Dog bites and dog bite attacks can cause physical and emotional scarring and trauma whenever they occur. In a nearby Massachusetts community northeast of Worcester, a 3-year-old girl was recently injured after being bitten by a neighbor’s dog. The child was bitten in the ear by her neighbor’s American bulldog. Before the incident occurred, the little girl was playing in the neighbor’s yard with other children.
The young girl was taken to the hospital for medical treatment following the incident and her injuries were expected to be non-life threatening. Local police and animal control authorities responded to the incident and the dog was quarantined to its home. The dog was current on vaccinations and did not have a history of attacks on people, according to authorities. In Massachusetts, victims of dog bite attacks are protected by strict liability dog bite law.
Strict liability dog bite law refers to the liability the owner of an animal that has caused a dog bite injury may have to the victim for the victim’s damages and suffering following a dog bite attack. In Massachusetts, in most circumstances, a pet owner is strictly liable for the injuries and harm caused by the pet regardless of the actions of the pet owner or if the pet had a history of biting. Strict liability dog bite law is intended to protect victims who unexpectedly suffer the physical, emotional and financial trauma resulting from a dog bite.
Pet owners may be responsible to compensate victims of a dog bite attack for damages associated with medical expenses, pain and suffering damages and additional damages depending on the circumstances. It is important for dog bite victims in Massachusetts to be familiar with the ample protections the legal system provides for them when harmed by a dog bite.
Source: Boston.CBSlocal.com, “3-Year-Old Girl Injured After Being Bitten By Bulldog In Tewksbury,” March 26, 2016
