Dogs are frequently referred to as “man’s best friend,” but we must remember that dogs are just like any other animal- meaning they are unpredictable. Even the seemingly friendliest pooch can turn vicious when they feel threatened or provoked, which is why dog owners are required to maintain control of their pets at all times. When a dog owner fails to prevent their pet from attacking or biting, they can be held accountable for the victim’s injuries.
A highly qualified Worcester dog bite lawyer at DiBella Law can help you bring negligent dog owners to justice. You should not be forced to cover the expenses associated with your injuries when the dog’s owner is responsible. Contact our office to request a free consultation with an experienced Worcester personal injury lawyer today and start to rebuild your life.
Dog Bites Can Result in Catastrophic Injury
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause devastating injuries. Your dog bite lawyer in Worcester, MA should have experience handling a wide variety of injuries and damages. Our clients have suffered catastrophic injuries after being attacked by a dog, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Broken and fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Contusions and abrasions
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Facial trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal injuries, including bleeding and organ failure
If you are dealing with another type of injury, do not lose hope. Your dog bite attorney can review the extent of your injuries, your prognosis, and the circumstances of your case to determine whether you have grounds for a claim. As long as the elements of negligence are present, you may have the right to compensation for your damages.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
MA Follows Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws
Every state handles dog bite claims differently. In some states, if a dog has not previously attacked or shown signs of aggression, dog owners may not be held accountable the first time a bite or attack occurs. These laws are commonly referred to as the “One-Bite Rule.”
However, Massachusetts does not follow the One Bite Rule. Here, dog owners are always held accountable for the actions of their animals under MA’s strict liability laws. The dog’s history of aggression or violence is irrelevant, as it is the dog owner’s responsibility to maintain control over their animal at all times.
Whether on public or private property, dog owners should be in control of their pets. Dog owners are expected to keep their animals on leashes. Many dog owners take steps to avoid potential liability by posting “dangerous dog” signs that notify passersby and the public of the potential risk of injury.
Trespassers and Provokers
There are several circumstances in which dog owners are not always responsible for the actions of their animals. Your dog bite lawyer will review the evidence to determine whether trespassing or provocation was involved in your case. Dog owners are not obligated to protect trespassers from injury, while those provoking an animal to act aggressively may not be able to hold the dog’s owner accountable when the animal ultimately attacks.
Massachusetts follows modified comparative negligence laws. Sharing fault for the dog bite or animal attack may reduce your settlement or prevent you from moving forward with your claim if your portion of the fault is greater than the legal limit. Your dog bite attorney with DiBella Law will be prepared to introduce irrefutable evidence of the defendant’s liability so you can maximize your settlement.
You Can Demand the Compensation You Deserve
With help from your committed dog bite attorney in Worcester, MA, you can seek maximum reimbursement for your losses. Massachusetts tort laws allow injury victims to be awarded compensation for the total value of their damages, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages are monetary, while non-economic damages describe the effect of the accident on your emotional state, lifestyle, and daily life.
Some types of damages could be recovered when you file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. However, it is not unusual for homeowner’s insurance policies to exclude certain types of dog breeds. If the policyholder’s dog breed is not covered, their homeowner’s insurance will not pay.
If this happens, you may need to be prepared to pursue your personal injury lawsuit. Filing a civil claim may be the furthest thing from your mind, but you should not be stuck covering the expenses related to your injuries when the dog owner’s negligence is the cause. Your dog bite lawyer will handle every legal detail while you recuperate and relieve you of the burdens of your case.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Recoverable Damages in Worcester Dog Bite Claims
Are you interested in finding out how much your dog bite case is worth? If so, you are not alone. It makes complete sense that you want to manage expectations and have a clear understanding of what your claim could be worth.
We will need to carefully consider the value of your financial or economic damages. These might include medical bills, lost wages, future medical treatment, and other out-of-pocket or monetary costs. These are often easier to calculate as their value is tangible.
Next, we will need to calculate the value of your non-economic damages. Since these losses are intangible, they are more difficult to evaluate. Some examples could include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, reduced quality of life, and disfigurement or skin scarring, to name a few.
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Get Help from Worcester’s Trial-Proven Dog Bite Law Firm Today
Many dog bite claims can be settled without ever having to step foot inside a courtroom. Your Worcester dog bite attorney with DiBella Law will be prepared to negotiate with insurers and recover the compensation you are owed from the dog’s owner, even if that means bringing your case to trial. We are not afraid to advocate for our client’s rights and will do everything possible to build a powerful claim against the at-fault party.
Are you ready to take charge of your personal injury claim? Contact our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation. Complete our online contact form or call us to get started as soon as today.
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