John Sheehan

Top rated Workers' Compensation attorney in Wakefield, Massachusetts

Law Office of John J. Sheehan
John Sheehan
Law Office of John J. Sheehan

Practice areas: Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury; view more

Licensed in Massachusetts since: 1993

Education: Suffolk University Law School

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2026
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Law Office of John J. Sheehan

607 North Ave
Suite 2A-12
Wakefield, MA 01880 Visit website
Details

Wakefield Office
607 North Ave, Suite 2A-12
Wakefield, MA 01880

Boston Office
10 Tremont St. Suite 309
Boston, MA 02108

John Sheehan, the managing partner of the Law Office of John J. Sheehan, located in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where he focuses his practice on representing individuals in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. With decades of legal experience, he advocates for clients facing a range of challenges, including motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents and slip-and-fall incidents. His practice is centered on helping injured individuals recover compensation and navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.

Mr. Sheehan is known for his practical approach and commitment to client advocacy. He works closely with clients to understand the details of their cases and develops strategies tailored to their specific circumstances. Whether negotiating settlements or pursuing claims through litigation, he remains focused on achieving results that serve his clients’ best interests. His attention to detail and thorough preparation allow him to effectively handle both straightforward and complex injury claims.

Before entering the legal profession, Mr. Sheehan completed his undergraduate studies at St. John’s Seminary College of Liberal Arts, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1986. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1993. That same year, he was admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and has since built a career dedicated to representing injured individuals.

Mr. Sheehan’s practice reflects a dedication to guiding clients through what are often difficult and uncertain times. By offering clear communication and steady advocacy, he helps clients better understand their rights and legal options. Acknowledged for his contributions to the legal profession, he has earned an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest distinction.

In addition to his state admission, Mr. Sheehan is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. He remains active in the legal community through his involvement with several professional organizations, including the Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and the American Association for Justice.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

Practice areas

Workers' Compensation: Claimant, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death

  • 50% Workers' Compensation: Claimant
  • 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

First Admitted: 1993, Massachusetts

Professional Webpage: https://attorneysheehan.com/about-us/john-j-sheehan

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Bar Admission - 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, 1994
  • Bar Admission - U.S. District Court (MA), 1994
  • Bar Admission - Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1993

