On the night of April 30, 2023, at approximately 2:00 AM, our 79-year-old client was preparing for bed at his Salem condominium when a violent dog attack changed his life. His girlfriend had been pet-sitting for friends of her sister, who had brought their 3-year-old, 20-pound dog to stay at their home for the week while they were away.
For nearly a week, the couple had been caring for the poorly trained dog, enduring what our client described as “four miserable days.” The dog exhibited multiple behavioral problems throughout the week, including aggression toward other dogs and children, house soiling, and general disobedience. At one point, the dog was found on the dining room table, further highlighting its lack of training.
In the night of the incident, as our client tried to move the dog off the bed, where it had settled in for the night, the animal suddenly and without warning launched a brutal attack. The dog bit his left hand with incredible force, causing severe injuries that would require months of specialized medical treatment.
Devastating Hand Injuries Requiring Emergency Surgery
The dog bite resulted in catastrophic damage to our client’s left hand, including:
- 5cm x 4cm area of completely avulsed skin on the dorsal (back) side of the hand
- Complex wound with significant tissue loss
- Deep puncture wounds and skin tears
- Immediate severe bleeding and pain
Our client arrived at Salem Hospital Emergency Department to receive emergency medical treatment. Due to the severity of the injuries, he was transferred by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital for specialized care. Upon his arrival, they provided him with a hand surgery consultation and antibiotic and pain management treatment to prevent an infection from developing.
Complex Surgical Reconstruction and Extended Recovery
The extent of the dog bite injuries required sophisticated surgical intervention at Massachusetts General Hospital, including:
- Full-thickness skin graft procedure
- Skin harvested from the client’s left volar forearm to reconstruct the damaged hand
- Complex wound closure and reconstruction techniques
- Multiple post-operative appointments for monitoring and care
After the skin graft procedure, our client had to endure an extensive recovery process, which included multiple follow-up visits for dressing changes and suture removal and care management, which took several months. Additionally, he developed cubital tunnel syndrome and had long-term complications such as ongoing numbness, tingling, and diminished dexterity in the affected hand.
Hidden Knowledge of Dogs' Dangerous Propensities
Investigation revealed that the dog owners had concealed critical information about their pet’s dangerous history, including a previous bite history, known aggressive tendencies, and lack of behavioral training. The owners failed to disclose critical safety information before leaving the dog, and after the incident, the owner even admitted fault by not disclosing its history.
The owner’s failure to provide details about the dog’s troubled history led elderly individuals to take care of a dangerous animal without proper preparation.
Life-Altering Consequences for Elderly Victim
The dog attack had profound and lasting impacts on our 79-year-old client’s quality of life, leading to long-term physical limitations, including:
- Permanent scarring on both the injured hand and the forearm donor site
- Ongoing numbness and reduced sensation in affected areas
- Diminished dexterity affecting fine motor skills and daily activities
- Middle finger occasionally “locks up” during use
- Increased sensitivity to sun exposure and touch
Before the dog attack, our 79-year-old client had an active lifestyle. After the incident, he could not fully enjoy the same activities. Some of the activities that were impacted include:
- Missing an entire summer sailing season, a primary recreational activity
- Ongoing difficulties with boat maintenance and maritime activities
- Reduced ability to perform household tasks and personal care
- Long-term functional limitations affecting independence
Homeowner's Insurance Coverage and Legal Responsibility
The dog owners maintained homeowner’s insurance through Arbella Insurance, which provided coverage for the dog bite liability. Under Massachusetts law, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, particularly when they have knowledge of dangerous propensities.
The case was strengthened by:
- Prior bite history demonstrating owner knowledge of dangerous behavior
- Failure to disclose known aggressive tendencies
- Inadequate supervision and training of the animal
- Negligent entrustment of dangerous animal to elderly caretakers
How DiBella Law Successfully Secured a $70,000 Settlement
Our legal team successfully negotiated a $70,000 settlement that provided comprehensive compensation for our elderly client’s injuries and ongoing limitations. This result reflects the serious nature of dog bite injuries in elderly victims and the long-term consequences of such attacks.
The settlement amount addressed:
- All medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering from the traumatic attack and the surgical procedures
- Lost enjoyment of life activities, including sailing and boat maintenance
- Permanent scarring and functional limitations
- Ongoing complications and reduced hand function
Attorney Chris DiBella Is Committed to Protecting Victims of Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bite cases require immediate legal action to preserve evidence and protect victims’ rights. Property owners and dog owners have a strict legal duty to prevent their animals from causing harm to others, especially when they have knowledge of dangerous behavior. Our legal team understands the unique challenges faced by elderly dog bite victims, who often experience more severe complications and longer recovery periods. DiBella Law holds negligent dog owners accountable and ensures victims receive full compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the attack, gather evidence of the owner’s knowledge of dangerous behavior, and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and learn about your legal rights.
Disclaimer: 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.