Robert I. Feinberg Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious injury.  Massachusetts is a strict liability state that holds dog owners to a high standard.  Dog owners in Massachusetts have an obligation to control their dogs and to prevent injury to others and their property.  Unless a trespassing incident results in the damage or the injured party teased, tormented, or abused the dog, the owner is strictly liable and victims can recover compensation.  Minors under seven years of age are presumed not to have caused their injury. 

Some statistics and facts on dog bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people receive dog bites each year.  Each year over 800,000 Americans seek medical treatment for dog bites, and half of them are children.  The CDC further reports that in 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery necessitated by dog bites. 

Children are most likely to receive dog bites, and many times these injuries occur from bites to the head and neck when a dog latches on.  Dog bites may occur in a yard, in the park, at a playground, or when out walking past the home of a neighbor. 

Compensation that your attorney can seek for a dog bite

As part of a dog attack lawsuit, which may or may not include a dog bite, lawyers may seek compensation for medical bills of victims.  These bills can be high due to the number of plastic surgery procedures that may be involved.  Damages can also include compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and for permanent injury such as scarring and disfigurement.  Attorneys who practice in this area can explain how the law applies to your situation. 

Dog bites account for over one-third of all homeowner insurance liability claims, costing $412 million in 2009.  The number of claims is on the rise.  A Boston dog bite lawyer knows how to assist you with gathering and preserving the necessary evidence to prove your dog bite case.  Do not sign any papers, settlements, or release forms until you speak to a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases in Boston and elsewhere in Massachusetts on a regular basis.  You only have a limited amount of time to seek compensation for your damages, so it is in your best interests to find an attorney as soon as possible. 

Contact us for experienced legal guidance

At Feinberg & Alban, PC our experienced Boston personal injury attorneys can help you seek the fair compensation you deserve when you suffer injury through the negligent or reckless actions of someone else.   Contact us today.

Feinberg & Alban PC
141 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 232-5950