Haverhill Dog Bite Attorney

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States, resulting in 334,000 people being treated in emergency departments and another 466,000 seen in other medical settings.

Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries and psychological trauma. Dog owners are generally held liable for the harm their dogs cause. If someone else’s dog bit you, a Haverhill dog bite lawyer from The Cashman Law Firm wants to help you recover compensation. Call us today for a free case review.

Is Massachusetts a One-Bite State?

States generally follow one of two legal systems to resolve dog bite injury claims: strict liability or one bite. In strict liability states, the dog owner is responsible for resulting injuries if those injuries occur according to the language in the statute. There’s no need to prove the dog’s owner was liable for allowing the dog bite to happen.

One-bite states are the opposite. In these jurisdictions, the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent. This requires showing the dog owner knew the dog had a propensity for violence and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.

Massachusetts is a strict liability state. It imposes liability on a dog owner or keeper if the dog bite occurred and the victim was not trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing the dog. If you can show that your injuries occurred under the language of the statute, you don’t have to prove the dog owner or keeper was negligent.

Are Homeowners Liable for Dog Bites?

Homeowners can sometimes be liable for dog bites that occur on their property when their dog injures someone else or they are responsible for handling the dog. If a dog bites you, you may be able to file a claim with the owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy.

Some homeowner’s policies specifically exclude dog bites for certain breeds or circumstances. An experienced Haverhill dog bite lawyer can review the relevant insurance policies for coverage and discuss your legal options with you.

What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

You may be able to recover compensation for the damages you suffered, such as:

• Medical bills for emergency treatment and follow-up care
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Reconstructive surgeries
• Counseling
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

An experienced dog bite lawyer can evaluate your injury claim and determine the compensation you can seek.

What Is the Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim?

Massachusetts requires dog bite lawsuits to be filed within three years of the incident. If you don’t take legal action within this timeframe, you can miss out on your opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries. Speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer today to protect your rights.

Call Us for a Free Case Review

If someone else’s careless handling of a dog caused you injury, you should not have to pay the consequences. Contact The Cashman Law Firm to speak to a knowledgeable Haverhill dog bite lawyer.