Boston Dog Bite Lawyer
We Represent Dog Bite Victims in Boston and Throughout Massachusetts
At Turco Legal, our attorneys are skilled, compassionate, and justice-driven advocates for injured victims in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. We know how to hold dog owners, negligent property owners, and insurance companies accountable. If you or your family member was harmed by a dangerous dog, we are here to help. Call us now at (617) 657-4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation with a top-rated dog bite lawyer in Boston.
A Dog Bite Can Cause Serious Injuries
Without proper training and socialization, dogs can become aggressive and dangerous to those around them. According to data cited by the Canine Journal, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites reported each year. This statistic highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership. It also highlights the risk that an animal can pose to the public. A dog bite can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Cuts/lacerations;
- Disfiguring skin injuries;
- Torn ligaments;
- Soft tissue damage;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); and,
- Severe infections.
What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in Boston, MA
Were you bitten by a dog in Massachusetts? If so, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your health and your ability to bring a legal claim. A few simple steps will ensure that you’re in the best position to care for yourself and seek legal recourse. Here are four things to do after a dog bite in Boston.
- Seek Professional Medical Care (Infection Risk Is High): Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including major infections. It is a common myth that a dog’s mouth is “clean.” That is simply not the reality. If a dog bite punctures the skin, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Doing so will not only protect your health, safety, and well-being, it is a necessary step if you are going to pursue financial compensation.
- Report the Dog Bite to the Owner—And Other Parties: A dog bite should be reported promptly. To start, make sure the incident is reported to the dog’s owner, assuming you know the owner’s identity. You may also need to report the attack to other parties, such as a business, the property owner(s), and even animal control.
- Thoroughly Document the Dog Bite Incident: As with all types of legal claims, evidence is crucial in a dog bite case. Make sure to document the dog bite incident thoroughly by taking pictures of your injuries, getting contact details for any witnesses, and writing down exactly what happened. The more details you have about the dog bite, the better positioned you’ll be to get justice and compensation for your injuries.
- Consult with a Boston Attorney Before an Insurance Provider: For the most part, dog bite injury claims are defended by insurance companies. It may be the homeowners’ insurance policy of the dog owner or another insurance carrier. You should always consult with an experienced Boston, MA dog bite injury lawyer before you give a recorded statement to an insurance provider.
An Overview of the Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite injury claims are governed by state law. If you were attacked by a dog in Boston, it is crucial that you understand how state law treats these types of personal injury cases. Here are key things to know about the dog bite laws in Massachusetts.
- Strict Liability for Dog Owners: Massachusetts law (MGL c. 140, s. 155) provides that an owner is generally strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. Under strict liability, injured victims do not need to prove the dog owner’s negligence to establish liability.
- Other Negligent Parties May Be Liable: While not strictly liable, parties other than a dog owner—such as apartment complexes, landlords, and other property owners—may be liable if their negligence contributed to a dog bite.
- Certain Defenses Apply: Dog owners can raise certain defenses against a strict liability claim, such as trespassing and abuse of the dog.
- Three-Year Statute of Limitations: In Massachusetts, dog bite injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. You must typically file a claim before the three-year deadline expires.
Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite in Boston, MA
Following a serious attack by a dog, injured victims need compensation to pay their bills and support themselves/their family. In Massachusetts, a dog bite claim may include compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. However, defendants and their insurers do not make the legal process easy. They may try to deny liability or settle a claim for less. Our Boston dog bite lawyers help injured victims maximize their financial compensation for:
- Emergency room care;
- Other medical bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Mental health counseling;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Disfigurement or disability; and,
- Wrongful death.
How Our Boston Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the Massachusetts dog bite laws can be challenging. You do not have to go up against an insurance company all by yourself. At Turco Legal, we are strong and effective advocates for justice. We work proactively to get injured victims the best results. Our Boston dog bite attorneys are prepared to:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive evaluation of your personal injury claim;
- Investigate the dog bite attack, gathering the evidence to prove liability;
- Handle any paperwork or correspondence with insurance companies; and,
- Take all necessary steps to help you get the very best results.
Contact Our Boston Dog Bite Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
At Turco Legal, our Boston dog bite lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims and their families get justice and the maximum financial compensation. Call us at (617) 657-4878 or contact us online for your free, no commitment personal injury consultation. From our Boston law office, we represent dog bite victims in Suffolk County and throughout Massachusetts.