Massachusetts Dog Bite Injuries

That being said, there are certain circumstances that may increase the likelihood of a dog biting:

 

• Unfamiliar environments and people

• Lack of socialization or proper training

• Feeling threatened, scared, or provoked

• trying to protect their territory or owners

• Medical conditions like aggression or rabies

• Sensitivity to loud noise, touching, or handling

 

What can you do to help prevent dog bites?

• Always ask permission before petting an unfamiliar dog;

• Avoid playing rough games with dogs;

• Don't approach an unknown dog while they are eating, sleeping, or chewing on a toy;

• Refrain from approaching a dog that appears nervous, scared, or anxious;

• Don't stare directly into the eyes of an unfamiliar dog.

​

What To Do if You're Bitten

If you are unfortunate enough to have been bitten by a dog, here are some steps to take:

• Seek medical attention immediately and document all of your injuries with photos and medical records as soon as possible. Even if the wound appears to be superficial, there may be underlying damage that needs to be addressed or monitored.

• Get the contact information of the dog's owner and any witnesses to the incident.

• Report the bite to your local animal control office.

• Get in touch with a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer who can advise you on what to do next.

​

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, especially to children. Depending on the severity of the incident, an injury could range from minor abrasions and lacerations to punctures or significant tissue loss. In more serious cases, crush injuries or fractures may be suffered as well as sprains and strains and even permanent scars. In addition to physical harm, there is also a risk of contracting infections such as rabies or C canimorsus after being bitten by a dog.

​

Massachusetts Law Concerning Dog Bites

Massachusetts is a strict liability state when it comes to the law pertaining to dog bites. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for any injury or property damage caused by their dog, regardless of whether they had prior knowledge of their pet's aggressive behavior. In other words, you don't have to prove that the owner was negligent in order to receive compensation.

​

In general, a dog owner is liable for any attack caused by their pet if the victim was bitten while lawfully in a public place or a private residence, with some exceptions. These exceptions include injuries caused by dogs who may have been provoked or scared, as well as those sustained by trespassers on the dog owner’s property.

​

If the incident was particularly severe or occurred through the negligence of the owner, a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer may be able to help victims seek punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are meant to punish the dog owner for their negligence and deter them from similar behavior in the future.

​

Getting Compensation

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The circumstances of the incident and severity of the injuries will determine how much compensation you can expect to receive. With the help of medical records, photos of the injuries, and eyewitness testimony, an experienced Massachusetts dog bite attorney can help prove the full extent of your damages and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

​

Conclusion

At the Law Office of Patrick J. Regan, we are dedicated to helping victims of dog bites get justice and just compensation for their injuries. With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law, Attorney Patrick J. Regan is well-equipped to handle all aspects of your case and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

​

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Massachusetts, call our office at (978) 744-1220 or fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. We will discuss your legal options and get working right away to getting you the compensation that you deserve. It's important to know that you have options and resources available to help you through this difficult time.