A dog may bite you and leave you with an injury. At this point, it may be a good idea to consult with a New Bedford dog bite lawyer. Next, you can work with a New Bedford personal injury lawyer who can help you pursue damages from the pet’s owner.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we have been delivering millions in client compensation for over 20 years. Our team is available to evaluate your case. To get started, reach out to us.
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was an average of 43 deaths per year relating to being bitten or struck by a dog in a recent 10-year period. If a dog attacks you, it is important to respond appropriately. Here are things you should do to protect yourself if a dog bites you:
- Call 911
- Get medical care
- Discuss your attack with the police
- Take photos and videos of your injury and the accident scene
Along with these things, it may be beneficial to meet with a dog bite lawyer in New Bedford, MA. At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we can review your case and go over your legal options with you. To learn more, get in touch with us.
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Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite
You may have concerns that if you report a dog bite, the animal will be euthanized. Following your attack, local authorities will decide how to classify the animal. They may put a dog into a “nuisance” or “dangerous” category but are unlikely to euthanize the animal unless there are extreme circumstances.
A dog bite attorney in New Bedford, MA, may help you hold a dog’s owner accountable for your attack. Ultimately, a pet owner is responsible for their animal. If they do not do everything within their power to control their pet and stop an attack, you may get hurt, and they may be held accountable for their actions.
Your New Bedford dog bite lawyer can help you prove that a liable party had a legal obligation to keep their animal from attacking you. Also, they can work to show that this party violated their obligation, which led to your attack and injury. In addition, your attorney can gather proof to verify that you are dealing with economic and non-economic damages as a result of the pet owner’s actions.
When to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim
Typically, the Massachusetts personal injury statute of limitations is three years. You may have up to three years from the date of your dog bite to pursue damages from the pet’s owner. If you choose not to submit a claim within this window, you may be 100% responsible for your injury-related losses.
A New Bedford dog bite attorney can figure out just how much your case is worth. They may encourage you to ask for economic damages relating to your medical bills and other quantifiable losses. Your lawyer may also help you request non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.
You are responsible for the burden of proof relating to your dog bite. If you cannot provide enough evidence to prove negligence, you may not be awarded damages. Fortunately, you may use accident scene photos and videos, medical records, and other evidence to support your claim.
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How Costly Are Dog Bite Injuries?
The cost of your dog bite depends on its severity. In some instances, a dog attack leaves a person with an injury that requires weeks or months to treat. At other times, a dog bite injury affects an individual for the rest of their life.
A dog bite lawyer in New Bedford will look at your immediate and long-term losses. They want you to get enough compensation to cover your losses. To achieve their goal, they will examine your medical bills and other costs relating to your injury.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) points out that pet owners may have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies with liability limits of up to $300,000. These individuals may use their insurance coverage following a dog attack. If a dog bites you and you suffer an injury, you may get compensation from a dog owner’s insurer.
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How a Dog Bite Claim Works in New Bedford
A dog bite attorney in New Bedford may help you file an insurance claim. In the best-case scenario, the insurer considers your losses carefully. The business may give you the compensation you need to fully recover from your injury.
Alternatively, insurance companies may be more interested in protecting their clients than helping dog bite injury victims get compensation. An insurer may dispute your claim, in spite of the fact that you suffered an injury due to no fault of your own. Your attorney may help you negotiate a settlement with an insurance provider and handle communications with this company on your behalf.
To get the best case results, you may have to file an injury lawsuit against a pet owner. You may do this if the owner does not have sufficient insurance coverage. You may also sue the owner if their insurer refuses to cover your claim.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to a Dog Bite Case
Massachusetts has a comparative negligence statute. Based on this, a pet owner may claim that you are partly responsible for your dog bite injury. If they are successful, you may not get the damages you initially requested.
With comparative negligence, you may still get damages if you are less than 50% at fault. If you are primarily to blame for your injury, you may be ineligible for damages.
Contact a New Bedford Dog Bite Lawyer for a Consultation Today
DiBella Law Offices, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm. Our team may be able to help you with your dog bite injury case. To schedule a free consultation, reach out to our dog bite attorney in New Bedford.
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