Springfield Dog Bite Lawyers

Massachusetts has established a dog bite statute that makes dog owners liable when their animals injure others. 

The conditions under which this law applies include the following:

• The victim was not trespassing on the property where the attack occurred nor was committing any other tort (a civil wrong) and
• The victim was not “teasing, tormenting, or abusing” the dog in question.

Under this law, the dog owner (or keeper) is responsible even if the animal has never acted aggressively before. These individuals can be held liable for injuries or property damage. 

More About Dog Attack Cases 

Massachusetts dog bite law goes beyond bites alone. If a dog jumps on you, knocks you down, and thus causes injuries, such as broken teeth, fractures, sprains, or other harm, the dog owner can also be held civilly liable for damages. 

This law is what is known as “strict liability.” This translates into holding the dog owner liable even if he or she took measures to prevent the animal from harming others, such as restraining it with a leash. If the dog still managed to bite someone under these conditions, the owner can be held liable for damages. These damages include all medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. 

What to Do If You've Been Bitten by a Dog

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it's important to take immediate action to ensure your health and safety. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Get medical attention: Even if the wound doesn't look serious, it's important to have it examined by a medical professional to prevent infection and ensure proper treatment.
2. Identify the dog: If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you. This will help determine if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies and if the owner can be held liable for your injuries.
3. Report the incident: Contact animal control or the police to report the dog bite. They can investigate the incident and take appropriate action to prevent future attacks.
4. Document the incident: Take photos of your injuries and keep track of any medical bills or lost wages related to the incident. This information will be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action.
5. Consult with a personal injury attorney: A skilled dog bite attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Dog bite injuries can be severe, resulting in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Springfield dog bite lawyers are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for dog bite injuries can include:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and physical pain
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Disability or impairment

Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of dog bite cases and will fight to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Our Team at Libbos Law is Here to Protect Your Rights

Dog bite cases can also be filed under a claim of negligence. In those cases, you must prove to the court that the dog owner failed to use reasonable precautions to avoid the attack which led to your injury. Whether under strict liability or negligence, you have three years from the date of the attack to file your claims against the dog owner. This is known as the “statute of limitations.”