Boston Dog Bite Lawyers Helping Injured Victims Pursue Compensation
Trusted Massachusetts Dog Bite Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights
Dog Bite Injuries In Boston
Dog bite incidents can be extremely traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Boston dog bite attorney Smith and his team of attorneys understand how severe animal attack injuries can be, and is prepared to fight for you if you were bitten by someone else’s pet. Mr. Smith handles a broad range of personal injury matters, including dog bite cases. If a dog bit you, he can help you pursue a claim for you injuries against the dog owner. Contact our office today to discuss your case.
Dog Bites In the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. While most injuries do not require medical care, one in five bites does require some form of medical attention. Dog bites can cause disfigurement, nerve damage, and other devastating injuries. At least 27,000 dog-bite victims needed reconstructive surgery in 2012.
Children in particular are more susceptible to dog bites. The CDC estimates that half of all dog bite victims each year are children. They are more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults, and children between the ages of 5 and 9 have the highest rate of dog bite injuries.
Strict Liability For Dog Bites In Massachusetts
If you were bitten by a dog in Massachusetts, you can hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries through a personal injury suit. Dog bite laws vary from state to state. Some states allow a dog to get what is essentially a pass for its first bite. In other words, the dog owner will be liable if he or she knew, or had reason to know, that the dog would bite. Once the dog owner is on notice of the dog’s behavior, he or she is liable for any future dog bites.
Massachusetts, however, does not follow the one-bite rule. Massachusetts has a dog bite statute that holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bites, regardless of whether or not the dog owner is on notice of any previous dog bites. The plaintiff does not have to show negligence on the part of the dog owner. It also does not need to provide evidence of previous bites by the dog or a history of aggression.
A plaintiff, however, must show the following to hold the defendant liable in a dog bite claim:
- Defendant is the owner or keeper of the dog;
- Plaintiff was not trespassing; and
- Plaintiff was not teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.
If the victim is under the age of seven, there is a rebuttable presumption that the victim was neither trespassing nor tormenting the dog.
Personal injury claims in Massachusetts generally have a three-year statute of limitations. If a dog bit you, it is important that you seek medical attention, and if possible, photograph your injuries and get the dog owner’s information. You should also consult with a dog bite attorney who can begin to build your case and protect your rights as soon as possible.
Compensation For Dog Bite Injuries
A victim of a dog bite may recover damages from the dog owner. You can receive compensation for your medical care and treatment, pain and suffering, and more. Some dog bites can be fatal, especially when they involve small children. If your relative was killed by a dog, you can recover damages through a claim for wrongful death. You may be able to recover for your family member’s medical and funeral bills, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
Dog Bite Attorney Fighting For You
Boston personal injury lawyer Smith and his team of attorneys can provide the dedicated representation you need to hold a dog owner accountable for your injuries. Mr. Smith can advise you on your case and will act quickly to secure your rights. He will work towards a settlement on your behalf, but is prepared to go to trial if necessary. He is committed to giving each client and each case the personalized attention they need to get results. Mr. Smith works with clients throughout the Boston area. Call our office today at 617-263-0060 to schedule an initial consultation at no cost. You can also reach us via our online form.
Boston Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Injured Victims Throughout Massachusetts
A dog bite can cause much more than a temporary injury. A serious attack can result in puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, fractures, permanent scarring, disfigurement, psychological trauma, and other lasting consequences. If you or your child has been injured by a dog in Boston or elsewhere in Massachusetts, understanding your legal rights and the circumstances surrounding the attack can be important. Mass Injury Group Injury and Accident Attorneys represents individuals and families injured in dog attacks throughout Boston and Massachusetts. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of the incident, identify the responsible dog owner or keeper, document injuries and financial losses, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation when a viable claim exists.
The circumstances may involve:
✓ The dog owner
✓ The person keeping the dog
✓ The property owner
✓ A landlord
✓ A business
✓ Other potentially responsible parties
What If the Dog Bite Happened on Someone Else's Property?
A dog attack occurring on another person’s property may raise additional legal questions.
Liability depends on the facts and applicable Massachusetts law. An investigation should determine who owned or controlled the dog and the circumstances that allowed the attack to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Dog Bite Lawyers
A Boston dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, identify the dog’s owner or keeper, gather witness and medical evidence, determine available insurance coverage, evaluate your losses, and pursue compensation when a viable claim exists.
Seek medical attention promptly, report the incident when appropriate, obtain the owner’s contact and vaccination information, photograph your injuries, identify witnesses, and keep all medical records and expenses related to the attack.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155 provides that an owner or keeper can generally be liable for damage caused by a dog, subject to statutory exceptions involving circumstances such as trespassing or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. The specific facts of the incident should be evaluated carefully.
Generally, no. Massachusetts does not follow a traditional “one-bite rule” requiring proof that a dog previously attacked someone before a claim can be pursued under the state’s dog-bite statute.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, a claim may potentially include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and other legally recognized losses.
Yes. Permanent scars, particularly on the face, hands, or other visible areas, can have lasting physical and emotional effects. A Boston dog bite attorney can help document the injury, medical treatment, future care, and other losses associated with the attack.
Children can be especially vulnerable to serious dog-bite injuries. Massachusetts law contains specific provisions concerning children under seven, including a statutory presumption addressing certain circumstances involving trespass or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. The facts should be reviewed by a Massachusetts attorney.
Yes. A Massachusetts dog bite attorney can communicate with insurance companies, investigate available coverage, review evidence, document damages, and negotiate when appropriate. The applicable insurance coverage can depend on where and how the attack occurred.
Important evidence may include photographs of your injuries and the location, medical records, witness information, animal-control or police reports, the dog’s ownership and vaccination information, surveillance footage, damaged clothing, and communications with the dog owner or insurance company.
Mass Injury Group Injury and Accident Attorneys can investigate the attack, identify potentially responsible parties, preserve relevant evidence, evaluate medical and financial losses, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue available compensation when a viable legal claim exists.
Why Prompt Investigation Matters After a Dog Attack
✓ Evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes.
✓ Surveillance footage may be deleted. Witnesses may become difficult to locate. Physical injuries can change as they heal. Records concerning the dog or incident may also become harder to obtain.
✓ A prompt investigation can help preserve relevant evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Real Stories from Real People
I got in an accident and Tyler took care of me. He was quick to respond when I had questions. He didn’t let the insurance company take vantage of me.Tyler got me what I deserved. I definitely recommend him.
– Brian Derosier
Tyler Langlais esq., quickly litigated and settled my case. He was extremely professional, down to earth, and very smart. I would recommend Tyler and his team of law professionals to all family and friends of mine.
– Jim DeStefano
This Law office is great, Tyler A. Langlais was able to help me each step of the way after my car accident. Very responsive, professional, and outstanding support. Process was quick and simple, and same goes to the rest of the Attorneys. I strongly recommend it 🙂
– Alex Ventura
Attorney Michael Smith was very accommodating. I hate traveling into the city dealing with traffic, so he met me locally. He negotiated a fair settlement and I’m satisfied with his counsel.
– Myrienne