Revere Dog Bite Lawyer
Every year, children and adults alike in the state of Massachusetts are the victims of dog bites. In fact, the state of Massachusetts reports that in a single year, there were more than 6,300 dog bites reported in the state. While children between the ages of 10 and 14 are the most likely to be bitten, a dog may attack anyone without warning.
A dog bite can leave lasting damage. Not only may a dog bite victim sustain permanent scarring and perhaps disfigurement and disability, but they may also develop psychological injuries as a result of the attack, too. If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, our Revere dog bite lawyer can represent you during the claims process.
Liability for Damages Caused by Dog Bites in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a dog bite statute on the books, found in Section 155 of Massachusetts code. The statute reads that all owners or keepers of dogs that causes damage to another person are liable for that damage unless:
- The victim was trespassing or committing another tort at the time of dog bite/attack; or
- The victim was tormenting or abusing the dog at the time of attack/bite.
Because of this statute, dog bite victims do not need to prove that the owner of the dog acted negligently, nor that any negligence was the proximate cause of the dog bite. Instead, an owner is held strictly liable for a victim’s damages. A victim may need to prove that they were not trespassing, committing a tort, or harassing the dog when it attacked, however.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite
In the event that damages incurred by the victim are severe, or a settlement for a claim cannot be reached, a dog bite victim may decide to file a negligence-based tort against the dog owner instead. In a negligence action, the dog bite victim must prove that the dog owner neglected the duty of care owed to the victim, leading to the dog attack. For example, failing to leash a dog with vicious tendencies is an example of negligence.
Because of the strict liability statute, negligence claims for dog bites are not as common. If you are interested in pursuing a negligence based claim, you should talk with your lawyer about the benefits and disadvantages of doing so.
All claims for compensation for injuries caused by dog bites must be filed within three years from the date of the incident.
Contact Our Revere Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Being attacked by a dog is terrifying. At The Law Offices of Alan, Hildreth, King & Associates, we have seen how troubling the effects of a dog attack can be. If you or a loved one is bit by a dog in Revere or surrounding areas, our attorneys will work hard to help you recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more, call our offices directly for your free consultation, or write us a message using our online form.