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Dog Bite – Hand Injury - $32,000Client was walking her small dog in her neighborhood when her dog was attached and bitten by a very large German Shepard mix dog that broke away from a young boy who was unable to control the dog. Client to save her small dog and, in the process, suffered severe bite wounds to her right dominant hand. She sought medical treatment for five puncture wounds to her hand as a result of the dog bite. Her treating hand surgeon was concerned that client may develop flexor tenosynovitis and septic infection. Client was prescribed antibiotics immediately as a precaution and, ultimately, underwent hand surgery and was hospitalized for two nights with a course of IV antibiotics to treat her infection. Client was later diagnosed with polyneuropathy. Client suffered permanent impairment with reduced range of motion and function as a result of flexor tendon sheath damage. The case settled for $32,000.00., 2019
  • Work Accident – Right Elbow and Lower Back Injury - $70,000Employee injured his right elbow while lifting a large piece of particle board at work. After received conservative medical treatment, employee eventually underwent right elbow surgery consisting of right lateral epicondylectomy with debridement and reattachment of the common extensor origin. Employee settled his workers’ compensation claim for $70,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. , 2018
  • Motorcycle Accident - $70,000Motorcycle operator was hit by car making an illegal U-Turn causing motorcycle operator to be thrown from motorcycle and hit knee on ground. MRI confirmed a torn meniscus. Motorcycle operator treated conservatively including physical therapy and opted not to have knee surgery. Case settled., 2016
  • Lifting Injury at Work - $75,000Truck driver injured lower back while opening heavy garage door.  Lumbar sprain/strain. Settlement of workers' comp claim for $75,000., 2006
  • Motor Vehicle Accident - $77,500Client hit by another vehicle that ran a red light.  Facial contusion and knee sprain with plica requiring surgery.  Defendant stipulated to liability when plaintiff moved for partial summary judgment on liability.   Jury trial on damages only.  Jury Verdict of $60,000 which was appealed with subsequent settlement of $77,500., 2001
  • Pedestrian Car Accident - $85,000Pedestrian was crossing the street in a crosswalk when she was hit by a car and causing her to fall to the ground. Pedestrian suffered multiple injuries including a rotator cuff tear that required surgery., 2017
  • Work Accident – Lower Back Injury - $90,000 Employee injured his lower back moving a heavy desk at work. MRI confirmed a disc herniation at L4-5. Employee underwent back surgery and received physical therapy post-surgery. Employee settled his workers’ compensation claim with liability accepted for future medical treatment. In addition, employee successfully applied for SSDI benefits., 2018
  • Car Accident – Shoulder Injury - $90,000Driver injured her shoulder when her car was rear-ended by another car. MRI confirmed a torn rotator cuff, and client underwent a shoulder arthroscopy, 2017
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Fractured Wrist/Fingers - $90,000While talking to a pedestrian standing on the side of the road with the driver’s door open, the driver of a pick-up truck negligently allowed the truck to roll forward and knock the pedestrian to the ground. As a result, the truck’s rear tire rolled over the pedestrian’s left arm. The pedestrian sustained multiple injuries including a left wrist scaphoid fracture, fractured fingers of the left hand and multiple contusions/abrasions/lacerations. A lawsuit was filed against the operator and owner of the pick-up truck. The case settled at mediation., 2014
  • Motor vehicle accident - $95,000School bus driver hit by another vehicle operated by third-party.  Lumbar sprain and sciatica.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $75,000 plus settlement of third-party claim for $20,000., 2008
  • Work Accident – Rotator Cuff Tear - $100,000Employee was working when he tripped and fell at his Employer’s premises and injured his right shoulder. MRI confirmed tear of the supraspinatus tendon. Employee underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair the rotator cuff. Post-Op, Employee continued to experience shoulder pain and developed adhesive capsulitis. The adhesive capsulitis was treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $100,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. , 2025
  • Pedestrian Accident - $100,000Pedestrian was crossing a public street when he was struck by a vehicle and sustained serious injuries to his right leg including an open fracture. He underwent surgery to repair the fractured leg. The case settled for $100,000., 2019
  • Work Accident - Fall From Ladder - $100,000Employee was working as a painter when he fell from a ladder and injured his lower back. Employee’s low back injury was treated non-surgically with physical therapy, pain and anti-inflammatory medication and epidural injection and blocks. The workers comp settled for $100,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2019
  • Car Accident – Cervical Fusion - $100,000Client operating car with right of way sustained severe cervical spine injury when another driver attempted to take a left turn causing a collision. Client received conservative medical treatment and physical therapy to treat his neck injury. MRI confirmed a complex disc abnormality at C5-6 that was displacing the exiting nerve root. Client underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C6-7. Client settled his bodily injury claim for full policy limits of $100,000., 2018
