McGowan & Associates

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      • Owen P. McGowan
      • Christopher J. Greeley
      • Christopher C. Nichols
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Dog Bites & Animal Claims

Plymouth County Dog Bite Lawyers – Boston Area Dog Bite Attack Attorneys

In Massachusetts, the law allows those injured to seek financial compensation from dog owners.

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 & Associates, we understand that being bitten or attacked by a dog may be a traumatic and life-changing event. Dog bites are a frequent occurrence on the South Shore and across the Boston area, partly due to an increase in dog ownership in recent years and party due to owners who are not restraining their dogs. 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.

When Children Are Bitten By Dogs in Massachusetts

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 child 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 future 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.

South Shore Dog Attack Lawyers – Boston Dog Bite Lawyers

If you have or your child have been injured by a dog, we urge you to call 911 for emergency medical services. Once you have been treated, our dog bite attorneys offer a free legal consultation. Call 781-261-9977 or use our contact form.


Specializing in dog bite claims
McGowan & Associates represents children and families across the Massachusetts in dog bite claims, from Boston and Cambridge to Lowell and Merrimack Valley. We also represent clients in Quincy in Norfolk County and Plymouth and Brockton and throughout Plymouth County. This includes Norwell, Abington, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Lakeville, Marshfield, Rockland, Scituate, Pembroke and other communities.

Awards

$2.75 Million Construction Accident
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$2.5 Million Medical Malpractice
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$1.85 Million Car Accident
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$1.45 Million Car Accident

Free Legal Consultation

Call 781-261-9977

Our Office

McGowan & Associates
80 Washington Street Ste C20
Norwell, MA 02061
Office: 781-261-9977
Fax: 781-261-9993

Practice Areas

  • Personal Injury
  • Auto and Truck Accidents
  • Subrogation
  • Estate Planning
  • Real Estate
  • Business
  • Civil Litigation
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

Personal Injury

  • Personal Injury
  • Car and Truck Accidents
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
  • Catastrophic Injuries
  • Wrongful Death
  • Child Injuries
  • Dog Bite Claims
  • Burn Injuries
  • Premises Liability
  • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Product Liability
  • Insurance Coverage Disputes
  • Medical Malpractice

Our Attorneys

Owen P. McGowan
Christopher J. Greeley
Christopher C. Nichols

Practice Areas

Personal Injury
Subrogation
Estate Planning
Real Estate
Business Law
Civil Litigation

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation

Arbitration

McGowan & Associates | 80 Washington Street Ste C20 | Norwell, MA 02061 | Office: 781-261-9977 | Fax: 781-261-9993
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McGowan & Associates serves clients across Massachusetts, including in the South Shore and Plymouth County: in Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, Rockland, Scituate, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. In Norfolk County, serving clients in Quincy, Cohasset, Weymouth, Braintree, Randolph and Milton. Also serving Boston and Suffolk County, Cambridge and Middlesex County, Essex County, Bristol County and Barnstable County.