Choosing the right legal team makes a difference after a dog bite. Searching for legal help can feel overwhelming, but you need lawyers who know Massachusetts law and understand what you’re facing.

Brooks Law Firm focuses on helping injury victims across the Commonwealth. 

We Know Massachusetts Communities

Our firm helps people throughout Massachusetts, from Boston neighborhoods to Worcester County towns and beyond. We’re headquartered in Medford and understand the local courts and how dog bite cases work here. 

Being local means we’re accessible and familiar with the communities we serve, including areas like Springfield, Cambridge, and Lowell. We’re your neighbors, fighting for your rights as a dedicated Massachusetts dog bite lawyer team.

Focused Experience

Brooks Law Firm has extensive experience with personal injury cases, including many dog bite claims. This focus allows us to build strong cases based on deep knowledge of Massachusetts dog bite statutes. 

We know how insurance companies handle these claims and how to counter their tactics. Our team is committed to using our experience for your benefit.

Clear Communication in Your Language

Dealing with legal issues is stressful enough without language barriers. Brooks Law Firm offers services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We want you to feel comfortable and fully understand every part of your case. Clear communication helps build a strong attorney-client relationship.

You don’t have to handle the aftermath of a dog bite alone. Let an experienced Massachusetts dog bite attorney from Brooks Law Firm stand up for you. 

Call us now at (617) 245-8090 to learn how we can help.

Seeking medical attention is the first priority. If you’ve already taken care of your immediate health concerns, follow these steps to protect your rights and support a potential claim:

1. Gather information about the dog’s owner, including their name and contact details.

2. Note the dog’s breed or appearance and the exact location where the bite occurred.

3. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident.

4. Report the dog bite to your local animal control agency or the police department to create an official record.

5. Take clear photographs of your injuries immediately after the bite and continue documenting them as they heal.

6. Keep all paperwork related to the incident, such as medical bills and reports.

7. Contact a Massachusetts dog bite attorney to discuss your options.

After a dog bite, you should focus on healing. Dealing with legal claims and insurance companies adds stress you don’t need. A dog attack lawyer in Massachusetts takes that burden off your shoulders, handling the complexities of your claim so you can recover.

Your attorney works to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve under Massachusetts law. They become your advocate, fighting for your best interests every step of the way. 

Here’s how a personal injury attorney from Brooks Law Firm can help.

Investigate Your Dog Bite Claim

A thorough investigation is key to a successful dog bite claim, and your Massachusetts dog bite attorney gathers all necessary evidence. This includes police reports, animal control records, witness statements, photos of your injuries, and medical documentation.

They also investigate the dog’s history and ownership details. This helps establish liability under Massachusetts law. Based on facts and evidence, your lawyer builds a solid foundation for your claim. 

Deal With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible. A dog bite attorney in Massachusetts knows how to handle these adjusters.

Your lawyer communicates with the insurance companies on your behalf. They present your case effectively and protect you from tactics that weaken your claim. 

They handle negotiations, aiming for a fair settlement that covers your losses without you needing to speak directly with the insurer.

Calculate Your Damages

A dog bite can lead to many different types of losses, some obvious and some less apparent. Your Massachusetts dog bite lawyer carefully calculates all your damages. This includes current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement. 

They ensure every impact the bite had on your life is considered. This calculation forms the basis for the compensation demanded.

Fighting for Fair Compensation

Your attorney’s main goal is to secure fair compensation for you. Most dog bite cases settle out of court through negotiation. Your lawyer uses the evidence and damage calculations to negotiate forcefully with the dog owner’s insurance company.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney is prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. They will represent you throughout the litigation process.

A dog bite can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial harm, and Massachusetts law allows victims to seek compensation for various types of damages. Setting an appointment with a dog bite claim lawyer in Massachusetts helps you take the first step to identify and recover all the compensation you’re entitled to after an attack.

Fair compensation addresses the full impact of the dog bite. 

Medical Expenses

Compensation typically covers all reasonable medical costs related to the dog bite. This includes:

• Emergency Room Visits: Initial treatment costs right after the attack
• Doctor Appointments: Follow-up care with physicians or surgeons
• Surgery: Procedures needed to repair damage or for cosmetic reasons (like scar revision)
• Medication: Costs for antibiotics, pain relievers, and other prescribed drugs
• Therapy: Physical therapy for regaining function or psychological therapy for trauma

Your Massachusetts dog bite attorney gathers all your medical bills and records. They also consult medical professionals if needed to estimate future medical costs. 

