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Dogs are some of the most popular pets in America; however, not all dogs are friendly. More than 4.5 million dog bites are reported each year, some of which are severe.
If a dog in Massachusetts has bitten you, you should understand the steps to take afterward. Contacting a Franklin dog bite accident attorney is one of the best ways to protect your rights.
Until recently, for dog owners to be held liable for personal injuries caused by dog bites, they needed to be aware of the dog’s tendency to bite. This meant that if the dog had one free bite, the owner could be held accountable for subsequent bites. These dog bite laws were reviewed and replaced by the “one bite” rule.
The new law states that if a dog causes harm to property or a person, the owner is held accountable for the damages. This is also referred to as the strict liability statute. For example, in a dog bite case in Massachusetts, the victim does not have to demonstrate that the dog owner was negligent.
However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, the dog owner is not liable for dog bites if the victim was trespassing, abusing, or tormenting the dog. However, this defense does not apply if the victim is a child below seven years.
In any personal injury case, including dog bite claims, victims are entitled to recover financial compensation for the damages. You can recover compensation for punitive, economic, and non-economic damages.
Punitive damages are rarely awarded. These damages are meant to punish an offender for being negligent. Economic damages are meant to compensate you for financial losses. These include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care.
Non-economic damages will compensate you for intangible losses. Some of the non-economic damages you can experience from a dog bite include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, pain, and suffering.
Typically, dog bite claims are covered by a renters or homeowner’s insurance policy. This means you can still get compensated even if you are attacked by your relatives or friend’s dog. The value of the dog bite case depends on several factors. Generally, victims with severe injuries receive more compensation than those with minor injuries.
Victims receive more compensation in cases that involve:
If a dog has attacked you in Massachusetts, identify the owner, seek medical assistance, and contact a Franklin dog bite accident lawyer. At the Law Office of James F. White, you will find the legal representation to pursue compensation from the dog owner or their insurance company. Contact us online or call (508) 541-8585 to discuss your case with our attorneys.
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