Dogs can be an incredible value to a person or family’s life. Some owners/handlers are excellent and ensure their dog has everything necessary to be happy, social, and well-mannered. Others do not invest in their animal’s emotional and physical well-being, which can be dangerous for everyone.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a dog attack and sustain significant injuries, you may be eligible for compensation. You should immediately reach out to a Cambridge dog bite lawyer. Hiring a Cambridge personal injury lawyer with DiBella Law can give you valuable time and energy back to focus on recovering from your injuries while they handle your claim.
Common Injuries From a Dog Attack
While any dog can bite, most are loving, well-behaved animals. However, according to a study by American Family Physician (AAFP), the times that they bite and cause injury are responsible for about 1% of all emergency department visits and are usually perpetrated by a dog familiar to the victim. Statistics show that younger children are more likely to be killed and sustain more injuries to the face and neck, while adults typically sustain more injuries to the torso and extremities.
The most common injuries seen in a dog attack are:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Scrapes
- Bruises
- Crush injuries
While some injuries are clearly more severe, like gaping wounds and significant facial injuries, even some of the more minor seeming injuries should be taken seriously. One of the most common complications of injuries is infection, which can happen with even a small injury if it is not cleaned correctly. You should always follow up with a medical provider regarding dog bite injuries.
Physical injuries are a concern, but many times, being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience. This can cause ongoing depression and anxiety that can really affect quality of life. Many people may experience similar depression and anxiety if they are experiencing disfiguring scarring.
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Dog Bite Injury Damages and Compensation
If you are injured by a dog bite in Massachusetts, responsibility is typically assigned to the owner or handler as long as you are not tormenting or abusing the dog or in the act of committing a crime against the owner or animal. When liability is established, you can move on to assessing damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Once you retain your attorney, they can help you determine damages you might be eligible to claim. They may ask you to keep a folder documenting any medical bills you have acquired as a result of the attack, as well as documentation for time out of work and lost wages, or sometimes costs for support services in your home if you are unable to care for yourself and your home because of the injuries. These documents can be used to establish economic damages
Many cases may also be eligible for non-economic damages. These are to accommodate for things like emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of quality of life, or the stress and anguish of disfigurement. These can be assessed and established on a case-by-case basis.
How Do I Collect Evidence for My Dog Bite Case
If you have been attacked by a dog, other than ensuring you receive appropriate and quick medical care, the best thing you can do for your case is to call us for a dog bite lawyer in Cambridge. Calling early will allow them to advise you immediately on what to do and things to avoid. You must find an attorney that you trust and can be honest with and one that you will listen to when they advise you of a course of action.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Cambridge
Some of the things our lawyer might advise you of could be:
- Take pictures
- Identify the dog and owner
- File reports
- Gather witness statements
- Seek medical care
The thing that these have the most in common is documentation. You want to document your injuries and the environment, gather documentation on any history of aggression the dog may have, and file reports to police, and animal control will also create a paper trail. Determining the dog and its owner is important to link these behaviors to the animal and owner.
Medical Evaluation After a Dog Bite
Medical evaluation immediately following a dog bite is an important step. First, you should get your injuries assessed and treated to prevent complications. If medical care is delayed, even minor injuries could become serious. In addition, the argument may be made that because you delayed treatment, your injuries may not be as severe as you claim.
What Not to Do After a Dog Bite
Some of the many things our dog bite attorney in Cambridge may ask you to avoid could be:
- Avoid a delay in medical treatment
- Avoid discussing the case on social media
- Do not delay reporting the event
To protect your rights in a dog bite injury case, it may be in your best interests to seek legal help from an attorney. Every case is unique. An experienced lawyer can help you determine what to do and not to do for your particular situation.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Connect with a Cambridge Dog Bite Attorney Today
Healing from physical injury and trauma takes work. Calling a Cambridge dog bite attorney for a free case consultation. One of our attorneys can make protect your rights and help you through this difficult time in your life. Our lawyer will fight for your maximum compensation while you can focus on recovery.
We have consults available 24/7 online, can accommodate Spanish speakers, and have settled many dog bite cases. Don’t navigate this process alone. Call us today.
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