Nobody deserves to be the victim of a vicious dog. Yet, each year there are thousands of dog bites in Massachusetts that require medical care. Sadly,many of the injured are small children. Victims of dog attacks are often bitten in the face or on the hands, and may suffer life long physical scarring – and in some cases long term disability. Massachusetts has the best laws for dog attacks. The animals owner is liable unless the victim was abusing the dog, trespassing, teasing the animal, or provoking an attack with their own animal. Usually, these claims are covered by homeowner’s insurance for the dog’s owner.
The law states:
“Section 155. If any dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, is under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.”
If you or your loved one are attacked by a dog you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. In addition to coverage of your medical bills, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement for pain and suffering, lost wages, and plastic surgery.