  • Slip and Fall Wrist Fracture - $100,000Client, who was employed by a staffing agency, slipped and fell on slippery concrete floor and sustained a comminuted distal radius fracture and ligament tear. Client underwent two wrist surgeries to repair the fracture and ligament tear. Third-party claim was settled pre-suit., 2017
  • Work Accident - $100,000Laundry worker injured wrist while loading washing machine.  Left wrist (distal radius) fracture.  Settlement of workers' Comp claim for $100,000., 2007
  • Fall at Work - $100,000Carpenter fell from elevated height while standing on load of OSB being lifted by Lull forklift.  Left femur fracture and multiple fractures of the jaw, face, nose, mouth and teeth.  Employee filed claim for §28 benefits alleging that accident caused by employer's serious and willful misconduct.  Client recovered from his injuries and was released to return to work.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $100,000., 2009
  • Lifting Injury at Work - $110,000Employee injured her lower back while lifting heavy boxes at work.  Lower back injury.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $110,000., 2007
  • Work Accident - Wrist and Knee Injuries - $120,000Employee was working as truck driver when he fell from the cab of his tractor trailer and injured his left wrist and right knee. The left wrist injury was diagnosed as a sprain/contusion. MRI confirmed a tear of the medial meniscus and posterior horn to the right knee. Employee underwent right knee arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus. The workers comp claim settled for $120,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2019
  • Work Accident - Fall From Roof - $120,000Employee was working as a laborer for a roofing contractor when he was caused to fall from a roof. Employee was wearing a safety harness and safety line. The safety line anchor point failed. Employee fell to the ground and sustained multiple injuries including closed head injury, fractured jaw, fractured right humerus, right radial nerve injury and right shoulder injury. Employee was hospitalized and underwent surgery to wire his jaw shut to treat the fractured jaw. His right arm fracture was treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $120,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2019
  • Work Accident - Trip and Fall - $125,000Employee was entering her employer’s premises through a rear door entrance when she was caused to trip and fall on the metal threshold. As she was falling, Employee reached out with her left non-dominant arm in an attempt to break her fall. Employee sustained significant injuries to her left shoulder and left wrist including left brachial plexus injury, left shoulder dislocation and left wrist closed traumatic subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint. The workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2019
  • Slip and Fall on Ice at Work –  $120,000Employee was caused to slip and fall on ice at work while on break in parking lot of employer’s premises. Employee sustained fracture to the right scaphoid (wrist) and cervical and lumbar strain. Fracture required surgery consisting of open reduction, internal fixation and autogenous graft. Employee received physical therapy and occupational therapy. Workers’ comp claim settled for $40,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. Settled third-party claim against property management company and snow plow contractor for $80,000.00., 2018
  • Slip and Fall Injury at Work - $120,000Employee was caused to slip and fall on a wet bathroom floor and injured his shoulder and lower back. Employee underwent shoulder and elbow surgery. His lower back injury was treated with physical therapy and epidural steroid injections., 2017
  • Motor Vehicle Accident - Distal Humerus Fracture - $130,000Rear-seated passenger in vehicle going straight that was hit by another vehicle making a left turn. Passenger sustained a fractured left arm (distal humerus fracture) and underwent open reduction with internal fixation surgery to repair the fracture. Following surgery, passenger received physical therapy. A lawsuit was filed against both drivers alleging that both drivers were negligent. The case settled at mediation., 2014
  • Lifting Injury at Work - $140,000Employee injured both shoulders while lifting heavy bag of laundry at work.  Bilateral rotator cuff tears with surgery to both shoulders.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $140,000., 2008
  • Fall From Roof – Concussion and Multiple Fractures - $150,000Employee was working as a carpenter foreman when he fell from a roof. As a result of this roof fall, Employee suffered a concussion with loss of consciousness and multiple fractures including facial fractures, femur fracture and wrist fracture. Employee underwent open reduction internal fixation surgery to repair the femur and wrist fractures. The workers claim settled for $150,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2026
  • Lifting Injury at Work - $150,000Employee injured his lower back and suffered a herniated lumbar disc while lifting at work.  Settlement of workers' comp claim against two insurers for $150,000., 2006
  • Work Accident - $150,000Laborer hit in jaw by debris thrown from window by co-worker.  Fractured mandible and neck/back injury.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $150,000., 2007
  • Motorcycle Accident - Cervical Disc Herniation - $150,000Motorcycle operator traveling straight on main road collided with a vehicle exiting a parking lot. Driver of the vehicle alleged that the motorcycle operator was speeding and that his view of the oncoming motorcycle was obstructed by trees at the opening of the parking lot. Upon impact, motorcycle operator was thrown onto the hood of the other vehicle and smashed the windshield. Motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet. Motorcycle operator injured his neck. An MRI confirmed significant stenosis at C5-7. Motorcycle operator underwent C5-7 cervical decompression and fusion surgery. A lawsuit was filed against the operator and owner of the other motor vehicle. The case settled at mediation., 2014
