Can I Sue For My Massachusetts Dog Bite?
Dogs provide loving and loyal companionship. However, they are animals and from time to time, some dogs attack and bite innocent people. When these incidents occur personal injuries can result. As accident lawyers we see these incidents occur quite frequently to our clients. There are an estimated 900 people each day that are brought to hospitals due to dog bites. These incidents are extremely common. Many of these victims naturally wonder if they can sue for their injuries.
If you’ve been bitten by or attacked by a dog, you have the right to sue either the dog owner, dog keeper, or both.
This is because Massachusetts law sets forth that dog owners are strictly liable when their dogs bite or attack people. This means they are automatically liable to the victim. Even if the dog owner or keeper was not negligent in any way, he is still liable to the victim. There are however some limited exceptions to this law.
If the victim was either teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog, that person likely will not have a valid claim to pursue. However, these exceptions do not apply in Massachusetts to children younger than 7 years old.
Keep in mind the dog does not need to bite someone in order for their to be liability. If the dog causes a pedestrian to somehow slip and fall, or causes someone on a bicycle or motorcycle to become injured, the owner or keeper of the dog can be liable to you in these situations as well.
Boston Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve had the misfortune of being bitten, attacked, or otherwise injured due to a dog, you likely have a valid claim and lawsuit to pursue. We are dog bite lawyers that can help you. Call us today for your free consultations.