A mother of a 4 year old child filed a lawsuit on behalf of her son after he was severely injured from an attack by a pit bull. On or about October 18th, 2014, the boy was chasing after the family’s cat in their neighborhood when he was attached by the pit bull. The Pit bull was one of 4 dogs that were owned by a neighbor. Apparently, the pit bull was allowed to roam freely in the neighborhood because the owner of the property did not fix a hole in the fence that held the dogs within the premises.
The boy sustained severe injuries when the dog bit his leg and pulled him through the fence. The boy sustained lacerations to his skull, severe lacerations to his thigh, multiple puncture wounds and severe bruises and abrasions. The family’s cat was also killed by the dog in the attack.
The defendants are accused of failing to supervise and control the dogs as well as gross negligence. The family of the boy is claiming damages for physical pain and suffering, discomfort, mental anguish, medical expenses, permanent scarring and impairment of psychological functioning among other damages. A dog attack is quite traumatic especially for a young child. In Massachusetts, there is a “leash law” that requires owners of pets to have their dog on a lease and not be allowed to run free. There is also laws that can deem a dog to be deemed “dangerous”. See https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section157
If you or someone you know have been a victim of a dog attack, it is important you know about your legal rights and remedies. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical expenses. Please contact one of our representatives at THE LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL O. SMITH if you have any further questions about an accident or injury.