Boston Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are a very popular pet for Boston residents, and for good reason. When treated well, these animals can be great companions and lifelong friends. However, dogs are still animals and can cause injury to others by biting, jumping, charging, or attacking.

If you are injured by a dog in Massachusetts, you can hold the animal’s owner accountable by filing a lawsuit against him or her. The Boston personal injury lawyers at the Cashman Law Firm can represent your claim and fight for your right to maximum recovery.

Why Choose Us for Your Dog Bite Claim in Boston

• Our attorney, Mark A. Cashman, has represented injured Massachusetts residents for years. You can trust our firm to fight for your right to justice in your dog bite claim.
• Dog bite injuries can be painful. Our firm will handle every step of your case so that you can focus on healing and recovery rather than complex litigation.
• Our Boston dog bite lawyers at Cashman Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including $7.5 million over a four-year period. We will fight diligently to secure the outcome that you deserve.

Boston, Massachusetts Laws on Dog Bites and Attacks 

Dog bite laws in Boston are defined by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155. According to this statute, dog owners may be liable for any injuries inflicted by their animals if the case meets both of the following criteria.

• The animal caused personal injury or property damage.
• The injured person was not trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another tort or wrongful act at the time of the incident.

Dog owners in Boston, MA are strictly liable for any incidents that meet these criteria. It does not matter if the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was aware that the animal could turn violent. Unlike other states, which have different laws that apply to injuries other than bites, this statute applies to any case involving an injury caused by a dog.

For example, say that you are walking in a public park when a dog suddenly charges at you. You fall and break your arm. In this situation, you could file a lawsuit against the animal’s owner for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses that you experienced. If a dog bite injury results in permanent injury or even death, you can also contact a Boston wrongful death attorney to review your case. 

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity, particularly in urban environments like Boston, where encounters with dogs are common. Understanding the types of injuries that may occur can help in assessing treatment options and potential legal actions. Here are some typical injuries associated with dog bites:

• Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Tissue loss
• Bruises
• Fractures
• Nerve damage
• Infections

Dog bite victims should seek immediate medical attention after sustaining a dog bite injury. Bites should also be reported to local animal control. If your dog bite injury prompts you to take legal action, our experienced dog bite attorney in Boston can offer you a free case review and walk you through the legal process. If you’ve experienced severe or life-threatening injuries due to a dog bite, such as a traumatic brain injury, our dog bite attorneys can also assist you in your case.

What to Do If You Are Attacked by a Dog in Boston, MA

The aftermath of a dog attack can feel scary and overwhelming. In these moments, it is important to protect yourself and gather evidence to support a future dog bite injury lawsuit.

• First, get to a safe location away from the animal as soon as possible. 
• Next, try to perform first aid on any wounds that you have. Dog bites can transmit dangerous bacteria.
• Seek medical care for any injuries that you may have. Always seek medical care, even if you do not feel hurt. Save all of your medical records.
• If you do not know the owner already, identify him or her and collect his or her contact information. Speak to any witnesses in the area and collect their details as well.
• Take photographs of the animal, your injuries, and the area around the scene.
• Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.

What Settlement Amount Can You Expect From a Dog Bite Case?

Settlement amounts for dog bite incidents can vary widely based on several factors:

• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries, like those requiring extensive medical treatment or resulting in permanent scars, typically lead to higher settlements. For example, a child with severe facial lacerations will often receive more compensation than someone with a minor bite.
• Owner liability: If the dog owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior or violated local leash laws, this can strengthen the dog bite victim’s case. States like Massachusetts have strict liability laws hold owners accountable regardless of their dog’s history.
• Insurance coverage: Your settlement can be based on whether the dog owner has insurance or not. Insurance policies also vary, and insurance companies with higher limits can lead to larger settlements.
• Medical expenses: Documenting all medical costs, including ongoing rehabilitation, is vital in determining settlement amounts.

In one of our dog attack cases at Cashman Law Firm, our firm secured a $100,000 settlement for a client who suffered a serious dog bite injury.

Contact Our Boston Dog Bite Lawyers Now 

Dog owners have a duty to ensure that their animals do not cause harm. If you are attacked by a dog in Boston and want to pursue a dog bite lawsuit, a dog bite attorney from the Cashman Law Firm can help. Contact us at (978) 306-7549 today to schedule your free case consultation and identify your optimal path to recovery.