Were You Bitten Or Attacked By A Dog?
True or false: Every dog is entitled to one bite. In Massachusetts, this is false. Even if a dog bite was the first attack by that dog, the dog’s owners and/or property owner can be held responsible to compensate you for your injury.
Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of these cases, you will likely need an experienced attorney to protect your right to adequate compensation. When you work with me, you can rely on my 25-plus years of legal experience as well as my understanding of injury cases. I obtained a $180,000 settlement for a young girl who suffered dog bite injuries. Learn how I can help you. Call 508-319-1641 today for a free consultation.
PTSD Is Common After A Dog Attack
If you or your child has been bitten or mauled by a dog, injuries are likely to have a psychological dimension as well as cause physical harm. Both children and adults who have been attacked by dogs are often left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to contend with.
Immediately after a serious dog bite injury, you may have gone to an emergency room (ER) and received urgent medical treatment. Puncture wounds may have been mended with stitches — and you may be left with facial scarring or disfigurement. Your doctor most likely took steps to prevent infection, which is always a risk after a dog bite injury.
During follow-up care, your doctor may refer you to a plastic surgeon, who may recommend skin grafting or some other type of plastic surgery. Particularly in the case of children, plastic surgeons often recommend that additional surgery take place in the future, after certain levels of maturation of facial bones have been reached.
Avoid Talking With Insurance Representatives
Beware of accepting a settlement offer too quickly from a property owner or dog owner, or an insurer. Medical costs and psychological therapy can add up to large sums of money quickly. Until you know what your doctors recommend long term, it is difficult to know what a fair settlement should be. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney before discussing the case with an insurance claims adjuster or agreeing to any settlement.
Steps To Take Immediately After A Dog Bite Incident
Taking the right steps after a dog bite not only protects your health but also strengthens any future claim. Following the guide below removes the guesswork while protecting your injury compensation.
- Seek medical attention: Even small punctures can lead to infection or deeper tissue injury and prompt care creates a medical record linking your condition to the attack.
- Identify the dog and its owner: Obtain the owner’s name, address and contact information, along with any available vaccination details. This information can confirm liability and assess potential health risks.
- Gather evidence: Photograph your injuries, the scene and the dog if it is safe to do so. Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses who can describe what they saw.
- Report the bite to local authorities: Contact animal control or the police department in Natick or the local community. An official report documents the event and may reveal whether the dog has a history of aggression.
- Preserve physical evidence: Keep the clothing you were wearing, especially if it was torn or bloodstained, as it may help demonstrate the force and nature of the attack.
Early attorney guidance can be critical to the success of a dog bite claim in Massachusetts. I stand ready to safeguard your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Dog Bite Injuries And Potential Long-Term Complications
Dog bites can cause far more harm than surface wounds. Victims may experience nerve damage, muscle tears, deep lacerations, fractures, tissue loss or permanent disfigurement. These injuries often require extensive treatment and may lead to lasting physical limitations and scarring.
Infections are another serious concern. Rabies, tetanus, MRSA, cellulitis and sepsis can develop quickly without immediate medical care. An early medical evaluation is essential to reduce the risk of complications and ensure that appropriate vaccinations or antibiotics are administered.
The emotional impact can be significant, and victims may struggle with anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. Phobias, including cynophobia and other psychological effects, are also common. Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term emotional distress after an animal attack.
Future medical needs, including scar revision, physical therapy or psychological counseling, should be considered when evaluating the full impact of a dog bite.
Compensation And Damages Through A Dog Bite Claim
Victims of dog bites may pursue compensation for their losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Receiving just compensation is essential to address both the immediate and long-term effects of the incident.
Contact An Animal Attack Injury Lawyer For A Free Consultation
I am David B. Zirlen, a Natick dog bite lawyer available to advocate on your behalf. I offer no-obligation consultations regarding all types of personal injuries. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact me online or by phone at 508-319-1641.