Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer

Contact a Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer if You Have Suffered an Injury Caused by a Dog

Many people enjoy the companionship and love that dogs provide. Massachusetts is a very dog friendly state but there are times when a pleasant encounter with a seemingly harmless dog can turn in a moment’s notice. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, or been attacked by a dog, it’s important to have an experienced Massachusetts dog bite attorney to represent you and protect your legal rights. The best remedy for preventing a dog bite is for responsible pet owners to work together to prevent one from happening. In Massachusetts, practicing safe dog handling procedures can prevent an unfortunate injury and South Boston Animal Hospital provides a very comprehensive safe dog walking guide. Despite best efforts there are circumstances beyond our control, whether it’s an irresponsible pet owner with an aggressive dog or a typically calm canine triggered by a loud sound. People commonly associate pit-bulls and rottweilers with dog bites, but almost any breed of dog is capable of inflicting a bite under certain circumstances. If you are bitten or attacked by a dog in Massachusetts, call the dog bite lawyers at Tapalian Law. With over 20 years of experience, we help victims of personal injury suffered in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and slip and falls all over Massachusetts, and have recovered compensation for countless innocent people for their injuries caused by dog bites.

Massachusetts Dog Bite Law

Massachusetts dog bite law has been codified in Massachusetts Law Chapter 140 Section 155. Massachusetts is generally known as a “strict liability” jurisdiction, when it comes to dog bites. In Massachusetts, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for bodily and property damage that the dog causes to another. There are exceptions to this strict liability dog bite rule. If the person bit by the dog was committing a trespass, teasing, or tormenting the dog, then there is generally no liability for the dog owner. The state law also contains a special rule for minors under seven years of age. If a child under age seven is bit by a dog, it is presumed the minor was not committing any trespass or tort. Massachusetts is a very friendly jurisdiction for those who look to prosecute dog bite claims. If you, a child, or other loved one was bitten by a dog, contact Massachusetts Dog Bite Attorney David Tapalian to help you recover damages for your losses.

Massachusetts Dog Bite Compensation

You had the unfortunate luck of being bitten by a dog in Massachusetts. How do you get compensated for a dog bite? In Massachusetts, one is able to receive compensation for various damages caused by the bite or attack. Below, is a list of some of the damages that one can recover for a dog bite injury in Massachusetts.

• Lost income
• Initial trauma
• Total disability
• Partial disability
• Medical expenses
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
• Pain & suffering
• Scarring

Attorney David Tapalian helps Massachusetts residents suffering from personal injury caused by car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls, and has been successfully doing so for over 20 years. At Tapalian Law, our skilled personal injury attorneys want to make sure that you recover fair and just compensation after getting hurt in an accident.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following a Dog Bite

Unfortunately, many of the victims our Massachusetts dog bite lawyers represent have long-lasting trauma that results from the distressing experience of getting bitten or attacked by an animal. The emotional impact of a dog bite can sometimes be just as severe as the physical damage. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a dog bite can last long after the physical injuries have healed. There are various symptoms of PTSD that may present after a dog bite or dog attack and can signal the need for professional medical treatment.

• Persistent nightmares
• Night sweats
• Fear and anxiety near dogs
• Reactions to certain sounds
• Fear of other animals, not just dogs

As with any type of injury, it is extremely important that one obtains medical treatment for PTSD brought on by an animal attack. Dog bites inflicted on children can create some of the most severe cases of PTSD. Contemporary Pediatrics describes the significance of PTSD on children bitten by dogs. According to the article, there are over 4 million dog bites reported in the United States annually and most of them involve children. Getting bit by a dog can be one of the most traumatic events of one’s childhood. The terrifying memories of an animal attack can last forever and if not treated properly, can have lifelong consequences for any child hurt by a dog.

Why is Tapalian Law the Best Personal Injury Attorney for my Massachusetts Dog Bite Claim?

Attorney David Tapalian has the compassion and experience to effectively represent you or your child after a dog bite in Massachusetts. Successful prosecution of a dog bite claim requires an experienced dog bite attorney that serves Massachusetts residents and can navigate the state’s complex legal system. Many insurance policies are now including dog bite exclusions in their coverage, potentially making the ability to seek coverage for dog related injuries more cumbersome. Tapalian Law has the knowledge to properly navigate any type of insurance policy and determine what type of coverage(s) may exist for your Massachusetts dog bite claim. Our skilled Massachusetts personal injury attorneys are also able to assist you in finding treatment for your physical injuries and PTSD after a dog bite injury. There is never a fee to speak with us. Call Personal Injury Lawyer David Tapalian today at 401-552-5000, or contact us online, for a free consultation of your Mass or RI injury claim.