Experienced and Dedicated Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
A dog bite or other animal attack can be a traumatic experience that may cause severe and long-lasting injuries. If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite, you should seek immediate medical assistance and contact an experienced dog bite attorney.
Under the “dog bite” statute, G.L. c. 140 §55, the only potential defenses available to dog owners in a dog bite injury case occur when the victim trespassed or if the victim teased, tormented or abused the dog. The disposition of the dog is not considered, these claims are “strict liability” claims other than the narrow exceptions mentioned.
At McGowan & Lavin, we understand that being bitten or attacked by a dog may be a traumatic and life-changing event. Such incidents can result in physical injuries, emotional scars, and lasting fear. If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and in some circumstances punitive damages.
South Shore Child Injury Attorneys Focused on Long-Term Needs
The age of the victim in a dog bite claim is an important factor when evaluating claims. Children are more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults. Due to their stature, they are also more likely to be bitten on their face, neck, or upper extremities. Dog bites can result in eye injuries, and often result in prominent scarring that requires cosmetic revision surgery.
It is important to ensure that appropriate funds are designated for necessary cosmetic revision procedures. It is also important to ensure that settlement proceeds or the proceeds of a jury verdict are available to the chile once they reach the age of maturity.
We do not resolve child dog injury cases until we have consulted with doctors and other experts to determine reasonable futire medical expenses and have included damages sufficient to cover future medical expenses.
Maximizing compensation means that we will fight for every dollar we can get from the insurance company. We proactively handle child injury cases that include dog biter. These cases are not about securing immediate money and then moving on. We look long-term an their future and encourage parents to do the same.
If permanent damage such as a brain injury was the result of an animal attack, settlements should be structured to pay ongoing expenses and provide a steady source of income. Safe investment vehicles can provide for education, vocational training and a place to live. Lump sums are fine, but you want to put the money to work, so the child has enough when he or she needs it as an adult.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Massachusetts lawyer regarding an injury to you or your child, please contact us.