the loss that his family feels now that he is gone. The two sides settled out of court for $1.5 million.

>> Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyers

Finding a Home for Her Brother

Our client’s brother was a person who loved life. Our client says he was always smiling, that he said “yes” to everything. She says he was appreciative of his caregivers and would regularly thank them for their efforts.

He loved Boston Sports, owning countless Patriots shirts he would wear while watching every Sunday.

He had a sweet tooth, and he looked forward to outings to Castle Island for ice cream or even just the occasional Dunkin’ Donuts Munchkins.

Mostly though, he loved his family. He was excited to spend time with them and they have been devastated by this loss.

Marmorstein said her client jumped through hoops to get her brother into this community-based residential facility. Nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, group homes, and other similar facilities operate based on their ability to provide for the needs of their residents. Our client knew her brother had certain requirements he needed met by his residential facility.

“It took months of planning and coordinating to find the best option for her brother, where he would receive high-quality medical supervision and care, but most importantly, the opportunity to participate in social activities and live his life to the fullest,” Marmorstein says.

An Inability to Care For Their Loved One

Marmorstein’s client worked tirelessly to make sure her brother was in a place that would provide appropriate care. She was completely blindsided by their negligence, especially given his medical history.

“Their inability to care for him in the most basic of ways- to supervise him during lunch- is shocking and repulsive,” Marmorstein says. “The families of this facility- and all facilities- should be able to trust their loved ones are receiving personalized and empathetic care.”

Fighting for Justice

Marmorstein sought to demonstrate the full horror of this tragedy by emphasizing the brief moments when our client’s brother knew he was choking but no one was there to save him, and the power of that realization helped her client get the accountability she was seeking.

“The client finally felt like this facility was owning up to their mistakes and accepting responsibility for taking her sweet brother’s life,” Marmorstein says.

Keches Can Help

If you suspect neglect at a group home or residential facility, nursing home negligence or an elder abuse law violation has caused harm to your loved one, contact us. A talented and capable Keches Law personal injury attorney is waiting to hear your story, and our firm has the resources to investigate your claim.

Keches Law Group is one of the largest and most well-respected personal injury and workers’ compensation law firms in Massachusetts. Since opening in 1986, we’ve recovered more than $2 billion for our clients. Other practice areas include social security disability, employment law, class action, medical malpractice, and more.

March 4, 2024
Is Your Surgeon Juggling Multiple Surgeries?
Choosing to undergo surgery is a serious decision made with all information available, and when a patient is suffering from an illness or trying to recover from an injury, it’s comforting to know that they have a reliable surgeon performing the procedure.

But due to the practice of concurrent surgery, the surgeon performing your surgery might not be who you expect. Keep reading to find out what concurrent surgeries are and what they mean for patients. Read on for the answers to questions like:
What Are Concurrent Surgeries?

Concurrent surgeries occur when one surgeon oversees two surgical procedures at the same time, and the critical parts overlap in timing, making it difficult for the surgeon to be present for some of and sometimes all of both. This is different from overlapping surgeries, where the critical parts are staggered, allowing the surgeon to perform both.

Why Do Hospitals Schedule Concurrent Surgeries?

Not all hospitals agree on the practice, but concurrent surgeries are performed at notable hospitals across the country, including Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team reported that hospitals allowing double-booking see it as an efficient use of top specialists, reducing wasted operating room time. MGH analyzed orthopedic cases from 2013-2014, finding no significant difference in complication rates between overlapping and non-overlapping cases.

But some MGH employees, including anesthesiologists, reported numerous problems with concurrent surgeries, raising concerns about patient care and medical practice from 2005 to 2015.

What Are the Potential Problems with Concurrent Surgeries?

Concurrent surgeries pose ethical concerns as attending surgeons may be stretched too thin, which can affect patient care.

While there are scenarios where concurrent surgical procedures may be necessary—such as an emergency situation requiring more procedures than available surgeons—this is not often the case. But hospitals schedule concurrent surgeries during elective procedures to maximize efficiency.

Regardless of experience or skill, your doctor can only be in one place at a time. Concurrent surgeries mean the attending surgeon’s attention is divided, which can lead to delays in addressing complications, increased time under anesthesia, and the involvement of less qualified surgeons handling critical aspects of a procedure.

If My Surgeon Isn’t Performing the Whole Operation, Who Is?

It’s common to assume the attending surgeon will be performing the entire surgical procedure, but some of these procedures take hours. It’s logical that surgical residents, essentially trainees, might perform the simpler, more routine aspects of procedures under supervision, while the attending surgeons are responsible for the important, more difficult aspects of each surgery.