  • Work-Related Back Injury - $150,000Employee injured his back working on a construction jobsite. A Lumbar MRI confirmed multilevel disc herniations at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. After failing conservative treatment, Employee underwent back surgery. Employee’s back injury improved after his surgery, and he was deemed to have permanent partial impairment with a 25 pound lifting restriction., 2014
  • Work Accident – Hip Fracture and Spinal Fracture - $160,000Employee was working as a laborer for a roofing contractor when he was caused to fall from a roof and sustained multiple injuries including a left posterior wall acetabulum fracture non-displaced, T6 compression fracture, right wrist and elbow contusions, low back sprain and concussion. Employee was hospitalized and later received out-patient treatment for his injuries which were treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $50,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim was settled at mediation for $110,000., 2019
  • BACK INJURY AT WORK - $160,000Bus Driver injured back pulling a wheel chair bound client up ramp. Multiple herniated discs to lumbar spine. Conservative treatment included epidural steroid injections. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing. In addition, obtained Social Security Disability benefits for injured worker., 2015
  • Work Accident - $160,000Laborer hit by bucket of excavator while working in sewer trench.  Laceration of right arm and artery.  Underwent emergency surgery to repair severed artery.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $80,000 plus settlement of third-party claim for $80,000., 2009
  • Slip and Fall - $167,500Elderly pedestrian slipped and fell on unnatural accumulation of ice caused by discharge of water coming from nearby house basement onto a public sidewalk.  Fractured hip requiring surgery.  Settlement of $167,500 at mediation., 2000
  • Work Accident – Degloving and Crush Injury - $175,000Employee was working as an elevator repair worker when he sustained an injury to his right hand and wrist when an elevator was reactivated while he was working on it catching his hand and wrist between the car and floor causing a serious degloving and crush injury. Employee developed post-traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the right upper extremity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Employee received pain management treatment. The workers compensation claim settled for $175,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2021
  • Work Related Trip and Fall Accident Left Hip Total Arthroplasty - $175,000Employee tripped and fell at work and hit his left knee and aggravated a prior work-related left hip injury. Employee eventually had to undergo a total left hip replacement surgery. Case settled with liability accepted for both the left knee and left hip injury/aggravation and left hip replacement surgery. Employee was also approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)., 2014
  • Motor Vehicle Accident - $175,000Elderly passenger in motor vehicle (common carrier) thrown to floor as a result of driver of common carrier making a sharp turn at high speed.  Fractured hip requiring hip surgery.  Filed a lawsuit and obtained a Court Order for Speedy Trial.  Settlement of $175,000., 2000
  • Work Accident – Wrist Injury - $182,000Employee was working as a machine operator on a metal cutting machine which required him to do repetitive bending and squeezing with his hands and upper extremity to cut pieces of metal. Employee developed a right wrist sprain, tendinitis and ulnar neuropathy as a result of repetitive trauma to his right wrist as a result of repeatedly bending. twisting and squeezing pieces of metal. Employee ‘s right wrist injury was treated initially with splinting, physical therapy and cortisone injections. Eventually, Employee underwent surgery consisting of right first dorsal compartment release. Employee had a second surgery consisting of ulnar nerve decompression. The workers comp claim settled for $47,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled for $135,000.00., 2020
  • Work Accident - Knee Injury - $185,000Employee was working as a truck driver when he injured his left knee while exiting the cab of his tractor trailer. MRI confirmed a complex tear of the medical meniscus. Employee underwent left knee arthroscopy. The workers comp claim settled for $185,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2019
  • Work Related Knee Injury - $195,000Pipe fitter twisted his knee while descending stairs on job site.  As a result, Employee sustained a torn right medial meniscus.  Employee underwent multiple arthroscopic surgeries to repair the torn meniscus. Eventually, Employee underwent a total knee replacement of the right knee. Claim settled prior to a Hearing for permanent and total workers compensation benefits under MGL c. 152, §34A. As part of the settlement, Insurer accepted liability for Employee’s right knee meniscal tear, right knee arthroscopies, aggravation of right knee medial and patellofemoral osteoarthritis and right total knee replacement., 2012
  • Electric Table Saw Accident at Work - $200,000Carpenter suffered a partial amputation of the left hand while operating an electric saw at work.  Client required multiple surgeries.  Settlement of workers' comp claim for $200,000., 2006
