Daveiga v. Boston Public Health Commission

Certain tort claims against the Commonwealth, its municipalities, and some other government bodies are permitted by the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, G. L. c. 258 (the act). The act contains a requirement of presentment,1 that is, it requires that a particular person be given written notice of a claim before initiation of suit. The sole question before us is to whom presentment must be made of a claim for tort damages against the Boston Public Health Commission (the commission). We conclude that, under G. L. c. 258, § 4, presentment on the commission must be to its executive director, and…