What Makes a Dog Bite Case? - Things You Should Know About Dog Bite Attorneys
Have you or anyone close to you ever been the victim of a dog attack? If so, we hope you are ok. You probably know how crucial it is to have a dog bite lawyer take you through the process of getting compensation. No matter how big or small the injuries are, they are traumatic and can leave you scarred for life. If this has recently happened to you, you are under no obligation to take it lightly. You should seek an attorney’s assistance if you wish to get compensated fairly. In nearly every case, an insurance company will be paying the settlement, so there is no requirement to file a case in court. The overwhelming majority of dog bite cases handled by our office settle quickly with an insurance company and with no need for court involvement.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DOG BITE ATTORNEYS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts is what is referred to as a strict liability state; therefore, if you or someone you know is harmed by a dog, the dog owner will be held civilly liable. However, for the statute to apply, the dog should have caused personal injuries and/or property damage. In addition, one must not have trespassed or provoked the dog. It is important to know that after the incident, there is a statute of limitations that lasts three years. This timeframe commences from the date of the injury, and if it expires, you will be barred from filing your case in court and therefore lose your right to compensation. Please also note that these laws apply to dog bites and injuries caused to another person, not the dog owner.
INJURIES CAUSED BY DOG BITES AND DOG ATTACKS
Injuries sustained by dog bites and attacks usually include lacerations, puncture wounds, torn ligaments, emotional injuries, disfigurement, psychological trauma, scarring, bruising, and torn muscles. Oftentimes, these injuries can land you in the emergency room because of the potential for serious infections and complications. Due to the risk of serious infections, such as rabies, it is important that you see a doctor regardless of how small the injury seems. Minor injuries tend to cost less than significant injuries, which sometimes require surgery, medications, and physical therapy. This could be reason enough for someone to avoid going to the hospital, however, having a dog bite attorney will ensure the dog owner's homeowner insurance company is held responsible and liable for damages caused. Also, the medical records resulting from treatment also serve as crucial evidence in your case.
TAKE PHOTOS
Please take photos of your injuries. In many cases, clients forget to capture photos of their injuries just after the accident. By the time our office begins negotiations, photos of the scarring months or years after the attack are unable to convey just how serious and traumatic the injuries were at the time of the incident.
If you or your child has been injured, it is important to consult a lawyer who is experienced in handling dog bite cases in Massachusetts. Our firm's successes with dog bite cases have been reported in Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly, the leading publication for lawyers in Massachusetts. In fact, many lawyers refer their dog bite clients to our office for handling. Unfortunately, the majority of dog bites on children are on the face, likely because children are smaller than adults. For young children and adults, psychological injuries caused by a dog bite or dog attack can often be permanent. These damages need to be expertly communicated to the insurance company involved.
If a dog attacks a bicyclist or a pedestrian, other personal injuries may result from being knocked to the ground, including broken bones or dislocations.
CALL OUR DOG BITE AND DOG ATTACK LAWYERS IN WOBURN FOR HELP
The above items are helpful things to know about a dog bite attorney and dog injuries. It is also important to know that our office does not charge clients a fee out-of-pocket for our services. Our firm will handle your case and only take a percentage of what we recover. If we are unable to recover anything, you pay nothing. It is that simple. If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to contact the Fanuel Law Group for help. We are experienced in this field, and as a result, you can be confident that you are in good hands. Call us today and get a kind well-mannered consultation. We are available and awaiting your call. Remember, don’t underestimate an injury; please get it checked out by a doctor. Taking too long to contact a lawyer can lead to spoiled evidence. Again, we hope you are ok.