  • Construction Accident – Neck, Back and Shoulder Injuries - $214,846Employee was working as a carpenter assistant on a construction project when he tried to lift a thirty-two foot long beam up to his boss who was on a ladder. As Employee tried to push the beam up to his box, the beam started to twist due to the heavy weight and caused Employee to fall and the beam landed on Employee’s shoulder. Employee underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair rotator cuff tear. Employee treated for his neck and back injuries non-surgically with physical therapy and steroid injections. The workers comp case settled for $214,846 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2025
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - $220,000Employee was injured at work when suffered a crush injury to his hand and wrist when a large container of cement fell from a hook. His hand was pinned under the heavy container for several minutes. Employee underwent open reduction internal fixation surgery to repair a dislocated fractured thumb. Post-Op Employee continued to experience chronic pain and was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The workers comp claim settled for $220,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2026
  • Construction Accident – Fall From Roof Trusses - $220,000Employee was working as a carpenter on a construction project when he was caused to fall through roof trusses of a building under construction. Although Employee was wearing a safety vest and harness, his body hit a scissor lift that was located on the floor below. As a result of his construction accident, Employee sustained multiple injuries including left wrist fracture, left patellofemoral dislocation, Grade 2 sprain of the MCL and rib contusions. Employee underwent open reduction internal fixation surgery to repair the left wrist fracture and arthroscopic surgery to repair the MCL injury. Our law firm filed a lawsuit against multiple third parties including the general contractor and a framing subcontractor. After extensive discovery and depositions, the parties settled the third party claim at Mediation. Workers compensation claim settled for $60,000 and third-party claim settled for $160,000, 2021
  • Work Accident – Concussion and Low Back Injury - $225,000Employee was moving a heavy cement mixer when he was caused to fall backwards and landed on a concrete floor striking his head, neck and back. Employee lost consciousness for a brief period of time. Employee sustained multiple injuries including concussion, Post-Concussive Syndrome, Post-Whiplash Syndrome of the cervical spine, lumbosacral sprain and strain with right-sided sciatica, disc herniation at L5-S1 and disc protrusions at L3-4 and L4-5 and aggravation of pre-existing depression and anxiety. Employee’s injuries were treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $225,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. , 2019
  • Work-Related Laceration and Subsequent Amputation of Toes - $225,000Employee was pushing a linen cart which rolled over his foot and cut his lower leg. Employee was diabetic and developed a severe infection of his left foot necessitating the amputation of all his toes., 2016
  • Work Accident – Electric Shock Injury - $240,000Employee was working as a laborer for a bridge contractor. Employee sustained an electric shock injury when he was connecting a mixing bit to an electric drill while standing in an excavated pit that had pools of water from rain. Employee sustained multiple injuries including electric shock injury, rotator cuff tear right shoulder, post-operative adhesive capsulitis right shoulder, back contusion, back and neck sprain, left leg neuropathic pain, memory loss, anxiety and depression and Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD). Employee underwent surgery to repair the rotator cuff tear. The workers comp claim settled for $240,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2020
  • Construction Accident – Fall From Roof - $249,532Employee was working as a carpenter on a construction project when he fell from a roof while installing rubber ice shield. As a result of the roof fall, Employee sustained multiple injuries including a displaced fracture right proximal humerus, right shoulder impingement syndrome, displaced T12 compression fracture with radiculitis and disc bulge with severe central canal stenosis at L4-5 with contact of the transiting L5 nerve roots bilaterally. Employee received pain management treatment for his back injury including epidural steroid injections. Workers comp case settled for $249,532 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2025
  • WORK ACCIDENT TRIP AND FALL - $250,000Employee was in the course of his employment closing side door of his trash truck when he was caused to trip and fall over broken asphalt. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a shoulder SLAP tear and cervical radiculopathy. Employee underwent multiple surgeries to treat his right shoulder injury. Workers comp case settled prior to Conference on Employee’s claim for Section 34A permanent and total incapacity benefits., 2024
  • Fall From Ladder - $250,000Employee was working on extension ladder on construction job site during the winter. Ladder caused to slip on snow and ice on the ground where ladder had been placed causing Employee to fall landing on both feet and falling backwards and striking his head on the ground. Employee sustained a laceration to his head and fractured calcaneal fracture to his right foot/ankle. Employee underwent open reduction, internal fixation surgery to repair the right calcaneal fracture. Employee suffered post-concussive headaches and chronic pain in his right foot/lower extremity. Employee filed a third party lawsuit against the general contractor for negligence by failing to remove the snow and ice in the work areas of the jobsite. Workers’ comp claim settled for $100,000. Third-Party lawsuit settled for $150,000., 2018
  • Motor Vehicle Pedestrian Accident - $250,000Pedestrian hit by car while crossing street in marked crosswalk.  Suffered comminuted left tibial fracture requiring surgery.  Settlement of $250,000 (policy limits) at mediation. , 2009
