Dog Bite Lawyer Northampton

Your personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of John P. DiBartolo, Jr. will build a strong dog bite claim by gathering evidence that proves negligence on the part of the dog owner and the extent of your injuries and damages.

Call (413) 529-2955 now to request your free consultation with a dog bite attorney from The Law Offices of John P. DiBartolo, Jr. in Northampton.

Photo of a Dog Biting a Man's Hand

Do you get compensation for a dog bite?

Under Massachusetts law, you can file a claim to get compensation for a dog bite. You may be awarded economic damages to compensate you for your financial losses, such as your medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs you have incurred due to the dog bite.

You can also receive compensation for your noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. If you suffer emotional distress or mental anguish around dogs or have lost your enjoyment of life since the dog attack, then call us today to talk about how you can file for noneconomic damages.

There are many factors that affect how much you can receive in your personal injury case after a dog bite, such as the nature and severity of your injuries and if you had to miss work.  

Is the owner liable if their dog bites someone?

Massachusetts handles dog bite cases using the “strict liability” statute. The dog owner is liable for damages the dog caused to people or property. In many cases, this means the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance may pay for damages. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite or Attack

Get the contact information for the owner of the dog, and any witnesses. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask the owner of the dog about its vaccination history.

There are critical steps that you need to take immediately to treat your wounds and reduce the risk of infection. Wash the wound immediately with mild soap and water for at least five to ten minutes. Then apply an antibiotic cream if you have any, and wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. This bandage should stop the bleeding and hold you over until you get to the emergency room.

You will need to see a medical professional within a few hours of your dog bite. Let them know that you were bitten by a dog and any other information you know about the animal, like the breed, vaccination history, or if it was a feral animal. 

Common Injuries Caused By a Dog Attack

A dog bite can be particularly destructive to bodily tissue. The sharp front teeth clamp down and compress bodily tissue while smaller teeth tear flesh, exposing the jagged wound to infection. Common injuries include:

  • Avulsions
  • Broken bones
  • Deep cuts and lacerations
  • Eye injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Tissue damage

Additionally, a dog attack makes the victim vulnerable to infection. 

For bites on the face or in places where they could leave a scar, doctors try to help the skin heal without stitches or suturing that could leave scars, but in some situations, stitches are necessary.

A dog attack does not only cause physical injury. It also causes emotional trauma, permanent scars, and disfigurement.

Establishing Liability

Your personal injury attorney will establish the following facts of your case so that you get the compensation you deserve:

  • That you were lawfully permitted on the property where the dog attack occurred 
  • You were attacked while on the premises
  • The dog owner failed to use reasonable care to restrain the dog
  • That you suffered harm and damages as a result of the dog attack
Photo of a Barking Dog

What if the Owner of the Dog Has No Insurance?

You can still file your claim, but rather than your compensation coming from the insurance company, it will come from the owner’s personal assets, which there may not be much of. Contact a Northampton dog bite attorney today and let us help you with your specific circumstances.

How can an attorney help you?

Every state has different dog bite laws, so you will need a Northampton dog bite attorney who understands them in Massachusetts and is up-to-date on state legislation that can affect cases.You need protection against the owner of the dog in case they accuse you of provoking the dog. Call (413) 529-2955 now to reach the Law Offices of John P. DiBartolo, Jr., personal injury lawyer in Northampton.