Dog Bites

Worcester Lawyers: Dog Bites

Under Massachusetts law, there is no question—dog bite liability is strict, and is a separate issue from leash laws. The owner or handler of a dog is responsible for any dog bite injury to a young child. If the injured person was older, and was teasing, tormenting, or trespassing when bitten by the dog, the dog might be excused.

Some aggressive breeds, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bull Terriers, have been known to maul a small child simply for looking the dog in the eye, leaving the child with permanent disfigurement and facial scarring, and quite likely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who really pays a dog bite injury claim?

If you or your child was a victim of an animal attack, and the dangerous dog belongs to a neighbor or friend, you may be reluctant to file a claim. It is important to remember that you are not suing your friend—you are filing a legitimate claim against a homeowner's policy or business liability insurance company. For that reason, a dog bite injury claim is often considered a type of premises liability claim.

Do you need a lawyer to file the dog bite claim?

Attorneys at our Worcester, Massachusetts, personal injury firm, Revelli & Revelli, will never take a case unless, in the opinion of the lawyer who evaluates your claim, you will benefit from our services. However, if your child suffered a dog bite, our attorneys have access to medical and psychological experts who will testify as to the full extent of your child's physical and emotional injury. The lawyers will, if necessary at trial, challenge an unfounded claim that you or your child was teasing, tormenting, or trespassing when the dog attacked. Finally, our firm will handle confusing and sometimes sensitive negotiations and communications with the insurance company responsible for the dog bite claim.

- No Fee Unless Money Collected -

Our attorneys have the experience, the resources, and the commitment to help you or your child recover from a dog bite injury. Call 508-471-3020 or e-mail our Worcester, Massachusetts law firm for a free consultation.