For example, it is common for residents to “close up the surgical site” while a surgeon explains how the surgery went to the patient’s family.

While surgical residents are trained and capable of performing the aspects of procedures that they are expected to, if an attending surgeon is performing another surgery in another room, the resident is now left to operate on a patient without supervision. The patient likely isn’t expecting their procedure to be done by anyone besides the surgeon they spoke with.

What Do Lawyers Recommend Regarding Concurrent Surgeries?

Attorneys Julie Jyang and Jeff Catalano know that a lot is expected of hospitals, and when surgery is needed, patients and their families go through potentially life altering decisions. The transparency of informing patients about concurrent surgeries raises ethical questions, especially when buried in fine print.

What Should I Ask My Doctor Before Scheduling Surgery?

Understanding that concurrent surgeries have been performed at hospitals throughout the region, here are five questions Jyang and Catalano suggest asking before scheduling a procedure.
1. How will a concurrent surgery affect my care?
2. What can/will you (the surgeon) do to ensure my safety during a concurrent surgery?
3. How does the medical team work together during a concurrent surgery?
4. What is the plan if something goes wrong?
5. Can I meet with the members of the surgical team who will be involved with my surgery? Can you explain their roles/involvement?
>> Keches Law, Jeff Catalano Settle Medical Malpractice Case for $1.45 Million

What Are My Options if I’ve Already Consented to a Concurrent Surgery?

If you’ve asked the questions and found out that your surgery is happening concurrently with another procedure, what options do you have as a patient?

“Speak up! Schedule a meeting with the surgeon or provider about your concerns or questions about the practice,” Jyang says. “Get clear communication and clear answers to your satisfaction. Be as educated as possible on the practice. Know what your options are – are there alternatives where you can avoid concurrent surgeries? Can you get a second opinion?”

Was My Surgical Complication Due to Concurrent Surgery?

If you suffered complications during surgery, you may want to review your surgical records and have a conversation with your healthcare provider to find out if your procedure was performed concurrently.

Transparency is important in establishing trust between a medical facility and its patients. Determining if your surgeon was focused on you during your procedure or if their attention was divided without your knowledge is key to establishing whether your complications could’ve been avoided.

The American College of Surgeons describes informed consent as an ethical standard meant to enhance the surgeon/patient relationship. All information should be presented accurately and compassionately.

What Details Should Medical Providers Disclose Before a Procedure?
- The nature of the illness and what would happen without treatment
- Potential operation details and risks
- Common complications and benefits of the operation
- Alternative treatment options, including avoiding surgery
- The different medical providers who will participate in the surgery and their roles, which is especially relevant for concurrent surgeries
>> Keches Law Attorneys Offer Advice to Aspiring Lawyers, Law Students

Contact Keches Law for Help After Your Surgical Complications

Keches Law Group supports patients affected by concurrent surgeries. If you had a procedure done with unnecessary complications you believe are due to concurrent surgery, contact our skilled medical malpractice attorneys for help.

We can help you determine if you were the victim of concurrent surgery and what the next steps you should take are. Contact us today.
March 4, 2024
Google Reviews Let Keches Law Clients’ Voices Be Heard

Over the course of a case, our attorneys spend a lot of time with their clients. There are long days, late nights, shared meals, and bonds formed. When the case ends, our lawyers and staff share in the joy of a win or offer a place to turn when things don’t work out. We know our clients, and know what the case means to them, their family and their future.

“Even after their case has settled, I always tell my clients, this doesn’t terminate our relationship,” says Keches Law Workers’ Compensation Senior Attorney Lauren Van Iderstine. “I always make a joke that ‘you’re stuck with me for life’.”

What are Google Reviews?

When people search for a business on Google or look up directions on Google Maps, one of the first things they will see are the business’s Google reviews. These are reviews left by customers of the business so that other people can make an informed decision about whether to go to the restaurant, buy the product, or in Keches Law’s instance, hire an attorney.

According to Forbes, more than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before they visit a business.

>> Keches Law Attorneys Settle Case For Client For $1.25 Million

Why Do Google Reviews Matter When Choosing an Attorney?

Van Iderstine says she always encourages clients to leave reviews online because it helps show other people looking for a lawyer the whole experience.

“It’s giving their word and what they have to say value,” she says. “It’s a hard journey, so at the end of that, asking for them to share their experience…really means a lot to them.”

