Being injured in a dog attack can be a traumatic and confusing experience. You may be left with lasting physical injuries and psychological scars. In addition to this, you may also face a long and expensive recovery process. However, a dog bite lawyer in Andover will help you hold the pet owner responsible for their actions and help you recover maximum compensation.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we have nearly two decades of experience protecting the rights of injured clients. Our Andover personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing dog bite injury cases and will successfully guide you through financial recovery. We have a successful track record proving our dedication to helping clients seek justice. Call us today for a free case review.
Navigating Massachusetts’ Dog Bite Law of Strict Liability
Andover adheres to Massachusetts’ practice of strict liability. Under this system, the dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has displayed previous aggressive behavior or if the owner was negligent. Also, the dog bite victim does not have to prove the owner’s negligence to have a valid claim.
There are, however, a few exceptions for which the dog owner is not considered liable, listed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 §155:
- The victim was trespassing when they were bitten
- The victim was committing a crime when attacked
- The victim was provoking, teasing, or abusing the dog
However, these exceptions may not necessarily be applicable if the injured victim was a child. Massachusetts laws are especially lenient and protective toward children injured in dog attacks.
If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, seek immediate legal counsel. An Andover dog bite attorney will help you better understand how state laws apply to your case and review your options to seek justice. They will also protect your rights and fight for your interests throughout the legal proceedings.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Available Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
A dog attack can lead to a serious financial strain on the victim. The physical trauma inflicted during the attack can result in severe wounds that require extensive medical treatment. Also, you may be exposed to rabies and other potential health complications. If the dog’s vaccination status is unclear, you may need to undergo a series of rabies vaccinations, which can be costly.
Since Massachusetts follows strict liability law, owners are generally responsible for the injuries inflicted by their pets. Therefore, victims may recover medical bills and other injury-related expenses.
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies often cover dog bite claims, providing a source of compensation for victims. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner can also result in financial recovery.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages after a dog bite in Massachusetts provide financial recovery to victims for their injury-related losses. These damages aim to address the various expenses and hardships incurred due to the incident, offering financial support to help you cope with the aftermath of the dog bite.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive Damages
These are meant to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct and discourage others from doing the same. In Massachusetts, punitive damages may only be awarded if granted by statute.
To learn if your case qualifies for punitive damages, consult a dog bite attorney in Andover, MA. After reviewing the details of your case, they will establish what types of damages you are eligible to pursue.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal dog attack, please accept our deepest condolences. Our compassionate Andover wrongful death lawyers understand how traumatic it can be to lose a loved one under such tragic circumstances.
While no amount of money will ever fully compensate for the loss of a family member, seeking legal recourse may provide valuable financial support during a difficult time.
Available wrongful death damages include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the reasonably expected net income
- Loss of protection
- Punitive damages
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Massachusetts
The statute of limitations is a legal timeframe that dictates how long a victim has to file a lawsuit after sustaining an injury. In Massachusetts, the deadline for most personal injury cases, including those related to dog bites, is three years from the date of the injury.
It’s important to adhere to this time limit, as failing to file a lawsuit within the prescribed period can result in losing your legal right to seek compensation. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Massachusetts to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and navigate the legal process effectively.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Call Our Andover Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one were injured during a dog attack, seek legal representation to protect your right to financial recovery. At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we offer compassionate legal representation to all injury victims.
By working with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Andover, MA, you know that a professional is handling your case. Therefore, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery, as we will handle all legal aspects of your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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