Diligent Representation for Dog Bite Injuries in Massachusetts

Experience Gets Results

Dogs usually make friendly and loving companions. Unfortunately, some dogs may unexpectedly lash out and bite an innocent victim. Not only can these incidents be physically painful and emotionally traumatizing, but they can also cause you to incur substantial medical bills and lose time from work. If you or your child was bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Attorney Rick Madore understands the devastating effects a serious dog bite injury can have on your life and livelihood. Fortunately, Massachusetts has strict laws in place that protect those who have been hurt in unprovoked dog attacks. Providing compassionate counsel and knowledgeable representation, Rick skillfully evaluates every case and will fight to secure the monetary recovery you deserve due to a dog owner’s negligence.

Adept Advocacy for Dog Bite Victims

Being bitten by a dog can be a distressing experience that comes with lifelong consequences. A dog’s jaw and teeth are very powerful — the wounds inflicted on a victim can not only break the skin but result in damage to the underlying bones, joints and tissue. Bacterial infections can also arise if a wound is not treated right away. Scarring from a dog bite can also become worse over time, especially in the case of keloid scars. The severity of a dog bite injury can depend upon various factors, including the breed and size of the dog.

Other common dog bite injuries can include the following:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Staph and strep infections
  • Cellulitis
  • Tetanus, rabies, sepsis
  • Crush injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of tissue

The dog bite recovery process can be lengthy and painful. A victim may require extensive medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery or skin grafting. In addition, dog bites can often cause significant long-lasting trauma for children. They may experience anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or other emotional and psychological injuries that require counseling.

If you were attacked by someone else’s dog, it’s essential to have an attorney on your side who understands the nuances of the Massachusetts dog bite law and the complexities of these types of cases. Attorney Rick Madore is dedicated to offering dog bite injury victims attentive legal services and works to resolve their claims efficiently and favorably.

Holding the Negligent Party Accountable for Your Dog Bite Injuries

Under Chapter 140, Section 155 of the Massachusetts General Laws, an owner can be held strictly liable if their dog bites another individual and causes them to suffer an injury or property damage. This means that negligence does not need to be proven — it also doesn’t matter whether the dog exhibited signs of aggressive behavior previously. In order to bring a claim against the owner, a victim must only demonstrate that their dog caused them to sustain the injury.

Strict liability can also be imposed on a dog “keeper,” such as a dog walker, trainer, sitter, or anyone in a position to control the animal. But it’s crucial to be aware that there are certain exceptions to the statute. The dog bite law does not apply in the event the victim was trespassing, committing another tort, or provoked the attack. In addition, if the victim was a child under the age of seven, there is a rebuttable presumption they have done nothing to cause the attack.

Establishing liability for a dog bite can be complex and it’s imperative to have knowledgeable legal counsel to help you obtain your rightful compensation. Whether your case can be resolved through settlement negotiations, or it must be litigated in the courtroom, Rick knows what it takes to ensure the negligent party is held accountable.

Helping You Recover the Compensation You Deserve

In a dog bite case, the economic and non-economic losses incurred by a victim can be significant — and a wide range of damages are available under the law. Economic damages are meant to compensate a victim for the financial loss they suffered as a result of their injuries. Non-economic damages address losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering.

By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and future lost earnings
  • Out-of-pocket costs in connection with medical care
  • Your physical pain and emotional anguish
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement

After a dog bite accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Not only is this important to reduce the risk of infection and to promptly address any injuries — but to document any legal claim you may have. Offering personalized time and attention in every case, Attorney Rick Madore will take the time to explain your legal rights and remedies. Having helped hundreds of personal injury clients successfully recover the damages they are entitled to receive, Rick is committed to walking with you every step of the way as he guides you through the legal process.

Contact a Skilled Massachusetts Dog Bite Attorney

If you’ve sustained injuries due to someone else’s dog biting you, an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum monetary recovery available under the law. Based in Boston, the Law Office of Richard R. Madore, P.C. provides high-quality legal services for a wide variety of personal injury matters throughout the Greater Boston area, Central Massachusetts, and Western Massachusetts. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and review of your dog bite claim.