A sudden dog attack can make your life very difficult. Fortunately, Massachusetts has strong laws to protect dog bite victims. However, before you figure out who is financially responsible for your injury, you should examine closely who owns or cares for the dog and exactly how the attack happened.
Strict liability for dog owners and keepers
Under Massachusetts General Laws, a dog owner or keeper remains strictly liable for damages when their animal causes bodily injury. As a result, the claimants are not required to prove that the owner acted negligently or had prior knowledge of vicious tendencies. Relevant state animal laws establish clear standards for holding pet owners legally accountable.
When is the owner not responsible?
Insurance companies will often look for legal excuses to avoid paying. An owner might escape responsibility if the person who got bitten was:
- Trespassing on private property.
- Teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog.
However, under Massachusetts law, children under seven years old are automatically considered incapable of teasing or provoking a dog.
Fighting back against insurance companies
A severe dog bite can lead to massive expenses, including costly surgeries, permanent scars and lost income from missing work. Because these personal injury claims can be expensive, insurance companies will fight hard to protect their money and avoid paying out large settlements. Thorough evidence collection and a careful review of the circumstances are important steps in countering these tactics and supporting a fair recovery.
Protecting your rights after an attack
Recovering from a dog bite can be overwhelming. An attorney can step in to gather evidence quickly, handle the insurance companies for you and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to under Massachusetts law