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  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
  • Pineda, Maynor Y. et al vs. Pro Con Incorporated et al Other Negligence - Personal Injury / Property Damage document preview
						
                                

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Aol Keys} A Bled in cour. C Ras Heak co, Aitest : | COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX, ss. MAYNOR Y. PINEDA and OLGA EXPERRANZA MARROQUIN GARCIA, Plaintiffs v. PRO CON INCORPORATED and ALLSTATE INTERIORS, INC., Defendants NN SUPERIOR COURT C.A. No. 1481 CV 08863-J JOINT PRE-TRIAL MEMORANDUM r Agreed Facts: This matter arises out of an incident which occurred on June 20, 2014 whle the plaintiff was working at a construction site known as Stone Place Apartments in Melrose, MA. The plaintiff alleges he was injured when he fell at the construction site. 2. Plaintiff’s Statement of the Evidence: The plaintiff, Maynor Pineda, expects the evidence at trial will show that on June 20, 2014 he was employed by Campos Drywall to perform work at a construction project located at the Stone Place Apartments in Melrose, MA. Incorporated (“Pro Con”) was the construction will establish that defendant, Allstate Interiors, complete the metal stud, insulation and drywall Allstate, in turn, hired Ezequiel Campos, the project. Maynor Pineda was a carpenter/labo: Place Apartments project. 'e evidence will show that defendant, Pro Con anager for the project. Further, the evidence c. (“Allstate”), contracted with Pro Con to ork under a contract dated November 16, 2011. d/b/a Campos Drywall, as its subcontractor for er for Campos Drywall working at the Stone On June 20, 2014, Mr. Pineda, while in the course of his employment for Campos Drywall, fell through a hole in the roof at the prot ject when he stepped onto an unsecured plywood hole cover which tilted under his weight. Photographs and other evidence clearly show that at the time of the accident the plywood cover on it to provide warning of the hazard. did not have the word “HOLE” or “COVER”The jury will hear evidence that as the co: responsible for overall safety on the jobsite. Thal 10.03 which provides, in pertinent part, as follo struction manager for the Project, Pro Con was duty is a non-delegable duty under 454 CMR iS: (1) Protection of health and safety af employees and others: (a) All places where employe: s are directed or permitted to perform work of any kind in construction work or demolition shall be so constructed, equipped, arranged, operated and conducted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of employees and o' (b) ihers. Employers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, superintendents or foremen in charge, and other persons obligated by law to adhere to the requirements of 454 CMR 10.00 shall not direct, or permit an employee to work under conditions which are not in compliance with or which are prohibit The above-mentioned regulations were de on certain easily identifiable individuals or entiti either would take the action required to maintain ed by 454 CMR 10.00. signed to impose responsibility for job safety s or both so that those individuals or entities ja reasonably safe working environment or take clear, affirmative steps to delegate safety responsibility to others. On June 20, 2014, Mr. Pineda fell through the opening in a roof because the op: Section 1926.502 requires that holes in floors, ro. meet the following requirements: “All covers sh accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, OSHA requires that “All covers shall be color co “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the| The duties and responsibilities imposed b Con apply with equal force to Allstate under the Drywall to work on the project. As such, Allstat maintain a reasonably safe working environment evidence will show that Allstate, like Pro Con, fa the evidence will show that there was little, if an Place Apartments project in July 2014. The evidence will also show that at some’ ning did not have a secure hole cover. OSHA fs, and other walking/working surfaces shall 1 be secured when installed so as to prevent lor employees.” 1926.502(i)(3). Additionally, ded or they shall be marked with the word hazard. 