Call the police to file a dog bite report in Massachusetts. Or, if you work in healthcare and a dog bites you, notify the animal inspector in the town or city where the incident happened within 24 hours. In these and other scenarios, it also helps to contact a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options.
DiBella Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages in dog bite cases and many other personal injury lawsuits. We can answer any questions you have about how to file a dog bite report in Massachusetts. For more information, reach out to us.
When to File a Massachusetts Dog Bite Report
If a dog bites you and you get hurt, file a report immediately. In addition, meet with a doctor and they will evaluate you and treat your injuries. Continue to receive medical care since this will help you fully recover.
When you submit a dog bite report in Massachusetts, provide as much information as you can. Next, the authorities will prepare a report that you can access. This report may provide valuable evidence that you can use in a case against a negligent pet owner.
After you submit your report, you may have proof you can use to seek damages from the dog’s owner. DiBella Law Firm makes it easy to connect with a Massachusetts premises liability lawyer who can help you request damages from the owner of the dog that attacked you. To learn more, get in touch with us.
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What Will Happen to a Dog After You File a Report
You may have concerns that a dog will be euthanized after you report a bite. This can happen but is rarely the case. Generally, a pet owner will be given every opportunity to help their dog and take appropriate steps to prevent their animal from attacking someone else.
Once a dog bites you, do not blame the animal. Instead, get the pet owner’s information, report the incident, and receive medical care. Along with these things, let the authorities handle the punishment of the pet’s owner and seek damages from this individual to ensure you are not financially responsible for your injury-related losses.
Consult with a lawyer as soon as you can following your dog attack. Your attorney will review your case and calculate your losses. They can help you build a case that shows a pet’s owner was negligent, which led to your injury.
How Much Time You Have to Report a Dog Bite in Massachusetts
It is typically a good idea to report a dog attack within 24 hours of when it happens. If you get hurt in an attack, call 911, and this will bring medical personnel and police officers to the scene. Medical professionals can treat your injury, and you can tell the police what happened to file your report.
If you want to pursue damages relating to your dog bite, you must do so in accordance with the statute of limitations. The Massachusetts personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations is three years. Based on this, you have up to three years from the date a dog bites you to ask for compensation from the pet’s owner.
For those who are unsure about whether to file a lawsuit, ask a personal injury lawyer for guidance. Your attorney can take a look at your case and help you determine just how much your dog bite will affect you financially. They may encourage you to ask for economic and non-economic damages as part of a lawsuit.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
How a Dog Bite Report Can Help You Get Damages
In a dog bite injury case, a pet owner may argue you are in some way liable. For instance, they may claim something you said or did prompted their dog to bite you. If a judge or jury agrees with their case, this may hurt your chances of getting damages.
Massachusetts has a comparative negligence statute that relates to dog bite lawsuits and other personal injury cases. If you are 1-50% liable for your dog attack injury, what a judge or jury awards in damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault. In a situation where you are primarily liable, you may not receive damages.
A dog bite report can be used in conjunction with accident scene photos and videos, medical records, and other evidence to support your request for damages. If you have a compelling body of evidence, a judge or jury may award you full damages. Your proof may also help you secure a fair settlement.
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What to Do After You Submit a Massachusetts Dog Bite Report
Filing a dog bite report in Massachusetts may be the beginning of your personal injury claim. Once your report is filed, get a copy of it. Next, you can share this report with a liable pet owner and their insurance company, which may allow you to get compensation for your injury-related losses.
It helps to have an attorney represent you as you deal with an at-fault party owner and their insurance company. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If you receive a settlement offer, you can evaluate it with your lawyer and decide if you want to accept, reject, or counter it.
If you do not receive a reasonable settlement offer, your lawyer can bring your case to trial, and you can explain to a judge or jury why you deserve damages. As you get ready for your trial date, your lawyer may encourage you not to post photos and videos of your injury on social media. They will also answer any legal concerns and questions you have.
Request Legal Help to Deal with the Aftermath of Your Dog Bite Injury
You can file a dog bite report to prevent an animal from attacking other people in the future. It may also be beneficial to speak with an attorney from DiBella Law Firm since we can help you pursue compensation from a negligent pet owner. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
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