Feliciano v. Rosemar Silver Co.
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
514 N.E.2d 1095 (1987)
Relevant factsFree
Marcial and Dolores Feliciano (plaintiffs) lived together as an unmarried couple for 20 years, sharing a home, finances, and the appearance of marriage, before legally marrying in 1983. In 1981 — while still unmarried — Marcial was injured by Costa (defendant) at their shared workplace, Rosemar Silver Company (defendant). After marrying, the Felicianos sued Rosemar and Costa for loss of consortium arising from the 1981 injury. The trial court granted summary judgment for Rosemar, and the Felicianos appealed.
IssueFree
Whether the right to recover for loss of a partner's consortium under Massachusetts law is limited to legally married couples, excluding long-term unmarried cohabitants.