A dog bites you, and you are concerned about what will happen if you report the incident to the authorities. Ultimately, it is important to take care of yourself and take solace in the fact that the dog that bit you is unlikely to be put down.
Work with a Revere dog bite lawyer, who can explain the steps to take to hold a liable pet owner accountable for the incident.
DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers has helped our clients recover millions of dollars in damages. Let a Revere personal injury lawyer from our team evaluate your dog bite injury case. Contact us today to get started.
Liability for a Dog Bite
A pet owner can be held responsible for a dog bite. It is reasonable for a dog owner to take measures to prevent their pet from attacking others. If they choose not to do so and their dog injures you, this individual can be held responsible.
Following a dog bite, seek medical attention to prevent your injuries from getting any worse. Also, consult with a Revere dog bite injury attorney. Your lawyer can teach you how to prove dog bite liability under Massachusetts law.
The DiBella Law team focuses on helping our clients achieve the optimal case results. We make it easy to connect with a dog bite lawyer in Revere, MA, who will give your case the attention it deserves. Request a free case consultation.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
How to Get Compensation Based on a Dog Bite Injury
You could recover compensation for your dog bite injury via a homeowners insurance claim. For example, you notify a dog owner about the losses you incur after their animal attacks you. You can request compensation through this individual’s homeowners insurance, which will review your claim in detail.
Although a dog owner could have a valid home insurance policy, their insurer can dispute your claim or offer far less than what you have suffered in losses. Fortunately, a dog bite attorney in Revere, MA, can assist. They can negotiate an insurance settlement on your behalf.
If your lawyer cannot recover adequate compensation through an insurance claim, they could encourage you to file a lawsuit. Your attorney can teach you about the Massachusetts personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations. They can submit your lawsuit in a timely manner.
How Much Time You Have to File a Lawsuit
Per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, you may have up to three years from the date a dog attacks you to sue for damages. It may be best to meet with a dog bite lawyer in Revere immediately after you suffer a dog bite. Your attorney can submit your lawsuit against a liable pet owner before the window in which you are allowed to do so elapses.
Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee you will receive compensation for your injury-related losses. Your lawyer can prepare a body of evidence. It can be beneficial to use medical records, witness statements, and other forms of proof to support your argument.
Much in the way your lawyer will gather evidence, a liable pet owner and their attorney may do the same. Your attorney considers how the defendant in your lawsuit will present their case against you. They will look for ways to dispute the defendant’s argument and prove to a judge or jury that you deserve maximum compensation.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Damages You Can Ask for in Your Lawsuit
You could receive damages for your economic and non-economic losses. An attorney from our firm can calculate your quantifiable and subjective losses. They can help you pursue damages for many reasons, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
If the defendant in your lawsuit has concerns about the strength of your argument against them, they could propose a settlement. Your lawyer can provide insights into how to counter a low personal injury settlement offer. They can put you in a position to make it clear to a judge or jury that you should be awarded 100% of the damages you are requesting.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
How Contributory Negligence Applies to Your Case
Based on Massachusetts General Laws Part III, Title II, Chapter 231, Section 85, what you receive in damages in your dog bite injury lawsuit can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, a dog owner could claim you acted in a way that led their pet to attack you. If a judge or jury agrees with this individual, you could get partial damages.
You can receive compensation in a dog bite injury lawsuit if you are 1-50% liable. In this situation, a judge or jury may award you a fraction of the damages you originally requested. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be ineligible to secure damages.
If you are worried that a pet owner can prove you are in some way liable for your dog bite injury, seek legal help. A personal injury lawyer who has experience with dog bite cases can assist you. They can collaborate with you to craft a compelling argument that resonates with a judge or jury.
Settling a Dog Bite Injury Case
You may have the option to settle your lawsuit. If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, you can evaluate the offer with your lawyer. Your attorney can advise you on what to do with the proposal, and you have the final say on whether to approve it.
If you have questions about a settlement proposal, share them with your lawyer. From here, your attorney can explain if your personal injury settlement will be taxed and make sure you understand all that an offer entails. You can then make an informed decision about whether it is in your best interests to move forward with it.
When you decline a settlement offer, your litigation continues. Your lawyer continues to keep you updated about the status of your case. If no settlement is reached, you can bring your case to trial and present your argument to a judge or jury.
Partner with a Revere Dog Bite Lawyer Who Genuinely Cares About Their Clients
At DiBella Law, every case is personal to us. Give us the opportunity to serve as your legal advocate and representative in your dog bite injury lawsuit, and we will assist you in any way we can. Schedule a free case consultation.
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