Van Iderstine personally reaches out to clients to ask for reviews whenever she can and consistently receives high marks, but she says if a review isn’t positive, that is useful as well.

Transparency is one of the hallmarks of Google Reviews. Customers can see what former customers thought, and Van Iderstine says that if someone had a bad experience, it just shows her and her team an area to improve on.

Keches Law Senior Attorney Kelli Silva says Google Reviews provide insights to potential clients about whether an attorney might be the right fit for them personally.

“To me choosing the right attorney is as important as choosing the right doctor, so Google Reviews give clients some insight into who we are as people and attorneys and if we would make a good team,” she says.

When a person is trying to choose their attorney, to guide them through what will be a very difficult time in their life, Van Iderstine says Google Reviews offer them the opportunity to take charge.

“People, when they’re injured, feel like they no longer have control of their lives,” she says. “I want people to have control of their lives. They’re looking on Google because they want to have that little bit of control left. They want to be able to choose their own lawyer.”

>> Kelli Silva’s Client Awarded Total Disability Payments For Life

Lauren Van Iderstine wanted to be an attorney since she was a kid, she says her dad likes to say she would argue about what color the sky is. As she grew, she began to pursue becoming a judge but learned that it wasn’t right for her, because it didn’t have the same connection to the client.

“I realized I wanted to be actually practicing law, and be able to fight for my clients individually,” she says.

When her father was injured at work and she was connected with Keches Law, she says she immediately felt at home. Keches Law attorneys worked with her throughout the process, and she says what really resonated was that they were helping her but teaching her at the same time.

“It just immediately felt like where I wanted to be. It felt like home,”she says.

Throughout her busy days with her busy case load, she says she has trouble turning clients down because she knows what it feels like.

“I see my dad in a lot of clients. I feel like that has given me a better understanding and perhaps more patience with people,” she says. “It helped me in a lot of ways appreciate what people go through and what this whole process does to them.”

Client Feedback Helps Us Keep Getting Better

When Keches Law receives a review, someone on our team reads and responds to each one along with documenting any learnings to ensure we are continuously improving our client service.

“Reviews help our attorneys to improve their practice, as well as helping people who are looking for legal help,” Client Experience Manager Jill Solimini says. “Reviews help potential clients see that they are not alone, and that other people have been in a similar situation as them. They can be reassured while choosing an attorney that these clients found the attorneys at Keches Law group to be very attentive, compassionate, and dedicated during what can be a very trying time in their lives.”

In short, in an industry where trust is key, Google Reviews show our potential clients that we are trustworthy.

Customer engagement is one of the ways that Keches Law has built a community with our clients. We want our clients to feel heard, and hopefully feel loyal so that if they know someone else that needs an attorney they’ll think of us.

Van Iderstine says it is important for the firm to gain trust, but reviews also help her stand out as individual.

“We want them to know the lawyers and know that the lawyers are good at what they do,” she says. “Not just that Keches Law Group is good at what they do.”

Silva says having a good reputation is crucial for our business’s success and reviews are a window into how pleased our clients were with their experience.

“Reviews showcase the incredible people we have working at the firm tirelessly day in and day out for our clients,” she says.

>> Keches Law Attorneys Offer Advice To New, Aspiring Lawyers, Law Students

Keches Law Google Reviews

According to Solimini, Keches Law has had an excellent response from our clients through online reviews.

“We currently have over 1000+ reviews with an average 4.8 rating on just Google alone, with many of our attorneys receiving Avvo Client’s Choice Awards, as well as Martindale-Hubbell’s Gold and Silver Client Champion Awards,” she says.

Van Iderstine says the reviews are helpful for clients who are in the middle of a tough decision at an even tougher time.

“They want to look online and do the research for themselves and know that they’re choosing the person who is right for them,” Van Iderstine says. “It’s ultimately their choice, and I want it to be an easy choice for them.”

Let Keches Law Group Help You

If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer or workers’ compensation attorney, reach out to Keches Law Group. We have the reviews to support the claim that we help people get through traumatic moments in their lives every day.

Contact us today and let us help you in any way we can.

February 23, 2024
Keches Law Settles Medical Malpractice Case of Khmer Rouge Survivor for $1.45M

Perforated bowel after surgery led to Cambodian woman’s death

Keches Law Group Partner Jeff Catalano recovered $1.45 million for the family of a 73-year old woman who died of sepsis after suffering an undiagnosed perforated bowel during a surgical procedure.

