Dog bite injuries can result in serious, and lasting, physical, financial and emotional harm. When a victim has been harmed by a dog attack, dog owners in Massachusetts are strictly liable for the injuries and harm caused by the dog. This means that dog owners have a duty to restrain their pets and keep the public safe. Because the legal process takes the protection of victims seriously, regardless of the circumstances, dog bite victims are legally protected by strict liability dog bite law.
Dog bites may result in significant medical expenses which can include surgeries and other medical care and treatment that may be needed; lost wages if the victim is unable to work as a result of the injuries they suffered in a dog attack; and pain and suffering damages for the emotional trauma oftentimes associated with a dog bite injury.
Dog bite injuries can be disabling and may result in scarring and disfigurement that can lead to medical and psychological harm. Victims may require multiple surgeries or psychological care and treatment as part of their recovery process following an unexpected dog bite attack. As is commonly the case when a victim brings a personal injury claim for damages, insurance companies and the settlement process may be involved which is why it is important for victims of dog attacks to know how to stand up for their rights.
To assert their rights, victims of dog bite injuries must be familiar with those rights and the ways the legal process protects them when harmed in a dog attack. Victims should be familiar with the remedies and resources available to assist them when they have suffered physical, financial and emotional harm as a result of a dog bite.