1926.502(i)(4). the above-mentioned regulations against Pro facts of the instant case. Allstate hired Campos e had a duty to take the actions required to at the project. The plaintiff expects that the iled to do so. Further, the plaintiff expects that , safety training and job oversight on the Stone point prior to Mr. Pineda’s accident there was a piece of plywood which had been secured with screws to cover the hole in the roof. This plywood floor cover had no markings on it to provide warning of the hazard posed by the floor opening. Photographs taken immediately following Mr. Pineda’s accident by Pro Con supervisors document this fact. Sometime shortly after Mr. Pineda’s accident, Pro Con instructed its onsite carpenter, Paul Doyle, to wri! N. te the word “HOLE” on the cover.witnesses in the case that the subject floor lby which subcontractors brought equipment to There will also be testimony from several opening was being used at the jobsite as a means the roof from the floor beneath the roof. The evidence at trial will also show that Pro Con and Allstate recognized its duty to provide a safe worksite for workers at the Project In Pro Con’s contract with Allstate for work at the Stone Place Apartments, numerous provisions of the contract deal specifically with safety. In a section entitled “Safety” the following language appears: he Site. It is the subcontractor’s ons in the performance of his work and its employees...Subcontractor shall SHA safety rules and regulations while Safety is to be given first priority on t responsibility to maintain safe conditi to provide ongoing safety training for understand, practice and promote all on the Project site. Moreover, the specific hazard posed by the floor opening on the roof of the Connector section of the Project was a hazard that was recognized by Pro Con prior to Mr. Pineda’s accident. One of Pro Con’s carpenters had built the wooden frame for the floor opening and, presumably, fastened the plywood over the opening using screws in an effort to secure the plywood. Even though the carpenter knew the pliywood was covering a hole, the carpenter failed to mark the plywood with lettering, required by OSHA, indicating that the plywood was covering a hole. The jury will also hear evidence that Pro Con had engaged the services of Contractor’s Risk Management, Inc. to perform project worksite safety inspections. On June 19, 2014, one such inspection was performed of the Stone Place project by Rich LeVinus of Contractor’s Risk Management. Mr. LeVinus found that there wasja floor hole not adequately covered or labeled. He also found that there were many 4” core holes on multiple floors of the Connector which were not covered. Mr. LeVinus also found that there was an opening approximately 2.5 feet square covered with “only a loose piece of decking not marked or secured”. The jury will hear testimony from Mr. LeVinus that his overall con¢lusion- the day before Mr. Pineda’s accident- was that on-site supervision at the Stone Place Tie project needed improvement. The evidence will show that on June 20, 2014, Maynor Pineda (d.0.b. 5/4/1981) was a healthy 33-year-old man who was working full- time as a carpenter/laborer for his employer, Campos Drywall. When Mr. Pineda stepped on the unsecured hole cover he fell through the opening in the roof and landed approximately 16/feet on the floor below the roof of the building. Upon arrival at Massachusetts General Hospital (“©MGH”) Mr. Pineda complained of severe back pain, headache, neck pain, right arm pain, pain in his left rib cage. He vomited in the Emergency Room. Given the nature of his fall and his complaints, doctors were concerned that Mr. Pineda had lost consciousness in the fall. Mr. Pineda was admitted to the hospital due to a significant concern that he may have sustained an unstable spine injury with potential for permanent neurological disability. Severe focal tenderness pathology, with potential for progression and p immediately ordered an MRI of his neck. as identified consistent with acute spinal anent neurological disability. DoctorsDoctors also ordered cervical spine immobilization plus imaging of Mr. Pineda’s spine to identify any acute spinal pathology. An MRI of . Pineda’s cervical spine did not show any evident abnormality of his cervical spine. However, an MRI of Mr. Pineda’s right wrist showed a distal radial fracture. Mr. Pineda also complained of dizziness, pelvis, thoracic and lumbar spine. A CT scan of