Massachusetts dog bite laws are there to protect victims and extend to personal property damage as well. Therefore, if you or a loved one suffer from injuries because of a dog attack, you may be eligible for compensation for more than just the bite.
Getting a free case evaluation by one of our team members should be a first step in responsibly handling your lawsuit. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 today and let us help you file your claim. Do not let time run out and be left with less than you deserve.
We help our clients win compensation for personal injury and wrongful death cases, and we want to help you at no cost until you win.
Proving Liability in a Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawsuit
In 2013, Massachusetts dropped breed discrimination in the state. There is also no “one bite” law, so the state places “strict liability” on the dog owner, no matter if it is dangerous or not.
Claims are usually filed against homeowners’ insurance or tenant insurance. Furthermore, each insurance company has a different set of rules they apply to dog bites. They also have a team that manages claims like these that work to the insurance company’s favor. Hiring an attorney to help you understand their terms may be what you need to get the most for your compensation.
Dog Bite Claim Defense
General Law of Massachusetts (GLM) Chapter 140 § 155 explains that the victim can claim strict liability if they:
- did not provoke, tease, or abuse the dog
- were not trespassing
- were not committing any other civil wrongdoing, or tort, toward the owner
- the victim is under seven years old
Therefore, you will want to pay extra attention to proving your innocence over proving the owner’s negligence when presenting your case in these circumstances.
Proving Negligence
Although Massachusetts is a strict liability state, if the defendant claims you are at fault, you will have to reach further to prove that the dog was known as a danger or that the owner failed to control the dog, allowing the attack or personal damages to happen.
Moreover, if the owner provoked his dog to attack, using it as a weapon, you may be able to file criminal charges. Lawsuits and insurance claims can become more complicated when these things happen, and you may find the advice of a professional Massachusetts dog bite attorney beneficial.
How a Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
Outside of proving negligence, you will also have the burden of medical bills, loss of wages if you were out of work, and, in extreme cases, the grief of losing a child or loved one to an attack. This pain and suffering can cause undue stress, and handling a case that makes you relive these moments can add even more.
This is where a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Massachusetts dog bite lawyer can help. We want to support you and provide you the time needed to heal. We will navigate your case to help you understand ways you may be able to maximize your compensation. Our experience with dealing with dog bite lawsuits and insurance claims may be what you need to help relieve you of this added burden.
Negotiating Your Compensation
Contact us today so we can help you negotiate your claim. Never settle for the first offer. Insurance companies work toward lowering your compensation and will try and rush through to a settlement. We want to use the time we have to represent the particular challenges your unique case presents while negotiating the fairest settlement on your behalf. We are committed to your success.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 816-0755
Damages Associated with Dog Bites in Massachusetts
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Approximately 17% to 18% of dog bite injuries receive medical attention, and approximately 1% to 2% of bite injuries require hospitalization of victims.”
If you were sent to the emergency room or require further medical attention for your injuries, you might be eligible for economic loss compensation. If you are suffering from trauma, are now fearful of animals, or cannot take care of yourself because of an incident, you may be eligible for non-economic loss compensation.
Each case is unique and complex. Finding fault as a counterclaim is what a defense attorney is practiced to do and we are prepared to protect you against them. What you may be eligible for:
Economic Damages:
- Medical costs
- Loss of wages
- Prescriptions
- Therapy costs
- Property damage
- Funeral costs
Non-economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
Your Limited Time to Take Action
You have three years to file a lawsuit in a dog bite claim in Massachusetts. If you fail to file within the statute of limitations for your case, it will likely be barred.
The exemption to this is if the victim is a minor. In this case, the time will start when they turn 18, and they will have three years from that date to file a lawsuit against a dog owner.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Although Massachusetts laws are framed to help the victim in these cases, other factors at play can result in your case being under-compensated. Our Massachusetts dog bite lawyer team wants to help you through the process. We are prepared to present your claim on your behalf, so you have more time to take care of yourself.
We will negotiate your settlement because we understand your case’s value and what you need to cover the costs that these damages can incur. Do not let your inexperience and suffering work against you.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 today and get a free case consultation. We want to help you with your claim. We do not shy away from tough cases, and you do not pay until you win.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form