Were you recently bitten or attacked by a dog? Have you suffered critical injuries that make it difficult or impossible for you to live your life normally? You may be entitled to compensation when the dog owner’s negligence is the cause of the injuries you sustained.
Massachusetts dog bite laws are some of the most effective and victim-friendly across the country. The dog’s owner should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. You should be awarded fairly for your damages and suffering.
Fortunately, when you have an experienced Methuen dog bite lawyer at DiBella Law working on your case, you do not need to lose hope. With a reputable Methuen personal injury attorney at our firm advocating for you, you can increase your chances of getting the most out of your claim. Contact us for a free consultation today to explore your options for financial relief.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws
It is important to understand how the personal injury laws surrounding dog attacks work in Massachusetts. Your dog bite lawyer in Methuen, MA will go over the specific laws with you as we start working on your case. Massachusetts follows strict liability dog bite laws.
This means the dog’s owner will always be held accountable for the actions of their pet. While some states may give dogs a “free pass” for their first bite, Massachusetts is not the same. Dog owners are always required to be in control of their pets, otherwise, they can be held liable for the injuries victims suffer.
When Dog Owners Can Successfully Avoid Liability
There are some situations where dog owners could escape culpability for the actions of their pets. One of the most common defenses dog owners use is trespassing. If you were on the dog owner’s property without permission, it may be more difficult to be reimbursed for your damages.
The same is true if you are accused of provoking the dog. If you hit, kick, scratch, punch, or throw objects at dogs, these behaviors could be considered provocatory. Dog owners may not be required to compensate victims if the victim provoked the dog into acting aggressively or violently.
MA Modified Comparative Negligence Laws May Apply
Even if you are partially responsible for the dog attacking you, Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence laws. This means sharing blame does not prohibit you from recovering an award if your portion of blame does not exceed the state’s liability threshold of 50%. If your percentage of liability is less than 50%, you can still be awarded a settlement with a reduction reflecting your percentage of partial liability.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Common Injuries Dog Bite Victims Endure in Methuen
Dog attacks and bites can cause nearly any type of injury, depending on the circumstances of your case. Do not hesitate to pursue your claim, even if you worry that your injuries are not critical enough to take action. Some of the most common types of injuries our Methuen clients have reported include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Septic shock
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Back injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
Grounds for a personal injury lawsuit are not based on the type of injury you sustain in an accident. The impact of your injuries and the establishment of negligence does. Your Methuen dog bite attorney will be responsible for gathering compelling supporting evidence in building the strongest case possible against the dog owner or other liable parties.
How to Maximize Your Financial Compensation
You deserve maximum compensation when another person’s recklessness contributes to your injuries. Fortunately, when you decide to take control of your life, there are several ways you can make the at-fault party pay. Here are some of the top ways to maximize your compensation after a dog attack:
File a Claim with the Insurance Company
Filing a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners or general liability insurance policy is an excellent way to recoup a portion of your losses. However, some insurance policies exclude certain dog breeds, so the policy in question may not be active if the dog is technically not covered. Your dog bite lawyer at DiBella Law will have a better idea of whether filing an insurance claim is an option in your case after reviewing the policy terms in detail.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You could also file a dog bite lawsuit. When you bring your personal injury claim to trial, you are not facing the payout limitations that come with insurance claims. Some examples of economic and non-economic damages dog bite victims can recoup as part of a civil claim include:
- Personal property damages
- Healthcare costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of benefits provided by your employer
- Mental anguish
- Loss of household services, including childcare costs and the cost of household maintenance
- Lost income and future earnings
- The cost of hiring a home health aide
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Ongoing mental health counseling
- Permanent disability
- Continued medical treatment
- Future healthcare expenses
- Diminished quality of life
You might also wonder whether punitive damages apply. Exemplary damages are possible in any personal injury claim. However, unless the dog owner was egregious, abhorrent, or intending to cause you harm, the court system may not find it appropriate to punish them beyond your entitled compensatory damages.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Reach Out to a Dog Bite Attorney in Methuen, MA Today
Dog owners have a legal responsibility to maintain control of their animals at all times. When they fail to uphold this obligation, they can be ordered to compensate injury victims for their losses. We do not believe you should ever be stuck covering the costs when someone else’s recklessness is the cause of your injuries.
Reach out to Methuen’s leading dog bite law firm for the legal support you need when you need it most. Contact DiBella Law for a free, no-obligation consultation today. When you are ready to get started on your case, fill out our secured contact form or call our office to get started.
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