of abdominal trauma. Additionally, a CT scan w: no evidence of acute intracranial hemorrhage. chest pain as well as pain in his abdomen, his abdomen and pelvis did not detect evidence as ordered of Mr. Pineda’s head which showed Mr. Pineda was discharged from MGH on June 21, 2014 with a cervical collar and a splint on his right wrist. He was given prescriptions for pain and the spasms in his cervical spine and told to follow up with the Orthopedic Depart Thereafter, Mr. Pineda came under the cai extremity specialist. On November 20, 2014, Mr, which showed a partial tear in the scapholunate li ment at MGH. e of Hillel Skoff, M.D., a hand and upper Pineda underwent a right wrist arthrogram igament. The test was done in conjunction with an MRI of Mr. Pineda’s right wrist. Based on the findings of these diagnostic tests, Dr. Skoff recommended surgical reconstruction of the scap On December 22, 2014, Dr. Skoff operate holunate ligament. id on Mr. Pineda’s right wrist. Dr. Skoff reconstructed the scapholunate ligament. Mr. Pineda continued to treat with Dr. Skoff following the surgery. X-rays taken of Mr. Pineda’s right wrist on July 2, 2015 showed that there was still a3 millimeter gap between the scaphoid and lunate, which was an improvement. However, Dr. Skoff did not believe that Mr. Pineda was capable of returning to work as a carpenter/laborer unless his grip strength improved. Since the accident Mr. Pineda has suffered with intractable chronic post-traumatic headache, along with the pain he was experiencing in his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. He came under the care of Vladan Milosavljevic, M.D. Dr. Milosavljevic recommended that Mr. Pineda undergo trigger point injections into his lumbar area. He also recommended cognitive and physical therapy as well as various medications including Topamax and Neurontin. Mr. Pineda treated with Dr. Milosavljevic from October 23, 2014 through June 20, 2016. During that time, Mr. Pineda failed to progress in any signifigant manner. Mr. Pineda also has sought treatment with Robert C. Cantu, M.D. at the Cantu Concussion Center located at Emerson Hospital. |Mr. Pineda first went to the Cantu Center in January, 2016. At that time, Mr. Pineda presented complained of headache, nausea, neck pain, back pain, dizziness with vertigo, blurred, foggy and double vision, significant cognitive difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbance with insomnia and early awakening, anxiety, depression, as well as light and sound sensitivity. Doctors at|the Cantu Concussion Center noted that Mr. Pineda’s neurological symptoms are worse whenjhe has an increase in cognitive and physical stimulation, and they improve with decreased stimulation. The medical evidence will show that Mr. Pineda has undergone cognitive rehabilitatiot n, physical therapy and occupational therapy at the Cantu Concussion Center with a diagnosis ofipost-concussion syndrome.Mr. Pineda will also testify at trial that sin memory and concentration. Medical evidence fr Mr. Pineda was found to have decreased stability] turning, and with head movements. At the time of his accident in June, 2014, laborer for Campos Drywall. Mr. Pineda is right language. As of February 25, 2016, Mr. Pineda was noted above. Mr. Pineda was seen by a vocationa CCM. In her report dated June 20, 2016, Ms. Sin as a laborer since he was 14 years old. He has w landscaping and laundry. Ms. Shugars saw Mr. F; his cognitive therapy. She noted that Mr. Pineda depression and generalized anxiety disorder are s' June 20, 2014. She noted that Mr. Pineda has lim employment, functional limitations related to his from working his former occupation. Ms. Shugat sustained in his June 20, 2014 accident eliminate be available to him considering his vocational pr ce the accident he has decreased short-term m the Cantu Concussion Center will show that with balance testing, dizziness when walking, Mr. Pineda was earning $18.00 per hour as a hand dominant and Spanish is his primary istill having the same neurologic symptoms as 1 consultant, Sarah L. Shugars, MS, CRC, hears noted that Mr. Pineda had been working rked in the construction field as well as ‘ineda after he had his right wrist surgery and s chronic headaches, cognitive impairment, econdary to the injuries he sustained on ‘ited transferable skills and barriers to June 20, 2014 accident, which