Defense Actions & Civil Litigation

Protecting Your Rights When You're Being Sued

Getting served with a lawsuit can feel overwhelming-especially if you don't believe you did anything wrong or don't know where to start. Whether you're facing a contract dispute, property claim, or personal injury allegation, the key is to act quickly and get legal guidance.


At The Law Offices of Michael M. Kaplan, we provide strong, strategic defense for individuals and small businesses involved in civil litigation across Massachusetts. We'll review your case, explain your options clearly, and build a personalized defense strategy to protect your rights and finances.

Experienced Legal Defense for Civil Disputes of All Kinds

Being a defendant doesn't mean you're automatically wrong. Many civil lawsuits are based on misunderstandings, exaggerated claims, or legal overreach. We step in early to challenge weak claims, negotiate fair outcomes, and-when needed-fight for you in court.


Attorney Michael Kaplan has successfully defended clients in a wide range of civil actions, from breach of contract and property disputes to negligence and defamation claims. We handle every case with professionalism, discretion, and a strong commitment to our clients' reputations.

Common Defense Matters We Handle

Breach of Contract Defense


If someone accuses you of breaking a written or verbal agreement, we'll analyze the terms, timeline, and performance to determine your liability-or lack of it.

Property & Boundary Disputes


We represent landowners and tenants accused of encroachment, trespass, or other real estate issues and work to resolve conflicts quickly and fairly.

Personal Injury Defense


If you're being sued after an accident-whether involving a car, dog, or unsafe condition-we'll challenge liability, investigate the facts, and protect you from inflated claims.

Business Disputes & Owner Conflicts


From vendor disagreements to accusations between business partners, we defend clients in complex commercial conflicts with clarity and discretion.

Wrongful Accusations or Misunderstandings


Not all legal actions are justified. If you believe you're being wrongfully sued, we'll help you respond forcefully and protect your good name.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I've been served with a lawsuit-what should I do?

    Don't ignore it. In Massachusetts, you have a limited time (usually 20 days) to respond to a lawsuit. Contact us right away so we can evaluate the complaint, preserve your rights, and begin building your defense.

  • What if I can't afford to lose the case?

    Many civil cases settle before trial. We work to minimize your risk by identifying early resolution opportunities, challenging improper claims, or negotiating a fair settlement. When trial is necessary, we prepare thoroughly and fight to win.

  • Can I sue the other party if they're actually at fault?

    Yes, in some cases, filing a counterclaim or third-party action may be appropriate. If you've been wrongly blamed or financially harmed, we can take steps to shift liability and pursue your own legal claims.

Being named in a lawsuit is stressful-but you don't have to face it alone. We're here to protect your future and defend your side of the story.

Ready to Talk?

If you've been sued or are expecting a lawsuit, call us at (508) 473-1161 to schedule a consultation. We'll walk you through what to expect, explain your options, and start working on a defense that protects what matters most.