Massachusetts § 12 - Payment of damages and costs of construction
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 12 — Payment of damages and costs of construction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12. Payment of damages and costs of construction
Section 12. When a highway has been finally laid out, altered, relocated, discontinued or maintenance discontinued, or when specific repairs are ordered on an existing highway by the county commissioners, the county shall be primarily liable for all damages thereby caused, or for all amounts awarded or assessed as indemnity. The commissioners shall determine what proportion if any of the expenses of the proceedings, cost of construction, damages and indemnity shall be assessed upon the land benefited under chapter eighty and whether the remainder, if any, shall be borne by the county, or by the towns in which the parts of the highway are respectively located. The commissioners shall notify each such town of any balance due from such town to the county under this section and may enforce payment as provided in section fifteen.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 12
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 12 cover?
Section 12 ("Payment of damages and costs of construction") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 12?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 12" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.