Family members said she was their matriarch and had escaped political violence in Cambodia in the late 1970s prior to emigrating to America, making it all-the-more tragic that she ended up dying after a slew of completely preventable medical errors.

>> When to Contact an Attorney about Possible Sepsis Misdiagnosis

Our clients said the victim had been a source of strength they all relied on ever since she led several family members out of Cambodia and into Thailand during the devastating and torturous Khmer Rouge Regime, the armed branch of the communist party whose reign of terror from 1975-1979 led to the deaths of over a million people in Cambodia before being overthrown by Vietnamese troops.

“It is tragic that someone who had the strength and courage to survive the Khmer Rouge should die in severe pain in a hospital bed in America. Her family has been emotionally devastated since her untimely death,” Catalano said. “I’m glad we were able to offer some solace that justice was done for the devastating mistakes made.”

Case Details

The healthy 73-year-old woman underwent what should have been a routine outpatient gallbladder removal surgery. But shortly after being released from the hospital, she returned in extreme pain. After being re-admitted, she continued to suffer severe pain. Her deteriorating vital signs and abnormal bloodwork were indicative of a severe infection and triggered a “sepsis alert.”

>> Keches Law Attorneys Recover Security Deposit for Client in Pro Bono Case

The surgeon who performed the gall bladder removal and a nurse were both named as defendants in the case due to their failure to provide appropriate care that may have saved their patient’s life.

Despite concerning signs and obvious symptoms of sepsis, the surgeon failed to recognize and repair her perforated bowl immediately. Meanwhile, the nurse failed to administer IV antibiotics or fluids until hours after they were ordered. These lapses in care led to their patient going into septic shock, the final and often fatal stage of sepsis that causes dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure.

>> Keches Law Gets High Marks from Best Law Firms®

She eventually underwent exploratory surgery, which revealed a bowel perforation. Despite the repair of the bowel, the sepsis could not be reversed and the woman died.

Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? Keches Law can Help

If you need a medical malpractice or personal injury lawyer, contact us, and let our skilled attorneys walk you through the process.

February 9, 2024
Celebrating Black History: Trailblazers in the Legal Industry
Certain names stand as symbols of progress in the legal field.

Let’s celebrate the legacy of African American legal professionals whose contributions to legal history have paved the way for firms like ours to champion the rights of our clients. Learn the answers to questions like:
Who was Macon Bolling Allen?

In 1845, Macon Bolling Allen became the first Black person admitted to the bar in Massachusetts. However, it wasn’t even the first place he was admitted to practice law. Allen became the first lawyer in United States History a year earlier when he passed the bar in Maine.

After befriending General Samuel Fessenden, who was an anti-slavery leader of the time, Allen became an apprentice and law clerk. Eventually, Fessenden told the Portland District Court he thought Allen should be able to practice as a lawyer. The idea was refused because Allen didn’t meet citizenship requirements.

However, Maine law states that anyone “of good moral character” could be admitted to the bar. Passing the bar made Allen a citizen of Maine and he was granted his license to practice law.

A year after passing the Maine bar, Allen did the same in Massachusetts and continued his trailblazing ways by opening the first African American owned law firm in United States history alongside Robert Morris.

In 1847, Allen continued his ascent when he was appointed a justice of the peace by the governor of Massachusetts. He is considered by some to be the first Black judge in the history of the United States.

In 1868, Allen moved to Charleston, South Carolina and starting the state’s first African American law firm alongside Robert Brown Elliot and William J Whipper.

>> Keches Law Attorneys Offer Advice to New Lawyers, Law Students

Who was Blanche E. Braxton?

It took another 78 years before a Black woman became the first lawyer in Massachusetts state history. Blanche E. Braxton was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1923, becoming the first Black woman to do so.

However, she wasn’t done. In 1933, Braxton was the first Black woman admitted to practice in the US District Court in Massachusetts.

Who was Charlotte E. Ray?

In 1872, Charlotte E. Ray graduated from Howard University Law School and passed the bar exam becoming the first Black female lawyer in the United States. At the time, women weren’t allowed to take the bar exam in the district of Columbia, so she applied as C.E. Ray.

Because of this, she not only became the first Black female lawyer in the country, but also the first practicing female attorney in Washington D.C.

Who was George Lewis Ruffin?

Before being accepted at Harvard Law School in 1869, George Lewis Ruffin worked as a barber. But after getting into and eventually becoming the first Black person to graduate from Harvard Law, Ruffin would pass the bar exam, and work as a lawyer in Massachusetts for several years.