You should be compensated for past and future medical needs.

Lost Income

If the dog bite injury prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes salary, hourly wages, and other income you would have earned if not for the injury. 

If the injury affects your ability to earn money in the future (loss of earning capacity), you can also seek compensation for that.

Pain, Suffering, and Scarring

Massachusetts law recognizes that dog bites cause more than just financial losses. You can also receive compensation for non-economic damages. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, fear (especially of dogs), and loss of enjoyment of life.

Scarring and disfigurement are also compensable damages. Permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face or hands, can have a lasting psychological impact. 

Your Massachusetts dog bite lawyer helps value these intangible damages to include them in your claim.

Massachusetts has a specific law that covers dog bites and other injuries caused by dogs, which generally favors the person injured by the dog. It simplifies proving your case compared to other types of injury claims. 

What Is Strict Liability in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner or keeper is usually automatically responsible for the damages the dog causes. You typically don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.

Strict liability makes it easier for victims to recover compensation because your Massachusetts dog bite attorney can utilize the law to your advantage.

Exceptions to the Rule

While strict liability usually applies, there are a few exceptions. The dog owner might not be liable if the injured person was trespassing on their property at the time of the bite. They also might not be liable if the injured person teased, tormented, or abused the dog.

These exceptions are specific, and whether they apply depends on the exact facts of the case. Children under seven years old are presumed by law not to be trespassing or provoking the dog. 

A dog attack attorney can evaluate if any exceptions might apply to your situation.

The Statute of Limitations

You have a limited time to file a lawsuit for a dog bite injury in Massachusetts. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including dog bites, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury.

If you don’t file a lawsuit within these three years, you generally lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. 

Contacting a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer soon after the incident helps protect your right to file a claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

After a dog bite, you need clear answers to understand your situation and options. 

Is the Dog Owner Always Responsible in Massachusetts?

Yes, usually, due to the strict liability law. The owner or keeper is typically responsible, even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before. However, there are exceptions. The owner might have a defense if you were trespassing or provoking the dog when the bite occurred. 

These exceptions are complex, especially when they involve child victims. A Massachusetts dog bite attorney can analyze the specific facts of your case to determine liability.

What Information Does My Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer Need From Me?

Your dog bite attorney will need as much information as possible to build your case, including the date, time, and location of the bite. Share the dog owner’s information and any witness contacts you have. 

Save copies of medical records, bills, photos of injuries, and any reports filed with animal control or police. Information about lost wages (pay stubs, employer letter) is also helpful. 

The more details you provide, the better your lawyer can assess and pursue your claim. Don’t worry if you don’t have certain information. Your Massachusetts dog attack lawyer will investigate for more evidence.

Will I Have To Go to Court After a Dog Attack in Massachusetts?

Most personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, are settled out of court. Your Massachusetts dog bite lawyer will negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement agreement. 

However, filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company doesn’t offer a reasonable amount. The case might still settle before trial, even if a lawsuit is filed. 

What Happens if the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Neighbor?

Many dog bites involve animals owned by people the victim knows, but filing a claim doesn’t have to ruin a relationship. Often, the claim is made against the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not directly against the owner’s personal assets. 

The insurance company handles the defense and pays the settlement or judgment. Your Massachusetts dog bite attorney can handle the communications professionally, often minimizing direct conflict between you and the owner while still pursuing the compensation you need.

What Happens to the Dog After an Attack in Massachusetts?

Reporting the bite usually leads to an investigation by local animal control or the health department. They will check the dog’s vaccination records and assess the situation. The dog may have to be quarantined to watch for signs of rabies. 

The specific outcome for the dog varies based on the bite’s severity, the dog’s past behavior, and local city or town rules.

Actions taken can range from requiring the owner to keep the dog confined or muzzled in public to, in severe cases or situations with repeat offenses, a hearing that could potentially result in the dog being euthanized. This serious outcome isn’t automatic. 

Pursuing your injury claim for compensation is separate from the town’s actions regarding the dog.

A dog bite injury changes things instantly, but you don’t have to navigate the complex legal system alone. Brooks Law Firm provides the legal support you need while you heal. Let our experienced team handle the legal details and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Call us at (617) 245-8090 for a free, no-obligation consultation.