Advance Release Opinions – March 16

The Appellate Court advance released opinions about a probate appeal and worker’s compensation, which I review below.  The court also released two criminal law opinions, which I do not review.

Probate

Bassford v. Bassford – Nothing to see here. Plaintiff lost his probate court claims that the decedent lacked testamentary capacity, was unduly influenced, could not revoke his trust, and lacked capacity to accept a deed. Plaintiff appealed to Superior Court, which found for defendants on all issues. Plaintiff appealed to the Appellate Court, which affirmed by adopting Superior Court’s decision.

Worker’s Compensation

Melendez v. Fresh Start General Remodeling and Contracting, LLC – Claimant, who had been paid for various jobs at the individual respondent’s home over 11 weeks, was hurt in a car accident on his way to the home. Claimant brought claims against the business and the individual respondent. Appellate Court affirmed the commission’s benefit award, concluding that the commissioner properly determined that claimant was the individual respondent’s employee and did not deny the individual respondent due process in holding him personally liable.