In 1883, Ruffin was appointed as a judge on the Charleston Municipal Court, making him the first Black judge in Massachusetts history.

In addition, in 1876, Ruffin was elected to the Boston Common Council, the first Black person to win a seat in state history.

Who is Margaret Burnham?

After receiving her degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Margaret Burnham worked as a staff attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, in New York City from 1969 to 1972. From there, she moved to Boston and got her Massachusetts license to practice.

After working as a public defender and then establishing the law firm of Burnham, Stern & Shapiro she became the first Black woman to be named a judge in Massachusetts when Governor Michael Dukakis appointed her as an associate justice to the Boston Municipal Court Bench.

Who was Wentworth Cheswell?

Some of the history of early Black legal professionals in Massachusetts and across the country can be hard to determine specifically. It’s often difficult for Black Americans to track their ancestry prior to the 1870 census because a lot of information and history is recorded poorly or lost, especially for those whose ancestors were enslaved.

For example, it is believed that Wentworth Cheswell, who was one of the first Black people elected to public office in United States history when he was elected Constable of Newmarket, New Hampshire, in 1768, was the first Black judge in US history.

Cheswell, who rode with Paul Revere before the Revolutionary War, was appointed a justice of the peace in 1805. However, Macon Bolling Allen is sometimes credited with being the first when he was appointed in 1847.

One fact we do know for sure is that in 1937, William Henry Hastie Jr. was the first Black person appointed as a Federal District Court Judge in US History when he was named to the position for the federal district court of the Virgin Islands by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The first female Black federal judge was Constance Baker Motley, appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.

Before becoming a judge, Motely was already the first black female attorney to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 2024, The United States Postal Service featured Motely as the 47th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series due to her work as a civil rights pioneer and judiciary trailblazer,

>> Attorneys Settle Case for $1.25 Million for Client With Head Injury

Who was Jane Bolin?

The first Black female judge in the United States wouldn’t be appointed until 1939, when Jane Bolin was named to the New York City Domestic Relations Court by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in 1939.

Bolin graduated from Wellesley University for her undergraduate degree in 1928 and was then one of three women in her Yale class. When she graduated with her Law Degree in 1931, she was the first Black woman to ever graduate from Yale Law School.

After Yale, Bolin continued shattering glass ceilings when she became the first Black woman to work as the New York City assistant corporate counsel before being sworn in as a judge in 1939.

Who was Thurgood Marshall?

Thurgood Marshall was one of the most influential and important legal figures in the history of the United States. As an attorney in the 1940s and 1950s, Marshall argued 32 cases against the U.S. Supreme Court, winning 29 of them. Among many notable case results, Marshall won the Brown vs. Board of Education case that ended racial segregation in United States Schools.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the US Court of Appeals. In 1965, he was named US Solicitor General by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1967, Johnson appointed Marshall as the first Black Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He would serve until 1991.

>> Catches for College Initiative Adds $35K to Education Fund

Who is Ketanji Brown-Jackson?

In 2022, Ketanji Brown-Jackson was appointed the first Black female Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by President Joe Biden in 2022. Prior to her nomination, Jackson served on the US District Court for the District of Columbia from 2013-2021 before Biden appointed her to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 2021.

After she graduated from Harvard Law School, Jackson served as a public defender, on the US Sentencing Commission and as a clerk for Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer.

Appreciating History

It is important to reflect upon and honor our history, and Keches Law Group wouldn’t be in the position to help our clients the way we are without these groundbreaking individuals.

Their courage and perseverance paved the way for a more inclusive and just legal system and Keches Law aims to emulate their dedication to client advocacy and pursuit of justice.
February 1, 2024
‘Catches for College’ Initiative Adds $35K to Education Fund

Keches Law Group committed $100 per catch throughout NFL season

Keches Law is always looking for ways to connect and give back. Whether by supporting good causes like Habit for Humanity and Dinner for Champions, by organizing Thanksgiving dinner home deliveries or by partnering with teams like the Patriots, Bruins and Free Jacks, Keches has deep roots in our community.

During this regular season, Keches made a major commitment through the “Catches for College” sponsorship promotion with 98.5 The Sports Hub radio network. For every catch made by a Patriots player, Keches committed $100 to its education fund. By the end of the Patriots’ last game, Keches had contributed $35,100 for 351 completions.

“We’re proud to be the official law firm of the New England Patriots and are thrilled to be able to raise such a sizable amount of money to put towards our scholarship fund,” says Keches Law Managing Partner Sean Flaherty.

