Dog bites and animal attacks can be traumatic for victims who have suffered them. Dogs can be territorial or aggressive at times which can result in serious injuries and other harm to victims of dog bites and dog attacks. A variety of damages may be compensable to the victims depending on the nature of their injuries and the harm they have suffered.
Damages the victim may receive compensation for can include medical bills; future medical care costs; recovery of lost earnings; damages associated with the fear and mental anguish commonly suffered in a dog attack; pain and suffering damages; damages for scarring and disfigurement; the costs of surgery and medical treatment to repair any scarring or disfigurement suffered; and counseling that may be necessary due to the trauma of the injuries suffered in the dog attack.
In Massachusetts, the owner of a dog that has attacked and injured a victim may be strictly liable to compensate injured victims for their damages. Because owners are strictly liable for the harm caused by their pets, victims are only required to prove that they were not tormenting, teasing or abusing the dog prior to the attack to be able to hold the pet owner liable for the harmed suffered.
It is important to keep in mind that different parties, including insurance companies, may be involved in the process of compensating victims so it can sometimes be complex. Fortunately, resources, including legal resources, are available to help victims of dog attacks and dog bites when they have been harmed. Leominster dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of Bailey & Burke can advise victims about possible next steps. They zealously defend the interests of dog bite victims. For more information, check out the dog bite page on their website.
