Animal attacks can be traumatic and have devastating outcomes which is why victims, and family members of victims, are protected through the legal process.
As was recently reported in a Boston newspaper, a dog attack recently left one teen dead and another with bite wounds in one east coast state. The two 13-year old boys were walking along the street when they were attacked. The two boys ran in different directions to escape the attack. The 13-year old boy who was killed was found dead the evening of the attack. The dog’s owner also suffered bite wounds. The dog was euthanized and charges had not been filed.
Unfortunately, dog bites can cause both serious injuries and death. Because dog bite laws can vary by state, it is important to understand the dog bite laws in the state where the dog bite attack took place. Injured victims, or family members of victims killed in a dog attack, may be able to recover damages for the harm suffered. Victims and family members may be able to bring a personal injury dog bite claim against the pet owner for the recovery of damages.
In Massachusetts, a pet owner is strictly liable for injuries and harm caused by a dog bite or dog attack. This means that whether or not the dog owner did anything to protect others from harm or had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, the pet owner will be liable to victims for harm. Victims may be able to recover a variety of damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering damages for both physical pain and emotional pain.
Liability for animal attacks in Massachusetts is strict. A trained personal injury attorney can help victims, and family members of victims, through the process of bringing a dog bite claim for damages.
Source: Boston Herald, “Authorities ID teen killed in north NJ dog attack,” Mar. 2, 2014
