Massachusetts Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Suddenly a dog appears out of nowhere and bites you. You’re left with a ton of questions, a ton of medical expenses, and suffering after this unexpected and terrible period of time. What are your next steps? How can you ensure that you receive assistance with your expenses, and to whom can you direct your queries regarding the next steps?

Finding an experienced dog bite attorney in Massachusetts is essential. Our dog bite attorneys in Massachusetts can guide you through every step and know just what to do in these circumstances.

Immediate Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite Incident

It’s essential to take immediate steps after a dog bite to protect your legal rights, safety, health, and wellbeing. Here is a quick, easy-to-follow guide that will help you deal with a dog bite quickly and effectively:

Seek Medical Attention: Treat any injuries as soon as possible. To avoid infections or other issues, it is important to have the bite examined by a medical professional even if it appears minor at first glance.
Report the Event: Report the dog bite to the Massachusetts animal control agency or local authorities. In the event that you wish to take legal action, this formal report may be used as evidence.
Gather Information: If feasible, gather contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history.
Record Everything: Take pictures of your wounds, the scene of the accident, and the dog, if you can. Document all medical care received, costs paid, and missed income or work opportunities as a result of the injury.
Avoid Immediate Settlements: Occasionally, a dog owner may offer compensation as an apology. It is important to speak with a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer before accepting any offers to ensure you are being adequately compensated.
Speak with a Dog Bite Attorney: By speaking with an experienced dog bite attorney in Massachusetts, you can learn about your legal rights and the next steps to take in order to pursue damages for your injuries.

By following these steps, you can provide a solid legal basis for any future claims you may make.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

The severity of injuries caused by dog bites varies depending on a number of factors, such as the breed, victim’s size, length of attack, and how quickly the victim received medical attention and treatment.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Health, small children are more likely to sustain head, face, or neck injuries as a result of dog attacks. When an adult is involved, their arms, legs, and chest are typically injured.
Among the common injuries reported by victims of dog bites are:

Abrasions
Lacerations
Punctures
Loss of tissue
Crush injuries
Broken bones
Strains and sprains
Wounds
Diseases like C canimorsus and rabies

Even if the wound does not look severe at first glance, all victims of dog bites should get medical treatment right away to ensure that a dangerous infection does not develop. Doctors will likely prescribe antibiotics to protect against infection.

Legal Rights for Victims of Dog Bites in Massachusetts

According to Massachusetts law, if a dog attacks or bites you and causes you harm, the dog’s owner may be held liable. The state of Massachusetts has strict liability laws regarding dog bites. To be held liable for the harm the dog causes, the owner does not have to act negligently. Furthermore, it is not required to provide evidence that the dog is aggressive or has previously injured someone. Nonetheless, it is required to prove that the defendant is the dog’s owner, that no trespassing occurred, and that the victim wasn’t provoking the dog. It is generally assumed that children under the age of seven have not trespassed, abused, tortured, or attacked a dog.

The Massachusetts Statute of Limitations in Dog Bite Cases

In Massachusetts, there is a statute of limitations that specifies the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after being bitten by a dog. The period of time is usually three (3) years from the date of the incidence in dog bite cases in Massachusetts. This means that you have three years to bring legal action against the person you think is liable for the dog bite.
However, if you attempt to bring a claim after this three-year period has ended, your case will not be viable, depriving you of the chance to pursue damages for your injuries and any associated damages.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Massachusetts Today!

If you are struggling with the aftermath of a dog bite in Massachusetts and are unsure what to do next, it is time to take action. Markey Law Partners is prepared to support you through every stage of the legal process.