The Trauma of Animal Bites
85 million families in the United States own a pet, a number that's grown exponentially as more people work and live out of their homes, post-COVID. Dogs, as part of that share, represent a whopping 63 percent.
With more animals in close proximity to homes, neighbors and other animals, the greater the chance of an unexpected animal bite or attack. Animal bites, particularly from dogs big and small, can range from minor to severe, though are no laughing matter. Physical injuries can lead to emergency room visits, infections and other complications, as well as potential surgeries in more serious cases to repair any damages brought on by a bite or vicious attack.
In response to, and in support of your pain and suffering, our team of animal bite legal specialists will help you understand your rights under Massachusetts law, and the appropriate damages specific to your current health and overall well-being.
Helping You After an Attack in Massachusetts
The State of Massachusetts abides by specific rules and regulations as it relates to animal bites and attacks. According to the State's dog bite statute, a dog's owner is liable for another person or persons' injuries if they cause personal harm or property damage, and/or if the injured person didn't trespass, commit another crime or provoke the dog in any way during the time of an incident.
As a much closer look, the State of Massachusetts clearly outlines, per section 155:
“No dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, is under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.”
It's important to note, under the same Law, ramifications aren't specific to bites, either. If a dog jumps on another person and as a result, breaks his or her ankle or causes other harm (even if by accident), the person may sue the dog owner.
There are quite a few nuisances to this Law, and certain circumstances play a role in defining the resolution of your case—another reason to rely on our team's expertise and dog bite know-how to improve your chances of success in court. Don't leave it up to chance.
Seeking Damages for Dog Bites and Incidents
Any unexpected encounter with an animal that leads to a bite, aggressive attack or mauling puts your health and safety at risk, making it imperative to find legal representation to represent your side of the story and recover damages and losses brought on by the animal-related incident, which likely include economic and non-economic damages. And that's where we step in.
With your case in mind, we look at holding the offending party responsible for any, or some of the following damages, including:
Economic
- Medical costs & care
- Emergency room fees
- Transportation fees
- Operations/Surgeries
- Cosmetic or plastic surgery
- Loss of income or wages
- Loss of other monetary funds to pay for care and post-care
- Additional expenses related to new fencing or home safety measurements
Non-economic
- Quality of life
- Therapy
- Mental issues
- New disabilities as a result of the attack
- Issues as a result of humiliation, new fears, and more
- PTSD
We have experience handling cases involving a variety of breeds, situations, and complexity. No incident is too big or small, and our team considers every angle and detail that might help your case.
Get Your Case on the Right Track
Don't let an animal bite or attack negatively hinder your future or quality of life—we have the answers to your questions and the creative legal solutions and tools to fix your problem. So you aren't left fighting your value and worth with insurance and settlement companies looking for a good deal, Contact us or call and share your story with the Law Offices of Matthew T. Desrochers, P.C. today, (781) 279-1822.
The Law Offices of Matthew T. Desrochers provides services to the following counties—Essex, Suffolk and Middlesex.
