You suffer a dog bite injury and do not want the animal that attacked you to get into trouble. Fortunately, you can hold the pet’s owner accountable for your injury. To do so, hire a Fall River dog bite lawyer to represent you in your case against this individual.
DiBella Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages in personal injury lawsuits. Let our Fall River personal injury lawyer review your dog bite injury case and explain your legal options to you. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite
Based on Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, §155, you can hold a dog owner civilly liable if their pet attacks you. For example, an individual lets you pet their dog, but the animal bites you, leaving you with an injury. In this situation, the pet’s owner — and not the animal itself — can be held responsible for your injury-related losses.
There are times when someone other than a dog owner is at fault for an injury. For instance, a person leaves their pet in a groomer’s care, and the animal bites you while you are waiting for assistance. If this happens, the groomer could be liable.
A dog bite lawyer in Fall River, MA from DiBella Law Firm can take a look at your case and figure out who is at fault for your injury. We can help you request maximum damages from any liable parties. To learn more, reach out to us.
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What Will Happen to a Dog that Bites You
You may have concerns if you report a dog bite that the animal will be euthanized. Generally, if a dog bites someone for the first time, it will not be put to sleep. Local authorities could declare the dog to be “dangerous,” and the pet’s owner may have the opportunity to take steps to prevent the animal from biting someone again.
If a dog is determined to be dangerous, the owner must do things like restrain and neuter or spay their animal. When this individual takes their dog for a walk, they may be required to muzzle their pet. Along with these things, the pet’s owner may have to buy insurance, which may be used to cover losses if the animal attacks someone.
For those who are unsure of what to do following a dog bite attack, consult with a dog bite attorney in Fall River, MA. This gives you the opportunity to examine your case with a lawyer. With your attorney’s assistance, you can determine if now is the right time to seek damages from a negligent pet owner.
When to Ask for Damages After a Dog Bite Injury
The Massachusetts personal injury statute of limitations is three years. If a dog bites you and you want to pursue damages, meet with a Fall River dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Otherwise, if you wait too long, you could miss your opportunity to request damages from the pet’s owner.
You can ask for economic and non-economic damages in your injury lawsuit. A judge or jury may award economic compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. You may receive non-economic damages for your emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other subjective harm.
To achieve your desired case results, you may need a wealth of evidence. Your attorney may use photos of your injury, medical records, witness statements, and other forms of proof to support your case. If you have an abundance of proof, a negligent pet owner may offer a fair settlement, allowing you to resolve your case outside the courtroom.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Proving Negligence in Your Dog Bite Case
Saying a dog attacked you and that their owner should be held responsible for your injury-related losses is not enough to secure damages. You must prove the pet’s owner was negligent. To do so, you must show the following elements of negligence were present when your dog attack happened:
- Duty of Care: The pet’s owner was obligated to keep their animal from attacking you.
- Breach of Duty of Care: This individual ignored their obligation, putting you in danger.
- Causation: Because of the owner’s actions, their dog attacked you, and you got hurt.
- Damages: You are dealing with economic or non-economic losses due to the incident.
In addition to discussing these elements of negligence, a dog bite lawyer in Fall River can explain Massachusetts’ comparative negligence law. If you are found to be partly liable for a dog bite attack, a judge or jury may award you only a portion of the damages you initially requested. Alternatively, if you are found to be primarily responsible, you may not be able to recover damages.
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Settling a Dog Bite Injury Case
A dog bite attorney in Fall River will keep you updated about a settlement. If the defendant in your lawsuit proposes a settlement, you can examine it with your lawyer. Together, you and your attorney can consider what a settlement entails, and you can decide if it is in your best interests to accept it.
You may have questions about whether your personal injury settlement will be taxed and many others. Share these questions with your attorney, and they will answer them in detail. Your lawyer wants you to make an informed decision about a proposal so you can get compensation that will serve you well for the foreseeable future.
If you are not completely satisfied with a settlement offer, you can decline it. Your Fall River dog bite lawyer can continue to negotiate with the defendant in the hopes of settling your case before your trial date. If no agreement is reached, you will bring your case to trial, and your attorney can explain to a judge or jury why you deserve 100% of the damages you are requesting.
Get the Legal Help You Need After Your Dog Attack
Instead of letting a negligent pet owner off the hook after their dog attacks and injures you, request legal help from the team at DiBella Law Firm. Every case is personal to us, and we will do everything we can to help you get the damages you deserve. Contact us today to request a free case consultation.
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