  • Fall at Construction Site - $250,000Boilermaker fell from elevated height.  Suffered left ankle fracture and back injury.  Filed a lawsuit against the general contractor for failing to ensure that client was provided with fall protection.  Third party claim settled at mediation for $250,000 with waiver of workers' comp lien of $207,399.49., 2000
  • Rotator Cuff Tear - $250,000Animal Lab Technician at hospital injured shoulder at work pulling a cart. Employee suffered a rotator cuff tear. Employee underwent multiple shoulder surgeries. Employee developed adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing for employee’s claim for permanent and total disability benefits. In addition, obtained Social Security Disability benefits for injured worker., 2016
  • Work Accident – Low Back Injury - $275,000Employee was working as an electrician when he injured his lower back while lifting a heavy PVC pipe. MRI confirmed that Employee sustained a large disc herniation at L5-S1 with S1 nerve root compression. Employee underwent back surgery consisting of an L5-S1 discectomy. Following surgery, Employee continued to experience significant back pain and left-sided sciatica. An EMG confirmed chronic left S1 radiculopathy. The workers comp claim settled for $275,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2020
  • Work Related Slip and Fall - $275,000Service Director for car dealership slipped and fell on wet floor on employer’s premises and sustained multiple injuries including non-union, fractured left femur, comminuted fractured left patella and fractured left medial malleolus. Employee underwent surgeries to the left femur, left patella and left ankle to repair the fractures. Employee had to have further surgery the following year to repair further the fractured femur which was still non-union from the original surgery. Prior to Hearing, the case settled, and the Insurer accepted liability for all future treatment related to the employee’s injuries., 2011
  • Work Related Back Injury - $275,000Employee injured his lower back while lifting a heavy aluminum platform with co-workers. Previously, Employee injured his lower back and underwent back surgery while working for the same employer. Employee received conservative medical treatment for his second back injury. Employee’s medical expert opined that he suffered a permanent exacerbation of his prior underlying back condition and, as a result, was permanently and totally disabled from all work including light, sedentary work.  Claim settled prior to a Hearing for permanent and total workers compensation benefits under MGL c. 152, §34A with liability accepted for disc bulges at L3-4 and L4-5, chronic low back pain, exacerbation of prior work-related low back injury status post-surgery., 2012
  • Construction Accident - $275,000Working foreman injured his right dominant shoulder while using a jackhammer.  MRI confirmed partial-thickness rotator cuff tear.  Employee underwent right shoulder arthroscopy to repair the rotator cuff tear.  Post surgery Employee continued to suffer severe, persistent pain in the right shoulder and right upper extremity.  Employee’s chronic pain was diagnosed as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a serious pain condition also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Causalgia. In addition to his physical injuries, Employee also developed anxiety and depression related to severe, constant pain caused by CRPS.  Claim was settled at a mediation on a lump sum payment basis with liability accepted for payment of future medical treatment for the above physical and non-physical conditions., 2012
  • Construction Accident Torn Meniscus - $300,000Employee was working as a carpenter on a construction job site when a pile of sheet rock was caused to fall on him. As a result, Employee sustained multiple injuries including an injury to his knee with a torn meniscus and lumbar sprain. Employee underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn meniscus. Workers Comp case settled at Mediation prior to Hearing., 2024
  • Work-Related Hand/Arm Laceration - $310,000Employee worked as a carpenter and commercial window installer. While removing an old window on a jobsite, the glass shattered causing a severe hand/arm laceration including nerve and tendon laceration. Employee later developed carpal tunnel syndrome and underwent multiple surgeries to his hand and arm., 2014
  • WORK ACCIDENT FRACTURED ANKLE - $350,000Employee was working as a machine operator in a steel fabricating factory when several large pieces of steel fell on his right leg/foot. Employee sustained a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation of the right ankle. Employee underwent open reduction with internal fixation surgery to repair the fractured ankle. Later, Employee underwent a second surgery to remove screws from the prior surgery. Workers comp case settled prior to Conference on Employee’s claim for Section 34A permanent and total incapacity benefits., 2023
  • Construction Accident Roof Fall - $350,000Employee working as a labor doing asbestos removal and demolition work when was caused to fall through the roof paneling of a building and landed on the ground. As a result of this roof fall accident, Employee sustained serious and permanent injuries including skull fracture, traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) with hemorrhage in the brain and pelvic fracture. Workers Comp claim settled prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits., 2024
  • Construction Accident Fall From Staging - $350,000Employee fell from staging and sustaining multiple injuries including compression fracture to the thoracic spine, multiple bulging discs to the lumbar spine, rotator cuff tear. Employee underwent shoulder surgery to repair the rotator cuff tear. Employee underwent spinal cord stimulator surgery for chronic pain management. Workers comp case settled at Mediation prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits., 2023
