Dog Bite Lawyer & Animal Attack Attorney

Are Animal Owners Liable If Their Dog Bites or Attacks Another Person in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, dog owners can be held strictly liable for the injuries that their animals cause.[1] Strict liability does not require a victim to establish the elements of negligence. Instead, this principle means that the defendant is liable for the injuries even if he or she did not act negligently.

To hold an owner accountable for a dog bite or animal attack, it is not necessary to show that the owner had prior knowledge that the animal is aggressive or has a history of violent behavior.  In other words, dogs don’t get “one free bite”. Instead, Massachusetts law requires an injured person to establish the following:

• The victim was not trespassing on the property at the time of the attack;
• The victim was not in the act of committing a crime when the attack occurred; and
• The victim did not provoke the attack by teasing or tormenting the dog.

[1] https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section155.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Boston Animal Bite Attorney?

Obtaining representation from one of the best Boston dog bite lawyers does not have to be exorbitantly expensive. At Lowney Law, LLC, we represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks on a contingency fee basis. This means that we are only entitled to a fee if we recover a settlement or compensation on a client’s behalf. Consequently, you will not have to worry about coming out of pocket for upfront legal fees or retainers to secure the injury representation you and your family deserve.

What Types of Injuries Are Commonly Caused by Dog Bites and Animal Attacks?

Dog bites are a serious public health concern in Massachusetts. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs annually.[1] The majority of these incidents occur in children between the ages of five and nine years old.

The following are some of the most common injuries that victims of dog attacks suffer:

• Head and neck injuries
• Lacerations and punctured skin
• Eye injuries
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Tissue damage
• Post-traumatic stress
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement
• Wrongful death

The CDC also reports that around 800,000 people seek medical attention because of dog bites each year and that half of those victims require follow-up treatment or hospitalization. The injuries caused by dog bites can be extremely painful, requiring stitches and surgery to repair the damage done by animal teeth puncturing skin.

If you or someone you know was bit by a dog or attacked by an animal in Boston or the surrounding communities, Lowney Law can help tenaciously pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

[1] Nonfatal Dog Bite—Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments, CDC, Nonfatal Dog Bite–Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments — United States, 2001 (cdc.gov).

What Breeds of Dogs Are Commonly Involved in Boston Dog Bite Attacks?

Any breed of dog can be dangerous if the dog has been trained to attack or is abused. In general, however, the most common breeds of dogs that attack include:

• German Shepherds
• Huskies
• Labradors
• Rottweilers
• Pit Bulls
• Doberman Pinchers

Regardless of the breed, if a dog bites or attacks an innocent victim, the owner should be responsible for shouldering the costs of any damages suffered. As a Boston dog bite injury lawyer with over two decades of experience, Tim can tenaciously advocate for justice and the full and fair compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.

What Should I Do If I Was Bitten by A Dog in Boston?

Defendants are typically unwilling to cooperate with the investigation of a dog bite or animal attack case, which can make the process difficult. The injuries resulting from these events range from minor punctures and scratches to serious wounds and infections. Some events may be so severe that they require hospitalization or even lead to permanent disfigurement.

To establish your claim, it is important to collect key evidence, which may include photos of the injuries taken after the attack occurred, torn clothing or shoes, medical records, medical bills, and payroll records. You may be able to pursue damages for not only economic costs and losses, like medical treatment and missed wages, but also the subjective pain and suffering that resulted from the attack. It is also critical to reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible, as the chances of securing a full and fair settlement are substantially greater than if a victim is self-represented.