Our client was an Amazon driver who was on a routine package delivery when he became the victim of a vicious dog attack that would forever change his active lifestyle. While approaching to deliver a package at a doorstep, our client was suddenly and without warning attacked by an Australian cattle dog owned by the defendants.
The unprovoked attack resulted in the aggressive dog biting our client on both of his legs in the calf area, causing multiple puncture wounds. Despite his injuries and shock from the attack, our client courageously drove himself to the nearest urgent care facility before proceeding to Holy Family Hospital for emergency treatment.
Dog Bite Liability Under Massachusetts Law
This case clearly violates Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, which imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their animals. Under this statute, dog owners are liable for damages caused by their dogs, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any vicious propensities.
Evidence of liability included:
- The dog was not properly restrained on the owner’s property
- The attack occurred without any provocation from our client
- The client was lawfully performing his job duties on the property
- The owner failed to control or secure the dangerous animal
- Strict liability statute applies regardless of the owner’s negligence
Despite being in shock and pain from the dog bites, our client managed to drive himself to the closest urgent care facility, where he wrapped his wounds with first aid supplies before proceeding to definitive medical care. Our client proceeded to Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he was met by concerned coworkers and received comprehensive emergency treatment for his injuries.
Injured Sustained and Long-Term Consequences
Beyond the physical injuries, the attack created lasting psychological damage, including emotional distress and work-related anxiety:
- Severe anxiety and trauma from the unprovoked dog attack
- Psychological impact affecting his ability to perform job duties confidently
- Sleep disturbance and stress related to the traumatic incident
- Heightened fear and stress when approaching residential properties
- Constant vigilance and anxiety about potential dog encounters
- Ongoing concern about future attacks while performing work duties
DiBella Law’s Successful $27,500 Settlement Achievement
Our legal team successfully negotiated a $27,500 settlement that provided comprehensive compensation for our client’s dog bite injuries and their lasting impact on his active lifestyle. This result reflects the serious nature of dog attacks on workers performing their lawful duties and the permanent changes to our client’s physical and recreational activities.
The settlement addressed:
- All medical expenses for emergency and follow-up care
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from multiple puncture wounds
- Loss of enjoyment of life from the inability to run and hike
- Ongoing anxiety and trauma from the vicious attack
- Impact on work performance and daily activities
Protecting Workers from Dangerous Animals in Massachusetts
Dog bite cases involving workers performing their lawful duties require immediate legal action to ensure proper compensation under Massachusetts’ strict liability laws. Property owners have an absolute duty to control their animals and prevent attacks on innocent workers and visitors.
Our legal team understands the serious physical and psychological consequences of dog attacks and the unique challenges faced by workers who must continue performing their duties despite ongoing trauma and anxiety. We are committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and ensuring injured workers receive full compensation for their injuries in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts dog bite law provides strong protection for victims by:
- Imposing strict liability regardless of the dog’s previous behavior
- Eliminating the need to prove owner negligence or knowledge
- Ensuring compensation for both physical and psychological injuries
- Protecting workers performing their lawful duties on private property
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog while working or visiting someone’s property, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, ensure proper medical documentation, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Massachusetts law.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and learn about your legal rights under Massachusetts strict liability statutes.
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.