Catching Up on the Season

The season started off hot with 66 catches through two weeks, but as the team skidded and the quarterback position bounced between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, the receptions slowed. The lowest total of the season came in the final game on the schedule against the New York Jets played in the snow on Jan. 7 where the team completed just 12 passes.

The Patriots were bit by the injury bug in a major way this year and it hurt their ability to bring in receptions. Top target Kendrick Bourne tore his right ACL during week 8 and missed the rest of the season. Starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson was shut down because of injury and tight end Hunter Henry missed multiple games as well.

When it was all said and done, the team leader in receptions was running back Ezekiel Elliot with 51, with rookie standout Demario “Pop” Douglas coming in second with 49.

Patriots Partners

The initiative came in tandem with Keches Law being named the official Law Firm of the New England Patriots this year. As part of the partnership, during games Keches Law advertised on Gillette Stadium’s brand new 22,200 square-foot video board, which is the largest curved outdoor video board in the United States.  

Keches Cares

Keches Law has a long history of community involvement and charitable causes in Massachusetts and beyond. Keches Cares, the non-profit charity founded by Keches Law Group, raises funds throughout the year. For the past five years, Keches Law has awarded a college scholarship. North Reading resident Molly Harrington was the 2023 recipient.

January 26, 2024
Avoid Personal Injury with these 6 Cold Weather Safety Tips

You put on the jacket when you go outside, you turn the heat up in the house and you warm up the car before you get in, but do you think about how to keep yourself safe from the cold the rest of the time?

Winter weather can lead to lots of common personal injuries. With that in mind, here are 5 tips to help you enjoy your day safely whether its cold enough outside to warrant a jacket, frigid enough to make you think about gloves, mittens and a scarf.

1. Dressing Warmly Can Prevent Cold Weather Injuries.

In the fall and the summer heat has died down, we start putting on more sweaters and sweatshirts and then eventually switch to a jacket. But when it’s truly cold outside, layering is important to be able to adjust to different temperatures.

Remember it’s easier to take a layer off than to add one when you’re away from home. So consider an extra shirt or sweater in addition to a nice warm winter coat.

And while you’re at it—keep your hands, feet and ears covered. They are more immediately susceptible to frostbite than the rest of your body.

>> Outdoor Winter Worker Checklist

2. Staying Dry Really Matters.

Hypothermia occurs when your body drops below 95 degrees. When your body’s temperature drops, it uses stored energy to try to warm up and hypothermia takes place when all of that stored energy has run out and your body can’t keep itself warm anymore.

When you get wet, your body loses heat quickly – and when it’s cold out your chance of hypothermia only increases. So when it’s cold, make sure you stay dry and warm.

In addition, hydration improves circulation, which helps keep you warm. So while you don’t want to get wet, you do want to make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids.

3. Don’t Ignore Frostbite or Hypothermia Symptoms!

Out in the winter weather, it’s easy to dismiss the signs of coming personal injuries like hypothermia or frostbite as “just being cold.” Don’t do it!

Numbness, shivering, slurred speech and drowsiness are all signs of hypothermia. Cold prickling or numb skin; or red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown or ashen patches on your skin are signs of frostbite. If you start experiencing these symptoms—take action! Find a warm place to go and if necessary, seek medical assistance.

>> Prepare Before the Snowstorm Strikes!

4. Focus on Traction to Prevent Slip and Fall on Ice this Winter.

When ice and snow are on the ground, or even if it is cold enough to form black ice, slip and fall injuries are a major concern. Make sure to wear footwear with good traction and be careful when walking to avoid falls.

5. Safe Heating Practices are Important.

There’s nothing quite like getting cozy in front of a fire in the fireplace. But if you aren’t careful, you might be looking at a major potential burn or fire problem.

Pay close attention to fireplaces, space heaters and any other heating devices you might have and turn them off when they aren’t in use. Also, make sure not to leave flammable materials near them.

>> Winter Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

6. Safety First With Winter Sports and Activities.

Winter sports like ice hockey, skiing, or snowboarding come with a lot of potential for injury. But even less obviously risky activities like sledding, snowshoeing and skating come with significant chances of injury, so be sure to use caution when enjoying the cold weather.

Make sure you’re properly equipped with all the right safety gear and equipment for any winter activity. Wearing warm clothes and protective equipment isn’t enough; stay aware of your surroundings, know your limits, and avoid unnecessary risks to prevent injuries.

Injured? Keches Law Can Help You With Any Cold Weather Injury.

