Attorney Mark S. Horrigan

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Skilled Trial Attorney with Over 40 Years of Experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability

Background and Experience

Attorney Mark S. Horrigan brings over four decades of trial experience to his practice. Since being admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1982, he has built a distinguished career in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security Disability cases.

From 1984–1995, Attorney Horrigan served as Staff Trial Counsel for Wausau Insurance Company, defending over 200 personal injury and workers’ compensation claims and achieving defense verdicts in 85% of trials. This insurance defense background gives him unique insight into how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims—knowledge he now uses to maximize recoveries for injured clients.

With approximately 75 jury trials and 75 bench trials to his name, Attorney Horrigan ranks among the top 3% of Massachusetts attorneys in trial experience. His dual perspective—having represented both defendants and plaintiffs—gives him a strategic advantage in evaluating cases and negotiating with insurers.

Areas of Expertise

Personal Injury Cases:

  • Motor vehicle accidents and auto collisions
  • Construction site accidents and falls
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Negligent security claims
  • Product liability cases
  • Premises liability

Workers’ Compensation:

  • Permanent and total disability claims
  • Death claims and survivor benefits
  • Toxic exposure cases
  • Heart attack and stroke claims
  • Workplace injuries and occupational diseases
  • Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) hearings

Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI):

  • Initial applications and appeals
  • Administrative Law Judge hearings
  • Appeals Council representation
  • Federal court disability appeals
  • Long-term disability cases involving orthopedic, neurological, and mental health conditions

Medical Malpractice:

  • Surgical errors and misdiagnosis
  • Direct and cross-examination of medical experts
  • Collaboration with experienced malpractice attorneys on complex cases

Criminal Defense:

  • Serious felony cases including murder and armed robbery
  • DUI and drunk driving defense
  • Trial representation in superior and district courts

Notable Case Results

  • $925,000 Settlement (2006): Big Dig construction site accident involving catastrophic injuries
  • $725,000 Settlement (1998): Following a $675,000 jury verdict in a construction site personal injury case
  • $540,000 Settlement: After obtaining a $450,000 jury verdict in a defamation case on behalf of a former Massachusetts Highway Department employee against a road construction contractor
  • $150,000 Jury Verdict (1984): Defamation case against a university
  • Four Permanent and Total Disability Judgments: Successfully secured lifetime benefits for claimants at the Department of Industrial Accidents
  • 85% Defense Verdict Rate: Demonstrating his trial capabilities from both sides of the courtroom during his tenure as insurance defense counsel

Individual results may vary and past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and evaluated on its own merits.

Trial Experience That Sets Him Apart

  • 150+ Trials to Verdict: Combined jury and bench trial experience across multiple practice areas
  • Top 3% in Massachusetts: His trial volume places him among the most experienced trial attorneys in the state
  • Federal Court Experience: Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court
  • Medical Expert Testimony: Conducted numerous direct and cross-examinations of physicians, surgeons, and medical specialists in complex injury and malpractice cases

This depth of trial experience means Attorney Horrigan doesn’t just settle cases—he is fully prepared to take your case to verdict if necessary. Insurance companies recognize attorneys with proven trial skills and often make better settlement offers as a result.

Collaborative Practice

In addition to his primary areas of practice, Attorney Horrigan collaborates on immigration matters with his wife and partner, Attorney Nancy B. Norman, a seasoned immigration attorney with over 35 years of specialized experience. This collaboration enables the firm to offer comprehensive legal services to clients with diverse needs, including employment-based immigration issues that affect injured workers and workplace accident victims.

Education and Professional Background

Education

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.): New England School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts, 1982.
  • Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.): Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, 1979.

Bar Admissions

  • State Courts: Massachusetts, 1982.
  • Federal Courts:
    • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, 1983.
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 1983.
    • U.S. Supreme Court.

Professional Experience

Staff Trial Counsel (1984–1995): Wausau Insurance Company, Law Office of William F. Caples. In this role, Attorney Horrigan defended hundreds of insurance policyholders in personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation, gaining invaluable insight into insurance company tactics and claim evaluation strategies.

Approach and Philosophy

Attorney Horrigan is committed to providing personalized legal representation and leveraging his extensive trial experience to advocate effectively for his clients. His deep understanding of both plaintiff and defense litigation equips him to anticipate challenges and develop strategic solutions.

He values open communication and works closely with clients to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Whether negotiating a settlement or trying a case to verdict, Attorney Horrigan approaches each matter with thorough preparation and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, Attorney Horrigan represents clients throughout the North Shore, Greater Boston, and across Massachusetts. His convenient location and decades of experience in Massachusetts courts make him an accessible and knowledgeable advocate for injured individuals and disability claimants.

Contact Attorney Mark S. Horrigan

With a proven track record of success and a dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes, Attorney Horrigan is prepared to assist you with your personal injury, workers’ compensation, or Social Security Disability claim. Contact us today at (781) 599-7477 to schedule a consultation and learn how his experience can benefit your case.