preclude him rs concludes that the injuries that Mr. Pineda lany meaningful employment options that would file, education, work history and training. Defendant, Pro Con Incorporated’s, Statement of the Evidence: The Defendant, Pro Con Incorporated, (“R following: Pro Con was the construction manager for Melrose, MA. The project involved the renovatio) of a connector building between them. Pro Con s' one to two assistant superintendents. The Pro C. ro Con”) expects the evidence will show the the construction of Stone Place Apartments in n of two former mill buildings and construction ‘affed the project with a fulltime supervisor and superintendent and his assistant(s) made ‘on regular daily inspections of all work areas to monitor the status of the work. Pro Con’s inspections included reviewing the safety aspects applicable OSHA regulations and Pro Con’s own| management at the site, Pro Con also contracted of New Hampshire, which performed bi-weekly s of the work and enforcing compliance with safety policies. As part of its safety ith an outside construction safety firm, CRM afety inspections. The work on the project involved multiple trades and Pro Con subcontracted with numerous subcontractors, including Allstate Inteyiors, Inc. (“Allstate”). Allstate’s work included metal stud, insulation and drywall work. The subcontract placed significant safety responsibilities on Allstate for the performance o: subcontract also required Allstate to indemnify P. its work and that of its subcontractors. The ‘o Con for all injuries arising out of Allstate’s work and to obtain liability insurance covering Po Con as an additional insured.The Plaintiff was injured during the cow a subcontractor retained by Allstate. At the time up their construction materials and removing thei building. They were the only individuals workin accident. While performing that work, the Plainti which had been covered with plywood. e of his work as a laborer for Campos Drywall, f his injury, he and a co-worker were cleaning tools from the flat roof on top of the connector in that area for a couple of hours prior to the negligently fell through a floor opening Pro Con contends that negligence on the part of the plaintiff and / or his co-worker was the primary cause of the accident. In the event the plaintiff prevails on his claim against Pro Con, Pro Con contends that it is entitled to be indemni: Defendant also contends that the Plaintiff, his usual employment. fied by Allstate and / or its liability insurer. has recovered from his injury and can perform Defendant, Allstate Interior Inc.’s, Statement of the Evidence: The Defendant Allstate Interiors (“Allstate”) will demonstrate that it acted as a reasonable subcontractor in the performance of its work. sustained by the plaintiff were not caused by a n¢ its officers, board members, agents or representa! and extent of the plaintiff's claimed injuries. show that the injuries sustained by the plaintiff including the negligence of the plaintiff himself. 3. Agreed Description of the Case: This matter arises out out of an alleged The Defendant will establish that the injuries gligent act or omission on its part or that of any ives. Further, the Defendant contests the nature ‘oreover, the Defendant expects the evidence to ere caused by the negligence of other parties, cident which occurred on June 20, 2012 at a construction site in Melrose, MA. The Plaintiff claims that as a result of the that incident he sustained bodily injuries and damages. The Defe incident and dispute the nature, extent and causal by the plaintiff. 4, Significant Legal Issues: dants denies any negligence with respect to the lationship of the injuries and damages claimed The plaintiff will seek though motions in imine to redact the name “Humberto Campos”, “Umberto Campos” and/or “Umberto” from all accident reports, accident investigations, witness statements, medical records and medical reports, and to exclude at trial any reference to the name “Humberto Campos”, “Umberto Campos” and/or! Closing Arguments or in the examination or cros: “Umberto” in either Opening Statements, The plaintiff maintains that immediately following his accident, unbeknownst to him, his employer provided the name “Humbeto Campos”, “Umberto Campos” or “Umberto” instead of his actual name, Maynor Y. Pineda. These motio: aca of the plaintiff or any witness. ns in