Biography | Dennis M. Maher

Dennis Maher concentrates his practice on commercial and complex tort litigation, with an emphasis on premises, transportation, construction, product, professional, and general liability defense. He represents insurance companies and their insureds in a wide array of civil litigation matters. Dennis has achieved certification in Wilson Elser’s rigorous Mock Trial Invitational, through which our most successful trial lawyers impart their knowledge to those destined to join their ranks.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Dennis gained valuable experience at a Boston firm specializing in civil litigation and insurance defense. He also was staff counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the United States where he handled motor vehicle and premises liability cases, representing insured clients in numerous jury trials in Massachusetts district and superior courts.

While attending law school, Dennis worked full time as an insurance claims representative specializing in handling complex cases on behalf of commercial clients.

Areas of Focus

Premises Liability
Dennis has successfully handled significant and catastrophic injury cases brought against premises owners, property management companies and third-party property services vendors.

Product Liability
In the product liability area, Dennis has successfully handled significant injury cases brought against automobile dealerships and other distributors.

EMS Providers
Dennis has successfully handled various matters involving emergency medical services providers, including wrongful death actions.

Education

New England Law | Boston (J.D., 2018)
- Full Merit Scholarship Recipient
University of Massachusetts, Amherst (B.A., 2013)

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts

Professional Affiliations

Massachusetts Bar Association

Dennis Maher concentrates his practice on commercial and complex tort litigation, with an emphasis on premises, transportation, construction, product, professional, and general liability defense. He represents insurance companies and their insureds in a wide array of civil litigation matters. Dennis has achieved certification in Wilson Elser’s rigorous Mock Trial Invitational, through which our most successful trial lawyers impart their knowledge to those destined to join their ranks.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Dennis gained valuable experience at a Boston firm specializing in civil litigation and insurance defense. He also was staff counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the United States where he handled motor vehicle and premises liability cases, representing insured clients in numerous jury trials in Massachusetts district and superior courts.

While attending law school, Dennis worked full time as an insurance claims representative specializing in handling complex cases on behalf of commercial clients.

Shapiro & Maher Obtain Summary Judgment in Wrongful Death Case; Claims of Negligent Selection and Vicarious Liability over a Truck Driver

Beata Shapiro (Partner-Boston, MA) and Dennis Maher (Associate-Boston, MA) obtained summary judgment in favor of a client shipping company, resulting in dismissal of claims of negligent selection and vicarious liability over an independent trucking company and its driver, who was involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a motorcycle driver. At the time of the accident the truck driver had completed delivery of the shipping company’s cargo and was on his way home in the truck. In granting the motion, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts found that any agency relationship or control by the defendant had ended prior to the accident, and that the truck driver was not acting within the scope of any employment or agency relationship when the accident occurred (as asserted by the plaintiff – the Estate of the motorcyclist). Additionally, the court found no evidence that our client was negligent in hiring or supervising the driver as his driving record did not document any accidents and our client had no reason to believe he was unfit to operate the truck. This decision is significant as it reinforces the principle that vicarious liability for the actions of independent contractors or agents does not extend beyond the scope of employment or agency, particularly when the individual is engaged in personal activities after completing work duties. The case provides valuable guidance for logistics contracts and structures.

Beata Shapiro and Dennis M. Maher