Winter weather personal injuries are always a possibility. If you find yourself facing personal injury, remember to reach out to Keches Law.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury, explore our Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation services. Contact Keches Law to discuss your case. 

January 25, 2024
6 Things Your Pet Needs to Stay Safe This Winter
The winter weather in New England can see the temperatures drop well below freezing, with the potential to get close to 0°F. But that doesn’t stop pets from needing exercise.

When it’s warm out, your pet might want to be outside for hours, but in the cold it isn’t quite the same. You’ll want to keep your pets inside more often when it gets cold, but you can’t stay inside all winter.

With those thoughts in mind, here are some other winter pet safety tips to consider so your pet is happy and healthy this winter.

1. A Wellness Exam with a Veterinarian

Make sure you schedule your pet’s wellness exam at the vet to know if you need to look out for things like arthritis and if the outdoors in the winter or cold will be too much for them. You don’t want older pets slipping and falling on snow or ice.

If your pet has diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or a hormonal imbalance, it may have trouble regulating body temperature so be careful! This is also true for very young or very old pets.

2. An Owner Who Understands Their Breed-Specific Needs

Does your pet look cold? Not every type of animal feels the same way about the cold. A dog and a cat won’t respond the same. And if you break it down further, every breed of dog or even specific dog doesn’t feel the same way outside in the cold. In fact, some dogs have short coats and have trouble out in the winter, if that’s the case it might be time for a sweater, or dog coat, just to make sure it stays dry. If your dog’s pads are sensitive, then booties for their feet are a good way to keep them warm and healthy.

Also, it’s okay to shorten the length of walks and to be more careful, avoiding icy patches and snow. When they come in from their walks, make sure to wipe off their legs and stomach so they don’t ingest salt, antifreeze, or any other chemical.

>> Keeping Your Pets Safe at Home

3. Extra Food and Water During Colder Months

To avoid getting cold, your pet will likely spend their time outside using more energy than usual. So, during cold days and months, make sure your pet is eating enough. A little more food means a little more energy, and a full water bowl means a hydrated pup or cat.

4. Paw Protection

Paw pads are highly susceptible to damage from the cold weather, so make sure you regularly check them for signs of cracking or bleeding. Ice can also build up between a dog’s toes, so watch for a sudden change in the way they’re walking. In addition, unless it is a pet-safe option, pet paw problems can be aggravated by the chemicals in the snow and ice melt. If you want to take action, trim the hair between their toes to limit the ice buildup.

For additional protection, consider using paw wax or booties to help keep your pet’s paws from safe this winter.

5. Identification for Emergencies

Dogs can lose familiar scents like their owners and home in the snow and because of it they can get lost. Make sure they are wearing their ID tags for this reason. Also be sure to keep them away from frozen ice on a body of water, they can fall through!

Another good way to keep track of your pets outside is to microchip them. Having a microchip implanted and keeping up to date information on the registry database provides a way your dog could be returned to you even if it lost its collar.

If you want another option, GPS collars help you track your pet. Brands like Fi, Whistle, Fitbark, and Garmin make versions that can help track down a missing dog or cat.

6. Access to Warm Shelter

Obviously keeping your pet inside means they will stay warm, but what about those instances where they aren’t in the house or just briefly out and about with you?

Never lock your pet in a car during very cold weather. The car can hold in the cold and create freezing conditions.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pets not be kept outside for long periods of time. Generally, long-haired dogs like Siberian Huskies wouldn’t want to be in too warm of a house, and a short haired dog like a Chihuahua wouldn’t want to spend a New England winter outside.

Some breeds may actually prefer being outside. If you have a livestock guard dog like an Anatolian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees or Komodor, they may want to spend their time outside and only want to visit inside instead of the other way around. Long-furred sled dogs and some sheep-herding dogs can stay outside as well.

>> Pet Safety Tips for the Summer as Well

In this specific situation, make sure your dog has a doghouse they can spend the night in that is dry, faces away from the wind to prevent drafts, and has a waterproof flap covering the entrance. Also make sure you change their water regularly, so it doesn’t freeze. Consider using a pet-safe, heated water bowl. Keep in mind that dogs are very social animals, just because they are outside doesn’t mean they don’t require lots of attention!

Watch Out For Yourself in the Cold as Well!

Pets are a big part of your life, and during the cold weather it is important to make sure they are happy and healthy. But don’t let your care for them stop you from keeping yourself safe too!

