Lawrence Dog Bite Lawyer

Did someone else’s dog bite you while you were lawfully on their property? Did you suffer injuries or other harm because of the dog attack? If so, a Lawrence dog bite lawyer with The Cashman Law Firm can review your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation case review. Contact us today to get started.

What Is Massachusetts’ Law on Dog Bites?

Massachusetts law states that the owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for harm their dog causes. However, this rule does not apply if the dog was trespassing or teasing the dog. When a minor owns the dog that attacks the victim, their parent or guardian is liable under the law. If a dog injures your child, the law presumes that they were not trespassing if they were under seven years old.

This law is in contrast to the one-bite rule that many states use, which sometimes allows a “freebie” bite. These states reason that a dog owner may not have reason to believe that their dog is dangerous until it bites someone else. Massachusetts’s strict liability law emphasizes the state’s commitment to protecting injury victims from dog owners’ or keepers’ negligence.

How Can I Recover Compensation After a Dog Bite?

Many dog owners have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that covers dog bites. You may be able to make a claim under their policy to recover compensation for your damages.

However, many insurance companies now use exclusions to limit this option. Some may restrict all dog bites, while others may be based on the dog’s breed. If an exclusion applies, your only legal recourse may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner or keeper. Massachusetts law requires you to file this legal claim within three years of the incident.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including avulsion injuries, permanent scarring, and disfigurement. When they attack, they may cause the victim to fall, suffering additional injuries, such as broken bones.

Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for the full range of damages you experienced as a result of the accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses, including plastic surgeries
• Mental health counseling
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity if you suffered a permanent disability or impairment that affected your long-term earning power
• Damage to your personal property
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

At The Cashman Law Firm, we understand that every dog bite and injury is unique. We work tirelessly to recover fair compensation for our clients and provide aggressive, personalized legal services to achieve this.

Contact The Cashman Law Firm Today for a Free Legal Consultation

If you would like to learn more about your legal options for pursuing financial compensation following a dog bite, a Lawrence dog bite lawyer from The Cashman Law Firm can help. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.