Dog Bites

Many, including us at Marcotte Law Firm, consider dogs to be man’s best friend. But, that doesn’t change the fact that dogs sometimes bite. What happens when a dog bite causes injury?

First, someone who was bitten does not need to show that the dog’s owner did anything wrong. Instead, this is governed by the rule of “strict liability.” In Massachusetts, when a dog bites a person, the dog’s owner or keeper are responsible for any injuries the person sustained. This is true in almost all situations, unless the bitten person was teasing or tormenting the dog. In terms of injuries, they can range from a nip that requires a tetanus shot to large lacerations that require surgery. Regardless of the extent of the damage, the owner or keeper of the dog must pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. Amongst others, the owner or keeper must also compensate you if the dog bite leaves a scar. This can be especially important when the victim is a child.

Insurance companies sometimes try to minimize the injuries that dog bite victims suffer. At Marcotte Law Firm, we know how to ensure that the insurance company properly understands the injuries, and that victims are compensated fairly. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, please contact us for a free evaluation.