Every day in the United States, approximately 1,000 people require medical treatment for dog bites and associated injuries. Statistically speaking, there are a number of dog breed types that cause bites. According to research, 86 percent of dog attacks that result in bodily harm, 86 percent of dog attacks that result in maiming and 76 percent of dog attacks that result in fatalities are accounted for by a combination of several different dog breeds.
In addition, this combination of dog breeds also account for 81 percent of attacks on children and 89 percent of attacks on adults. Both children and adults can suffer debilitating injuries from dog bite attacks that can lead to scarring, disfigurement and emotional trauma. Because of the harm associated with dog bites and dog attacks, legal resources are available to help victims and assist them in the event they have been harmed.
In Massachusetts, victims can bring a claim for damages against the owner of the dog and may be able to recover a variety of damages for the harm they have suffered. Victims of a dog bite attack may be able to recover medical expenses; future medical care expenses; lost earnings; damages related to scarring or disfigurement; as well as damages for fear, mental anguish and pain and suffering.
In an effort to keep the public and dog bite victims safe, Massachusetts law holds pet owners strictly liable for the harm their pets cause. Accordingly, in most circumstances, victims must simply demonstrate the harm they have suffered, without the requirement to prove fault, to recover damages following a dog bite attack.
Source: DogsBite.org, “Dog Bite Statistics,” Accessed May 11, 2015
