While known as our loyal companions, dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior when faced with real or perceived threats. Even gentle dogs may react defensively, leading to severe injuries from bites or attacks. In Massachusetts, victims of dog bites have significant legal rights to seek compensation for their damages.
As a victim, you should not bear the financial burden of a dog bite injury. A Lawrence personal injury lawyer from DiBella Law will advocate on your behalf to hold the dog owner responsible.
With nearly two decades of experience representing injury victims in Massachusetts, our team is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact a Lawrence dog bite lawyer from our firm today for a consultation.
Dog Bite Laws in Lawrence, MA
Under Massachusetts General Law 155, our state adheres to a strict liability standard for dog bites. This means that a dog owner or keeper is automatically liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether they exercised reasonable care or took precautions to prevent dog bites and aggression. Even if the owner or keeper took steps to restrain the dog, they are still responsible for any harm caused.
If the dog’s keeper is a minor, the parents or guardians are responsible for any harm caused by the dog. For example, if a 13-year-old walking a dog causes a bite, the parents would be liable. This rule ensures that minors cannot avoid liability for their actions and that their parents or guardians are held accountable.
Massachusetts law extends beyond dog bites to cover any damage caused by a dog, such as injuries from being knocked down. Even if the dog did not bite, its actions resulted in harm, and the owner or keeper is still responsible. If a dog has harmed you, a Lawrence dog bite attorney from DiBella Law can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Liability in Dog Bite Cases
While Massachusetts generally follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, there are limited circumstances where dog owners may be able to avoid liability. Dog owners often raise these defenses to avoid paying compensation to victims. It is crucial to identify the correct party to hold liable in a dog bite case.
Filing a claim against the wrong party can jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation. Our team will carefully review your situation to determine the appropriate party to target and ensure you take the necessary steps to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Consult a dog bite attorney in Lawrence to start building a solid case today.
Bitten While Trespassing
If a person enters a dog owner’s property without permission and is subsequently bitten, the dog owner may not be liable. However, this defense is not applicable if the trespasser is under seven years old. In such cases, the law presumes that the child was not acting criminally, and the dog owner may still be held responsible if they failed to properly restrain the dog or secure their property.
Bitten When Provoking the Animal
Massachusetts law does not protect victims who provoke a dog and are then bitten. If a person teases, torments, or abuses a dog, and the dog bites in response, the victim may be held partially or fully responsible. However, this defense is not applicable if the provocateur is under seven years old.
The Dog Was Not Under the Owner’s Care
If a dog was under the care of someone other than the owner at the time of the bite, the owner may not be liable. For example, if a dog walker, sitter, veterinarian, or groomer was bitten while caring for the dog, the owner may not be held responsible. If the owner was not present to prevent the action, the liability charge may not stick.
Criminal Negligence and Charges in Dog Bite Cases
While most legal actions involving dog bites fall under civil law, there are circumstances where criminal charges may be pursued against a dog owner or keeper. If an owner or keeper intentionally allowed or encouraged their dog to bite someone, they could face criminal charges. Additionally, depending on the breed or size of the dog, unleashing it on another person could be considered assault with a deadly weapon.
Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries with Help from a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lawrence, MA
If you have been injured by a dog in Lawrence, Massachusetts, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the strength of your case. Potential damages can include any medical costs for treatment, medication, or future care, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, dog bite injuries to the face often result in significant emotional, psychological, and physical trauma, particularly in children.
These injuries can require reconstructive surgery, including skin grafting. The most common complication of dog bites is infection, which can lead to severe secondary infections like sepsis and potentially fatal outcomes.
Dog bite victims deserve compensation for their medical expenses and the subsequent losses caused by their injuries. A dog bite lawyer in Lawrence will diligently fight to recover all monetary costs and losses incurred due to the bite and fair compensation for pain and suffering. Check out DiBella Law’s case results to learn more about successful cases and claims where we have recovered compensation for injured clients.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Get Help from a Dog Bite Attorney in Lawrence, MA
At DiBella Law Offices, we understand that every dog bite or injury case is unique and deeply personal. We have experienced firsthand the hardships these incidents can cause, and empathy drives our unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We believe in a personalized approach to legal representation.
When you choose DiBella Law, you are not just a client but a person whose well-being matters to us. Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique situation and tailoring our strategies to meet your specific needs.
Connect with a dog bite attorney in Lawrence today for a complimentary consultation.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.