Here are some resources to check out to make sure you can enjoy the cold weather months safely as well.
- 6 Tips to Prep Your Home for Winter
- Keep Your Home Safe From Fires This Winter
- Your Outdoor Winter Worker Checklist
January 25, 2024
Stay Safe Driving in the Snow and Ice This Winter
White powdery snow serenely falling is a beautiful sight to take in when you’re in your cozy living room in front of a roaring fire, but it’s a bit less exciting to see it falling when you’re halfway to work and know the commute home will include driving in wintery conditions.

When the weather gets colder, you need to be ready for different road conditions – snow, ice, slush, rain, and more. Read on to learn how to put yourself in a better position to be safe from winter conditions—along with your passengers and anyone you’re sharing the road with.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Driving in the Winter

A car needs to be maintained throughout the year, but winter conditions put extra pressure on your car and regular maintenance can greatly reduce the safety risks of driving in cold weather. So when you feel that first biting cold, set up a schedule for how to maintain your vehicle.

Check Your Tires. For your tires to be effective, you need enough tread on your tires and good air pressure. The tread on your tires needs to be able to grip the road. Snow tires grip the road better than your average alternative. Although snow tires are obviously a good option, start out with the basics. Your tires should have proper tread. Also, cold weather makes your tires lose air pressure, so check that they are properly inflated. Throughout the winter, make continuous checks and replace them if they aren’t in good shape.

Check Your Battery. When batteries get cold, they don’t work as well. Electric cars can drive fewer miles and need more charging time during the winter. But ordinary car batteries aren’t immune. Check your battery proactively to avoid needing roadside help during bad winter conditions.

Inspect the Basics. Brakes, lights and wipers are all essential to making sure your car is running smoothly. When you are facing an icy or snow-packed road, you want them all working. Keep an eye on your essentials all winter.

Make a Winter Emergency Vehicle Kit. Snow or ice on the ground increases the possibility of an emergency. Pack a kit and put it in your car with extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, window scraper, blankets, medications and anything else you think would be appropriate. Be prepared for everything—some other options include sand, kitty litter or salt to help with traction, cell phone chargers, blankets and a first-aid kit.

Master Winter Driving Techniques
1. Inspect Your Car Before You Leave. Clear your car’s tailpipe, scrape windows, warm up the car, make sure there isn’t ice blocking your lights, and don’t leave snow on the roof. Before you can drive safely, you need to make sure the car is safe to drive.
1. Slow Down. It might seem obvious, but sometimes people speed up when they are nervous on the road. Even with snow falling or ice and slush on the ground, keep calm, and drive your car slower.
1. Keep Your Distance From Other Cars. If there’s ice or snow on the road, it will take more time to stop than usual. Make sure you brake earlier to allow extra room to stop.
1. Think Gentle, Not Abrupt. Slamming on the brakes, hitting the gas, or swerving can lead to the car losing traction, and you may lose control of your vehicle. Be deliberate and patient with your maneuvers.
1. Steer in the Direction of the Skid. When your wheels regain traction, you don’t want to have to overcorrect and cause additional sliding. If you steer into the skid you will have an easier time staying in your lane.
1. Don’t Use Cruise Control. When road conditions are bad, you need to be in control every second so you can make a quick decision and can feel what speed is appropriate.
1. Keep Going Up a Hill. If possible, continue driving up a hill, don’t stop. You might get stuck where you are or slide backwards if you stop.
1. Know When to Sit Out. If the road conditions are terrible, don’t get into the car in the first place. If there are whiteout conditions, pull off the road to a safe place and wait for conditions to improve.
Handling Winter Weather Car Emergencies

Imagine you’re driving and a storm blows up suddenly, causing whiteout conditions. You know that sometimes you need to sit out, so you pull the car to a safe spot. And because you prepared your car for the winter, it’s in good condition and has an emergency kit. You can wait out the worst conditions where you are. You scraped your windshields and windows, swept off any snow and cleared your tailpipe before you left, but now what do you do?

Maintaining your safety in an emergency is also vitally important, here are some quick actions to take:
These actions are simple and straightforward but critically important. The lights and hazards will increase your visibility during a situation where your car is hard to see. Checking your tailpipe will prevent carbon monoxide from pooling in your car. Making a call will allow you to let people know where you are and what situation you’re in. Patience, perhaps the most important step, will help you from making a bad decision by getting back on the road.

Hurt In a Winter Car Accident?

Drive safe but know that if you are injured in a car accident, you have a place to turn.

Keches Law personal injury lawyers are ready to hear your story and help you navigate the process after you’ve been injured in a car accident. Contact us today to discuss your case.
January 25, 2024