Lowell Dog Bite Attorney
Suffering from a dog bite in Lowell can be a traumatic experience. At DiBella Law Offices, we’re here to support you, fight for your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve to heal and move forward.
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Reviewed by: Christopher DiBella
March 25, 2025
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable. Dog bite injuries can be severe. In many cases, the scars and emotional damage can last a lifetime.
At DiBella Law, our Lowell personal injury lawyers have helped numerous clients recover the compensation they deserve. We can access your unique injuries and strategize the best possible outcome. Let a Lowell dog bite lawyer protect your rights today.
Massachusetts Is a Strict Liability State
Dog-related injuries fall under strict liability in Lowell. Generally, personal injury claims involve establishing negligence. However, under Massachusetts’ strict liability law, victims only need to show that their injuries are dog-related.
There are some exceptions to the strict liability of dog bite claims, including:
- If the injured person was trespassing
- The injured person was tormenting, teasing, or abusing the dog
If the injured person is under 7 years old at the time of the attack, the above exceptions will not apply. It is important to understand that a dog owner or their insurance company may attempt to establish that your injuries fall under one of the exceptions. However, an experienced Lowell dog bite attorney can help you protect your case.
Steps to Take after a Lowell Dog Bite
Immediately following a dog bite, it is important to address any injuries as soon as possible. Even if the bite seems minor, receiving medical attention is important to establish a record of the attack and prevent the injury from becoming more serious.
In addition, it may be in your best interests to collect critical evidence. Supporting evidence may include:
- Pictures of your injuries and the healing process
- Pictures of the scene
- The police report
- Medical and rehabilitation records
- Video footage of the attack
The attorneys of DiBella Law can also help you gather pertinent information. For example, neighbors or businesses may be reluctant to provide video footage of the attack without the representation of a lawyer. Contacting a dog bite lawyer in Lowell can strengthen your injury claim and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Medical Care After a Lowell Dog Bite
Dog bites can range from a small scratch to catastrophic damage. According to Cleveland Health Clinic, infection is the primary concern after a dog bite. Because dogs have dentition, wounds can be especially jagged and gaping, making infection more concerning and dangerous.
The dog’s vaccination status is essential. If the dog is not up to date on their rabies vaccine, or the status is unknown or unconfirmed, your medical provider may decide to vaccinate you for rabies. Though the vaccine can be painful and time-consuming, rabies is over 99% fatal once symptoms are shown, so an approach of extreme caution is common.
It is not uncommon for your medical provider to encourage a tetanus booster. Wound contamination and puncture wounds are some of the most common ways tetanus can be introduced into the body. A tetanus vaccine is usually suitable for about ten years, but your provider may suggest a booster if you have not had one in the last five.
We’ve offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Potential Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bite injuries can be devastating. In many cases, victims suffer deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and broken bones. Recovering damages for physical and emotional trauma falls under economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Under the umbrella of economic damages, you may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, therapy bills, lost wages for time out of work, and other monetary losses. You may work with our attorney to collect a folder with any receipts or bills for services and any documentation you may have about time or wages missed from work, which will frequently include any anticipated future costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages will include less measurable things like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and compensation for disfigurement. Many times, there is emotional distress and trauma caused by disfigurement or significant facial scarring that can dramatically decrease the victim’s quality of life, and this may also be added to a claim for non-economic damages.
Possible Punitive Damages
If you have reason to believe that the attack happened with intention or malice, there may also be grounds for punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to be awarded as compensation for the accident but as a punishment to deter future similar behavior. You can speak with our attorneys about options if you feel that you may be eligible.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one in a dog attack, filing a wrongful death claim may be necessary. No amount of financial compensation can make up for your loss. However, holding the responsible parties accountable may help to provide closure and prevent attacks in the future.
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Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lowell, MA Today
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from a dog attack, it can be a hard road to recovery. Contacting a dog bite attorney in Lowell to represent your best interests means our experienced attorneys can handle the insurance negotiations and legal process on your behalf. This can give you the time and energy to focus on recovery.
DiBella Law understands the unique challenges of dog bite injury claims. Contact us today for a free case consultation 24/7. We also provide a free instant case evaluation that you can complete online before contacting us.
