Commonwealth v. Reade (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-185-14)
Appeal dismissed for failure to timely file notice of appeal to SJC within seven days of single justice judgment denying petition for appointed counsel.
Lawyers
Downey, et al. v. Chutehall Construction Co., Inc., et al. v. The Follett Company, Inc. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-149-14)
Roofing contractor's report that roof was installed over wet insulation held conditionally privileged when made to investigate source of leaks.
Subcontracting Concepts, Inc. v. Commissioner of the Division of Unemployment Assistance, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-147-14)
Driver classified as employee despite independent contractor contract; employer exercised substantial control and worker depended on single client.
Cape Cod Shellfish & Seafood Company, Inc., et al. v. City of Boston, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-148-14)
Wholesale seafood firms remained on leased Massport property after lease expiration, continuing to pay rent under holdover provision. Court held companies remained liable for real estate taxes as lessees during holdover period.
Commonwealth v. Thompson (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-184-14)
Drug distribution conviction upheld; school zone statute amendment does not apply retroactively to convictions entered before effective date.
Haskins v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-146-14)
Mortgage servicer's cure notice identifying itself as mortgagee satisfied statutory requirements despite separate record title holders.
Drummer Boy Homes Association, Inc. v. Britton, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-145-14)
Condominium association cannot establish multiple priority liens ahead of first mortgage by filing successive lawsuits; only one six-month priority lien allowed.
DiCarlo, et al. v. Suffolk Construction Co., Inc., et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-142-14)
Insurer's lien under workers' compensation law does not reach employee's pain and suffering damages or spouse's loss of consortium damages recovered in third-party settlement.
Vaida v. Vaida (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-143-14)
Postminority child support for an adult child over age 23 unavailable absent statutory eligibility or guardianship status as incapacitated person; settlement agreement released tort claims.
Skyhook Wireless, Inc. v. Google Inc. (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-144-14)
Affirmed summary judgment for Google in tortious interference case. Google lawfully enforced Android compatibility standards and contractual rights; competitive motivation and economic self-interest do not constitute improper motive or means.