limine will be based upon the legalargument that introduction of such evidence has no probative value and will be so prejudicial as to prevent the plaintiff from receiving a fair trial. The Defendant Pro Con contends that plaintiff Maynor Pineda is a foreign national, not legally authorized to work in the United States. ccordingly, he is not entitled to future lost earnings in the United States. If he is entitled to make a claim for lost earnings, it must be measured by the earning standards of his own country. The Defendant, Allstate, will oppose the Plaintiff's Motions in limine to remove reference to the names “Umberto Campos”, “Humberto Campos” and “Umberto” from the relevant documents in this case as there remains decided by the jury. In addition, Allstate joins Pi not entitled to future lost earnings as set out abo ve. crucial issue of identification that must be Con in its contention that Maynor Pineda is Moreover, the Plaintiff has failed to provide any admissible evidence of his alleged lost earning or future lost earnings capacity. Specifically, the Plaintiff has failed to produce any federal tax R. Civ. P. 34. Plaintiff's Witnesses: Plaintiff, Maynor Y. Pineda, 4 Broad Rich LeVinus, Contractor’s Risk M David Raiche, Pro Con, Gary M. Bragg, Pro Con, Inc., 31 Ad. mo ae op Robert “Bob” Beauchemin, Pro Con, Hampshire; Lance Bennett, Pro Con, Inc, 1359 Ha Charles Rotrondi, Pro Con, Inc., 205 } Steve, Adams, Pro Con, Inc., 25 Fren: Rich Lambert, Pro Con, Inc, 1359 Hor Victor Davis, Allstate Interior’s Inc. (. Fred Soward, CEO, Allstate Interior’s| . Jacob Raposa, 374 S. Precinct Street, David Dam, 585 Freeport Street, Dora Keeper of Records, Pro Con, Inc., 135 Keeper of Records, Allstate Interior’s Keeper of Records, Contractor’s Risk Keeper of Records, Massachusetts Ger Keeper of Records, Beth Israel Deaco: Keeper of Records, Vladan Milosavlje Keeper of Records, Cantu Concussion SEP YR OVO Rg or Boe The Plaintiff reserves the right to call any though each were fully listed herein, and adopts Inc., 1359 Hob Keeper of Records, Hillel Skoff, M.D! returns or W-2s as requested pursuant to Mass. ay Court, Lawrence, MA; gement; Concord, New Hampshire; ksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire; s Road, Framingham, MA; Louis Stamatelos, Pro Con, Inc., 731 High Street, Candia, New Hampshire; nc., 45 South Road, Deerfieled, New oksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire; ‘erry Street, Unit 210, Everett, MA; h King Highway, Erving, MA; sett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire; listate Foreman); Inc., 1195 Route 208, Monroe, New York; Taunton, MA; ester, MA; 9 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire; iInc., 1195 Route 208, Monroe, New York; iManagement, Concord, New Hampshire; neral Hospital, Boston, MA; , Brookline, MA; ness Hospital, Brookline, MA vic, M.D., Lawrence, MA; Center, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA of the witnesses identified by the Defendants as and incorporates by reference the Defendants’witness lists. The Plaintiff further reserves the rig} to call any rebuttal witnesses as may become nect Defendant, Pro Con Incorporated’s, Wi Rich LeVinus, Contractor’s Risk Man; . David Raiche, Pro Con, Inc., 1359 Ho} Louis Stamatelos, Pro Con, Inc., 731 F Fred Soward, CEO, Allstate Interior’s Jacob Raposa, 374 S. Precinct Street, Davis Dam, 585 Freeport Street, Dorc] Luis Enrique Becerra Sanchez Anthony Sylvia . Daniel Timmons James Leahy m. Steve Adams n. Ezequiel Campos o. Umberto Campos crore me ae gp t to amend and supplement this witness list, and essary. itnesses: agement; Concord, New Hampshire; oksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire; Gary M. Bragg, Pro Con, Inc., 31 Adams Road, Framingham, MA; igh Street, Candia, New Hampshire; Victor Davis, Allstate Interior’s Inc. (Allstate Foreman); Inc., 1195 Route 208, Monroe, New York; Taunton, MA; hester, MA; Defendant Pro Con reserves the right to call each and every witness listed by every other party. Defendant Pro Con reserves the right to call impeachment and / or rebuttal witnesses. Defendant Pro Con reserves the right to c been previously disclosed, in the event the Plainti unter designate fact witnesses who have not iff is permitted to do so. Defendant, Allstate Interior Inc.’s, Witnesses: The defendant Allstate incorporates by reference any and all