Our 21-year-old client was visiting the home of a potential client when a vicious dog attack forever changed her life. While meeting the family on their front porch for what should have been a routine babysitter job interview, an unrestrained dog suddenly emerged from the residence and attacked our client without warning or provocation.
In a natural and reasonable gesture of friendship, our client extended her hand to allow the dog to sniff, as is commonly recommended when meeting unfamiliar animals. Instead of the expected interaction, the dog immediately bit her hand with crushing force, penetrating through her sweater and causing serious injury to her dominant right wrist.
Clear Evidence of Owner Negligence and Violations
This case represents multiple violations of Massachusetts law and basic safety principles by dog owners who failed to properly control their dangerous animal. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155 imposes absolute liability on dog owners, meaning the owners are liable for the dog bite, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Some of the regulatory violations included:
- The dog was not registered with the city as required by law
- There was a failure to properly secure a dangerous animal on the property
- There was an inadequate restraint system due to the collar breaking during the owner’s attempt to control the dog.
- A lack of proper containment allowed the dog to attack the visitor
Additionally, some of the owner’s negligence included:
- A failure to warn the visitor about a potentially dangerous dog on the property
- Allowing unrestrained dog access to the front porch during the visitor meeting
- Inadequate safety measures for protecting guests and job applicants
Immediate Emergency Response and First Aid
The attack created an immediate medical emergency requiring swift action. The injuries our client sustained included a deep puncture wound to her dominant right wrist, leading to immediate pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Immediate medical care was required to avoid any risk of infections.
Following the attack, there was a thorough animal control investigation, which included:
- An animal control officer requested veterinary paperwork for vaccination records
- The investigation revealed that the urgent care facility failed to file the required bite reports
- A discovery that the dog was not properly registered with the city authorities
- Official documentation of the attack for legal and public safety purposes
DiBella’s Successful $25,000 Settlement Achievement
Our legal team successfully negotiated a $25,000 settlement that provided comprehensive compensation for our client’s dog bite injuries and the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This result reflects the serious nature of CRPS complications and the strict liability imposed under the Massachusetts dog bite law.
Our Firm Protects Job Seekers from Dangerous Animals
Dog bite cases involving young people seeking employment require immediate legal action to ensure property owners properly control their animals around visitors. The strict liability nature of Massachusetts dog bite law provides strong protection for innocent victims.
Our legal team understands the serious consequences of dog attacks and the unique challenges faced by young victims with complex pain conditions like CRPS. We are committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and ensuring that injured victims receive full compensation for their injuries.
Massachusetts dog bite law provides protection by:
- Imposing strict liability regardless of the dog’s previous behavior
- Eliminating the need to prove owner negligence or knowledge
- Protecting lawful visitors on private property
- Ensuring compensation for both immediate and long-term complications
The Hidden Dangers of "Friendly" Dog Encounters
This case demonstrates that even seemingly routine dog interactions can result in serious and life-changing injuries. The development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following the dog bite shows how a single traumatic incident can trigger chronic pain conditions that affect a person for years.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, ensure proper medical documentation, and fight for the full compensation you deserve under Massachusetts’ strict liability law.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and learn about your legal rights.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances. This case result is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.