  • Work Accident – Lacerations of Arm and Fingers - $377,500Employee was working as a carpenter and operating a radial chop saw when he sustained a severe laceration to his left dominant forearm. The chop saw did not have a blade guard. Employee sustained multiple injuries including laceration left forearm, laceration of the extensor tendon to the left index and middle fingers and acute radial nerve palsy of the left hand. Employee underwent surgery consisting of flexor carpi radialis tendon transfer. Employee sustained an eighteen percent impairment of the left dominant upper extremity. The workers comp claim settled for $220,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settlement for $157,500., 2019
  • Construction Site Accident - $1,500,000Steel I-Beam fell from wood framing and fell on welder who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic spine compression fracture, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs and crushed foot/ankle.  Following extensive litigation with the general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to the job site, case settled at mediation., 2008
  • Pedestrian Car Accident - $400,000Minor pedestrian was crossing a street in the crosswalk when he was hit by a private bus and sustained serious injuries including degloving injury to the left foot, open 2nd metatarsal fracture of the left, traumatic left foot dorsal and plant wounds, compartment syndrome of the left foot, abrasions to the left leg and hematoma to the left side of the head. In addition, the minor’s mother claimed negligent infliction of emotional distress as she was on scene and saw her son under the bus seconds after the accident. The case settled pre-lawsuit for a total lump sum amount of $400,000. The minor pedestrian’s personal injury claim settled for $385,000 by structured settlement, and the mother’s negligent infliction of emotional distress claim settled for $15,000. The settlement was approved by the Court., 2019
  • Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injury - $400,000Employee suffered work-related, single car accident in 1977. Employee suffered multiple fractures, traumatic brain injury and was in a coma. Employee had lengthy hospitalizations and underwent extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Employee was awarded permanent and total workers compensation benefits and received yearly COLA increases, 2017
  • Slip and Fall at Construction Site - $435,000Specialty painter/plasterer slipped and fell on job site due to foreign substance/debris on the floor.  As a result, client suffered a left ankle fracture and herniated lumbar disc.  Client underwent an open reduction with internal fixation to repair the fractured ankle.  Settled workers' comp claim for $110,000 and third-party claim against the general contractor and subcontractors for $325,000., 2006
  • Construction Accident - Fall Through Unguarded Hole - $450,000Employee fell through unguarded hole on floor of house under construction and struck head on concrete footing to basement support column. Employee sustained massive head injury and multiple injuries including traumatic brain injury and cranial and facial fractures. Workers comp claim settled prior to Hearing., 2020
  • Traumatic Brain Injury - $450,000Valet attendant at auto dealership fell from ladder and struck head on the ground. Suffered massive skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing for employee’s claim for permanent and total disability benefits. , 2016
  • Construction Accident – Amputation - $475,000Employee was dismantling a large steel boiler on a construction project when a section of the steel boiler fell over on top of his leg. As a result, Employee sustained a crush injury with multiple fractures to his leg, ankle and foot. Employee underwent open reduction surgery with external fixation. Due to the massive injuries to Employee’s lower extremity, Employee later underwent surgery to remove the external fixator and amputate the leg below the knee. Employee was fitted with a prosthetic leg and received extensive physical therapy. Prior to settled, Employee was paid specific compensation in the amount of $83,858 under Massachusetts General Laws Section 36. The workers comp claim settled for $475,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment., 2025
  • Pedestrian Car Accident - $500,000Pedestrian was crossing street in crosswalk when hit by car. Elderly driver never applied brakes. Force of the impact hurled pedestrian onto the front lawn of a nearby house. Pedestrian suffered multiple life-threatening injuries including concussion, closed head trauma with laceration requiring staples, T3 vertebral body fracture, L4 bilaterally and L5 left transverse process fractures, T4 rib head fracture, right superior and left inferior pubic ramus, highly comminuted and displaced proximal left femur fracture, right thigh 30-40 cm laceration, fracture to the left and right sacrum with right S1 joint diastasis, left thigh hematoma, comminuted displaced fractures of the distal right tibia and fibula diaphysis extending into the second carpometacarpal joint and left heel laceration. Police investigated the accident, took extensive photographs and measurements and determined that the elderly driver was negligent and fully at fault. Pedestrian settled her bodily injury claim and underinsured motorist benefits claim for full policy limits of $500,000 combined for both claims., 2018
  • Car Accident – Head On Collision - $525,000Client was driving straight when she was hit head on by car operated by an elderly man who fell asleep at the wheel. As a result of this head on collision, Client sustained multiple fractures including an open tibial fracture, patellar fracture and calcaneal fracture. Our law firm filed a lawsuit against the driver that hit our client’s car. Following discovery and depositions, the case settled for $525,000 at a Mediation., 2025
