The town has received a notice from national law firm Morgan and Morgan on behalf of its client, School Committee Vice Chair Jenn Schaeffner, stating that the town is at fault for injuries she suffered on municipal property.
According to the six-page letter obtained by The Weekly News from the Select Board’s office, the letter states that Schaeffner “suffered major injuries due to (the town’s) negligent acts” while attending a Board of Health meeting at the Mary Alley Building on Oct. 10.
The letter, submitted by Theresa Wall, goes on to state that Schaeffner was lawfully on the property and suffered an injury on her right foot after twisting it on the asphalt, as well as “other serious and diverse personal injuries, some or all of which may be permanent in nature.”
Following the injury, Schaeffner was seen wearing a boot during the School Committee’s Oct. 11 meeting.
Schaeffner’s attorney requested in the letter that all evidence involved in the incident be preserved and secured, including photo, video, audio, and document evidence.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said in an interview that the protocol the town follows when receiving these claims is “a routine process.”
He said that after receiving the claim, the case will be handed over to the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Agency, which is used by most municipalities. Kezer added that while the notice requested that all evidence be secured by law, the town is already required to do so.
According to Kezer, the cap on the liability is $5,000.
“They process, they make all the decisions,” Kezer said in reference to MIIA. “They handle these things for us.”