witnesses (lay or expert) listed by the Plaintiff or the Defendant Pro Con in this case. Further, the Defendant Allstate lists the following additional witnesses: a. Keeper of Records, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA b. Victoria Sacco, EMT Paramedic, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA c. Odimar Batista, EMT Paramedic, Catdldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA In addition, Allstate reserves the right to call any person with knowledge of admissible facts discovered prior to or during trial, and rebut tt any witnesses identified. The defendant Allstate of any deposition taken in the instant action of a1 al witnesses if any, and to refrain from calling eserves the right to read into evidence portions witness who is unavailable for trial, insofar as ny permitted by Massachusetts’ law and the on ofan wi Rules of Civil Procedure.Allstate reserves the right to call impeachy Allstate reserves the right to designate addition4 event the Plaintiff is permitted to do so. Plaintiff’s Expert Witnesses: Sara L. Shugars, MS, CRC, CCM Vocational Diagnostics, Inc. Bourne, MA Vocational Consultant, ment and or rebuttal witnesses. 1 lay witnesses not previously disclosed in the The June 20, 2014 Report of Sara L. Shugars has been provided to defense counsel. Additionally, the plaintiff will submit medical records, reports and bills pursuant to Mass. G. L. ch. 233, Section 79 G. The plaintiff reserves the right to supplem ‘ent this list prior to the trial of this matter. Defendant, Pro Con Incorporated’s, Expert Witnesses: Defendant Pro Con reserves the right to ¢ the Plaintiff by an orthopedic and / or neurologic exams seasonably in advance of trial. Defendant Pro Con reserves its rights und ionduct M.R.Civ.P. 35 medical examinations of \doctor(s) and to disclose the results of any such er Mass. G. L. ch. 233, sec. 79G to conduct cross-examination of any medical experts whose opinions are offered via certification of records, either by subpoenaing such experts to trial or by conducting their audio-visual depositions in. advance of trial. Defendant Pro Con reserves the right to count been previously disclosed, in the event the Plainti: Defendant, Allstate Interior Inc.’s, Exp Allstate reserves its rights under Mass. G. examination of any medical experts whose opini 10) er designate expert witnesses who have not ffs are permitted to do so. ert Witnesses: L, ch. 233, sec. 79G to conduct cross- s are offered via certification of records, either f by subpoenaing such experts to trial or by conducting their audio-visual depositions in advance of trial. Moreover, Allstate reserves the right to ¢ all all medical, nursing and other health care ‘istered relevant medical treatment to the professional providers whose names appear in the relevant medical records, including the keeper of records, of any medical provider that has admii Plaintiff.Further, Allstate reserves the right to designate expert witnesses who have not been previously disclosed, in the event the Plaintiffs are permitted to do so. With the agreement of Plaintiffs counsel, Allstate reserves the right to conduct Independent Medical Examinations Pursuant to Mass R. Civ P. Rule 35, with respect to both the alleged orthopedic and neurological injuries and to supplement the expert witness list accordingly. 7. Length of Trial: 4 to 5 days 8. Itemization of Special Damages Medical bills to date total $50,333.45. Lost wages to date amount to $112,320.00 Future impairment of earning capacity equals $1,123,200 to age 66 (without reducing to present value or factoring in cost of living adjustments). 9. Certification of Counsel: Counsel have conferred and discussed submitting the case to Mediation. No decision has been made to date regarding Mediation. Respectfully submitted, The Plaintiff, Defendant, MAYNOR Y. PINEDA PRO CON, INCORPORATED By his Attorneys, By its Attorneys, Brain M. Cullen, Esq., BBO# 347427 Law Offices of Steven B. Stein Wellesley, MA 02481 Two Financial Center (781) 263-9400 60 South Street, Suite 1000 reafarelli@sullivanllp.com ‘Boston, MA 02111-2759 (617) 772-2800 bcullen@travelers.comDated: August 2, 2017 11 Defendant, ALLSTATE INTERIORS, INC. By its Attorneys, Christopher J Bulger¢ sq., BBO# 634589 cbulger@BSCtrialattorneys.com Boyle, Shaughnessy, P.C. 695 Atlantic Avenue, 11", Floor Boston, MA 02111 (617) 451-2000