  • Pedestrian Hit In Crosswalk - $545,000Pedestrian was crossing the street on a designated crosswalk when he was hit by a car. Pedestrian sustained severe and permanent injuries including a displaced compound fracture to the right tibula and fibula, compartment syndrome of the right leg and closed head injury. Pedestrian underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery to repair his leg fractures. Case settled at Mediation., 2019
  • Lifting Injury at Work – Back Surgery - $536,771Employee injured his lower back as a result of repetitive trauma lifting and stacking heavy boxes of processed fish. MRI confirmed a disc bulge with nerve impingement. Employee had back surgery consisting of an L5-S1 anterior posterior fusion. Post-Op Employee continued to experience severe back pain with bilateral radiculopathy. Employee received pain management and eventually underwent lumbar spine surgery for placement of a spinal cord stimulator. The workers comp claim settled for $536,771 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. , 2026
  • Industrial Band Saw Accident - $550,000Machinist working in metal stamping and metal forming factory suffered a horrific, life-changing injury to his right dominant hand while operating an industrial band saw with an unguarded saw blade. Employee suffered traumatic lacerations, open fractures to all five fingers and partial amputation of the thumb. Employee developed a severe infection requiring the surgical amputation of his right thumb. Employee later underwent a surgical amputation of his index finger and surgical reattachment of the index finger in place of his thumb. Tragically, Employee was born with a birth defect to his left arm and hand. In addition to settling his workers’ compensation claim, Employee was awarded SSDI benefits., 2017
  • Pedistrian Hit By Car - $625,000Pedestrian was standing by his uncle’s landscaping truck that was parked on the side of the road when a car hit the back of the truck and hit the pedestrian pinning him under the landscaping truck. Pedestrian sustained multiple severe and permanent injuries including displaced compound fractures to the tibula and fibula, clavicle fracture and multiple abrasions and contusion. Pedestrian underwent multiple surgeries to repair the fractures and skin grafting. Case settled prior to filing suit., 2022
  • Slip and fall at construction site - $656,000Carpenter foreman slipped and fell on ice at construction site.  Client injured his lower back and suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 with impingement requiring surgery.  Settled workers' comp claim for $200,000 and third-party claim against general contractor for $456,000., 2006
  • Construction Accident Fall From Ladder - $700,000Employee was working as a master carpenter when he fell from a ladder and sustained multiple injuries including fractured and dislocated ankle with displacement of the talus. Employee underwent multiple surgeries to treat the ankle fracture including open reduction with internal fixation and hardware removal. Employee developed an infection of the ankle requiring multiple surgeries including skin graft surgeries. Employee developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”) of the lower extremity. Employee underwent Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery for chronic pain management related to the CRPS. Workers Comp claim settled prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits., 2015
  • Trip and Fall at Work - $800,000Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site. While walking across demolished floor of building being renovated, employee was caused to trip on a wire loop that was protruding from the demolished concrete floor. Employee was caused to fall forward landing on his knees. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a right patella fracture and neck injury. Eventually, Employee right patellofemoral replacement surgery. MRI of the cervical spine confirmed foraminal narrowing of C5-6 and C6-7 with possible compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Employee filed a lawsuit to pursue third-party personal injury claims against the general contractor, demolition subcontractor and site subcontractor for the construction site where his accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim settled for $350,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled at mediation with all defendants for $450,000. In addition to the workers’ comp and third-party claims, Employee successfully filed for SSDI benefits. , 2018

Educational Background

  • B.A., Philosophy Major with Areas of Concentration in History. St. John's Seminary College of Liberal Arts, Brighton, MA, 1982-1986
  • Suffolk University Law School , 1989-1993

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

  • Local 26 Leadership MeetingWorkers Comp Training, 2015

Honors

  • AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, Martindale Hubble, 2021
  • Client Champion Silver, Client Champion, Martindale Hubble, 2021
  • Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2026

Awards

Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Silver Award badge for John Sheehan

Silver: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rating badge for John Sheehan

AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

Office location for John Sheehan

607 North Ave
Suite 2A-12
Wakefield, MA 01880

Phone: 781-242-4100

Selections

1 Year Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2026

Additional sources of information about John Sheehan

Attorney resources for John Sheehan

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