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Many of us interact with dogs. Whether those encounters occur only occasionally or every day, they’re typically harmless. But when dogs are unsupervised, get scared or territorial, or act out, they may attack and harm innocent people.
Dog attacks can cause significant physical and emotional trauma. However, victims have the right to pursue compensation through a dog bite claim. In Massachusetts, these claims typically take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to resolve with a settlement.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Every claim is unique, and the actual timeline depends on several factors that can make the case more straightforward or complex. Here’s a breakdown of some factors most likely to affect the timeline so you’ll know what to expect going into the process.
Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries plays a significant role in how long your dog bite settlement might take. Serious dog bite injuries, such as broken bones, deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, or infections, require detailed medical documentation and can lead to extended recovery times. Plus, the insurance company will probably want to investigate more intensely since more money is on the line. This can delay negotiations but also helps avoid undervaluing your claim.
Medical Treatment Duration
The time required to complete your medical treatment will also affect your settlement timeline. Insurance companies often wait to discuss a final settlement until your treatment ends so the full extent of your losses is clear. If you need ongoing care, such as physical therapy or surgery, your case might stay open to account for any future medical expenses. Rushing this process can lead to inadequate compensation for your long-term care needs.
Liability Disputes
When liability is clear, settlements progress more quickly. However, disputes over fault can substantially slow down the process. Massachusetts law holds dog owners accountable for injuries their animals cause – unless the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. If an owner claims you were provoking the dog or trespassing, additional investigations or legal proceedings may be necessary and can extend your wait for a settlement.
Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies are interested in minimizing payouts to dog bite victims, which can lead to drawn-out negotiations. Adjusters may delay responses, dispute the extent of your losses, or request extensive documentation. Working with an experienced Boston dog bite lawyer helps streamline these negotiations, but delays from insurance company representatives can still add weeks or months to the process.
Legal Representation and Complexity
Cases involving multiple parties, catastrophic injuries, or disputes over compensation can be more complex – and more challenging cases typically take longer to resolve. However, having skilled legal representation significantly influences the speed of resolution. Your attorney will handle communication with the insurance company, gather evidence, file all required paperwork, and address all aspects of your claim. Without their assistance and support, you may face unnecessary delays or lowball offers.
Court Involvement
While most dog bite cases settle before trial, a lawsuit might be necessary if settlement negotiations fail. Filing a lawsuit adds considerable time, as the case goes through court procedures, additional rounds of negotiations, and possibly a trial. Court involvement can add several months or even years to the process. Your legal team will work to resolve your case efficiently while preparing for trial if needed.
Typical Timeline Summary
The timeline for a dog bite settlement in Massachusetts can vary widely, ranging from a few months to over a year. Many factors influence how long this process takes, especially the specifics of the case and the steps required to resolve it. However, most claims follow the following process:
- Filing a dog bite claim
- Investigating the dog attack
- Completing medical treatment
- Negotiating a settlement
- Going to court, if necessary
Each situation is unique, so the amount of time needed to reach a settlement will depend on the circumstances. Working with an attorney can help the process move as efficiently as possible. Your lawyer can also give you a rough idea of how long it might take based on the facts of your case.
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Dog Bite Lawsuit Deadlines
Massachusetts law establishes a three-year deadline to file a dog bite lawsuit in most cases, with the clock starting on the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing the compensation you need. Starting the legal process promptly allows your Boston dog bite attorney time to gather evidence and build a strong claim.
Do You Have Specific Questions? Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you suffered injuries in a dog attack, you’ll benefit from having an attorney in your corner who’s committed to putting maximum effort into pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve. For almost 20 years, Earley Law Group has fought for the rights of injured people in Boston and the surrounding communities, including the family of a girl injured in a dog attack. Her father wrote:
“After my daughter was bit by a dog I researched lawyers to call for help. The reviews of Chris were spot on. He was diligent and caring in his response to my questions and very consoling with my daughter and taking her injuries seriously.”
When you have Earley Law on your side, you get what we call The Earley Experience. You’ll receive the utmost respect, frequent and honest communication, and extensive dedication. We’ve successfully resolved hundreds of cases over the years, and if we don’t win, you don’t pay – it’s as simple as that. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
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