Are you looking for help after suffering a dog bite injury in Boston? At Earley Law Group, we understand the confusion and stress you feel following a pet animal attack. We can steer you in the right direction by providing clear, straightforward guidance, and robust legal support.

You need someone you can count on for a dog bite case, and our 600-plus positive Google reviews demonstrate our success for our clients. With Earley Law, you have a relentless, compassionate ally by your side.

Call us today or complete our online contact form for a free consultation with a Boston dog bite attorney.

Why Should I Hire a Boston Dog Bite Attorney?

Hiring a dog bite attorney in Boston makes a huge difference in these cases. First and foremost, an attorney who knows Massachusetts’s dog bite laws can guide you through this complex legal area. Our lawyers understand the ins and outs of personal injury law and can advocate for your rights effectively. This includes helping you secure full and fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Moreover, a lawyer brings the advantage of negotiation skills honed through years of practice. They know how to deal with insurance companies and can prevent you from settling for less than what your claim is worth. Without a lawyer, you might miss out on crucial compensation, such as pain and suffering. Worse still, an insurer might deny your claim due to procedural errors or deadlines.

Finally, attempting to manage your claim alone not only adds to your stress but also risks the success of your dog bite claim. With a dedicated Earley Law attorney by your side, you’re not just a file number; you’re a person your lawyer has a vested interest in helping. A dog bite lawyer can provide legal knowledge and emotional support, guiding you through each step with compassion and understanding.

So, now that you know why you need a lawyer, why choose Earley Law? Simple: Unlike most law firms, we promise to make this process as easy for you as possible throughout your case. We call this guarantee the Earley Experience. We believe every client deserves 5-star customer service, and if you aren’t satisfied with how we treat you, we will do whatever we can to make it right. You deserve nothing less than legal excellence, which is what we provide.

Further, dog bite attorneys like those at Earley Law understand how many accident victims often do not seek legal help because they are worried about legal costs. So we represent injury clients without any upfront attorney fees. You don’t pay anything unless we get a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

What Should I Do If I Am Attacked by a Dog?

While your health is your top priority after a dog attack, it’s also vital to protect your legal rights as best you can. Here’s what to do if you are attacked by a dog:

  • Report the Incident – Contact local animal control or the police to report the dog bite. This official report is vital evidence in your case.
  • Gather Evidence – If possible, take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack happened, and the dog (assuming it’s safe to do so). Collect contact information from witnesses and the dog’s owner. This information is crucial to building your case.
  • Keep Detailed Records – Save all medical records and receipts related to your medical treatment, including hospital visits, medications, and any follow-up care. Document any days of work you missed and how the injury affects your daily life.
  • Don’t Post About It – Refrain from posting photos, videos, or comments about the dog bite on your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media accounts. Insurance companies can use your statements against you.
  • Consult with a Lawyer – Speak to a lawyer with experience handling dog bite cases in Boston. They can advise you on the next steps, including how to seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Dog Bite Claim?

Your dog bite compensation depends on how bad your injuries are, how much time from work you miss, and other factors. Our dog bite attorneys pledge to fight on your behalf for maximum compensation, which may include money for:

  • Any income you lost because you had to miss work
  • Any reduction in your future earnings because of your injuries
  • Your past and future medical expenses
  • Your pain and suffering
  • Any long-term mental or emotional effects from the attack

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law says you have three years from when a dog attacked you to file a dog bite lawsuit. However, it’s in your interest to speak to an attorney immediately and start your case right away, because:

  • You need to give your lawyer as much time as possible to collect evidence and build your case. Essential evidence can deteriorate or disappear if you wait too long to act, which could weaken your case.
  • You likely have immediate financial pressures and other needs that can’t wait. The sooner you talk to a dog bite lawyer, the more likely it is that you’ll recover the money you need quickly. If you wait too long to act, your medical bills and other losses will pile up, adding more stress to an already challenging situation.

How Long Can It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case?

While many dog bite cases settle within a few weeks or months, some can take longer, stretching into several months or even years. In particular, the case will take longer if it goes to trial because the dog’s owner or insurer won’t agree to a settlement.

Some of the factors that influence the time it takes to settle a dog bite claim include:

  • Complexity of the Case – More complex cases involving severe injuries or disputes over liability may require additional investigation and negotiation.
  • Extent of Injuries – The severity of your injuries and the time it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement can affect the timeline. Cases with more severe injuries often take longer because it’s important to understand the full extent of the injuries and any long-term effects before settling the case.
  • Willingness to Settle – If both parties are open to negotiation, a case may resolve faster. However, if either party refuses to compromise, the case might proceed to trial, extending the timeline.
  • Legal Process – The stages of the legal process, including discovery, mediation, and possibly trial, can vary in length. Each phase contributes to the overall time it takes to settle the case.

Massachusetts dog bite laws sound complicated at first glance, but the basic principles are straightforward.

The law says that a dog’s owner or “keeper” is strictly liable for any injuries a dog causes. (A dog’s “keeper” is someone other than the owner who has control over the dog, such as a pet sitter, the owner’s friend, etc.)

“Strictly liable” means that it doesn’t matter whether the dog had a prior history of aggressive behavior or if the dog’s owner knew it might be dangerous. All that matters is whether the dog injured someone.

While these principles are easy to grasp, there are some subtleties to understand. First, if the dog’s keeper is a minor, then their parent or guardian is the liable party in these cases. Second, a dog’s owner or keeper is not liable for any injuries a dog causes to someone who is trespassing, abusing the dog, or doing something else that causes an injury or property damage.

The dog’s owner is the liable party in most Massachusetts dog bite cases, but not in every case. For example, if a pet sitter had control (or was supposed to have control) of the dog when it attacked someone, then they would be the liable party. That’s because they are the dog’s “keeper” in this situation. In this example, the injured party would likely file a claim against the pet sitter, not the dog’s owner.

In many cases, the dog that bit you may belong to a friend or family member. Their homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover your injuries. In these circumstances, it’s wise to hire an attorney to handle your case because your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, helping you preserve your relationships.

Massachusetts’s strict liability laws for dog bites mean that you typically don’t have to prove that a dog’s owner acted negligently when the dog attacked you. Most of the time, all that matters is who had control of the dog when it bit you, regardless of whether it previously bit someone or its owner knew it was dangerous.

However, dog owners are not responsible for injuries to people who were trespassing or abusing the dog when it attacked. It’s common for dog owners to use this defense in these cases to avoid paying for injuries the dog causes. If a dog’s owner argues that you were trespassing or tormenting the dog when it attacked, you’ll need a lawyer’s help to refute their case and claim the compensation you deserve.

People often underestimate the injuries a dog can cause when it bites. Dogs bite down with intense force when they attack, leading to a wide range of injuries:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Infections (such as rabies or tetanus)
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones