Cambridge Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can be traumatic and physically devastating, leading to severe injuries, psychological effects, and significant medical expenses. Like many other cities, Cambridge, MA, has specific laws to protect individuals from dangerous or aggressive dogs and ensure victims can seek justice when a dog attack occurs. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Cambridge, you may have the right to pursue legal action to recover compensation for your injuries. Our Cambridge dog bite attorneys are here to help you now.

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing dog bite victims in Cambridge and Massachusetts. In this article, we’ll explain the legal framework surrounding dog bite cases, how liability is determined, the steps to take after a dog bite, and how our attorneys can help you through the legal process.

Massachusetts operates under a strict liability standard for dog bite cases. This means that dog owners are typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has no prior history of aggressive behavior. Unlike some states that require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, Massachusetts law generally holds dog owners liable for any injury their dog causes, as long as the victim was not trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another illegal act.

The primary law governing dog bites in Massachusetts is Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, which states:

"If any dog shall do damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper of such dog shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog."

This law protects dog bite victims by providing a clear path to hold the dog owner accountable for damages, but some exceptions may limit liability in specific cases.

In most dog bite cases, the dog owner or keeper is held liable for the injuries the dog causes. A keeper, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, had control or custody over the dog at the time of the incident. The liability standard applies whether the bite occurred in a public place, such as a park or street, or on private property, as long as the victim had the legal right to be there.

However, there are situations where liability may be disputed or shared:

• Landlord Liability: If a tenant's dog bites someone in a common area of a rental property, the landlord may share liability if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of others.
• Property Owners: If a dog bite occurs on private property, the property owner may be held responsible if they allow a dangerous dog on the premises without proper safety measures, such as fencing or warning signs.
• Negligence: In addition to strict liability, a dog owner can be held liable if their negligence contributed to the attack. For example, if a dog escaped from a yard because the owner failed to repair a broken gate, the owner may be found negligent and strictly liable.

Dog bites can cause injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe, life-altering damage. Some of the most common injuries resulting from dog bites include:

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds that can become infected if not properly treated. These wounds may require stitches or other medical interventions.
• Fractures: A large, powerful dog can exert enough force to fracture bones, especially in vulnerable areas like the hands, wrists, and face.
• Infections: Dog bites pose a high risk of infection due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth. Rabies, tetanus, and other serious diseases can develop if not treated immediately.
• Nerve Damage: Deep bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation, motor function, or permanent disability.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites to the face, neck, or hands often result in significant scarring or disfigurement, which may require reconstructive surgery.
• Emotional Trauma: Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying experience, and victims often suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the incident.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Cambridge, MA, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, getting medical treatment right away is essential. Dog bites can lead to infections, and medical documentation of the injury will be necessary if you pursue legal action.
• Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the name and contact information of the dog owner or the person responsible for the dog at the time of the bite. If possible, also get information about the dog’s vaccination history, particularly for rabies.
• Report the Incident: In Massachusetts, you should report any dog bite to the local animal control officer. In Cambridge, the Cambridge Animal Commission handles dog bite reports. This report will help document the incident and ensure proper action is taken to prevent future attacks.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of your injuries, where the bite occurred, and any other relevant details, such as the dog, its leash, or signs of negligence, like a broken fence.
• Consult an Attorney: Dog bite laws can be complex, and dealing with insurance companies or navigating a legal claim alone can be overwhelming. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best action.

Victims of dog bites in Cambridge may be entitled to compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial harm. The types of compensation you may be able to recover include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the bite.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both for the time you’ve already missed and any future lost income if your ability to work is affected long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack may be awarded.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Victims who suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly on visible areas such as the face, may receive compensation for the lasting impact on their appearance and self-esteem.
• Property Damage: If the dog attack damaged your personal property, such as clothing or eyeglasses, you may also be compensated for these losses.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner’s actions were incredibly reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the owner and deter similar behavior in the future.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand how frightening and painful a dog bite can be. Our experienced legal team deeply understands Massachusetts dog bite laws and will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries. We are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Cambridge, MA, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (617)-777-7777.