Introduction –
There are numerous innocent people in the area who have been bitten by dogs. Additionally, the majority of the time, the dog’s owners do not bear any responsibility for the incident. One of the most common outcomes of a dog bite is serious bodily injuries as well as emotional trauma, fear, and costly medical bills and injections. However, the upright news is that dog bite victims in Springfield and Chicopee, Massachusetts, are now able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for their losses. In this brief guide, you will learn about the importance of understanding Massachusetts’ dog bite liability laws and what to do if you or a member of your family has been bitten by a stray dog or a pet dog owned by someone else. The state will assume responsibility for any stray dogs.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Culpability –
One of the most important things to know is that Massachusetts follows strict liability. In addition, they ensure that the dog owner is held vicariously liable for the actions of the dogs in the event of a bite. Also, you should hire a dog attack lawyer in Springfield. Regardless of whether the animal has a history of aggression or does not have a history, the owner of the dog or any dangerous animal will be held liable for the damages caused by their dog or the dangerous animal under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 155. In addition, this section applies to bite-related and other animal-related injuries to people.
Exclusions to the Strict Liability Laws –
There are three main exceptions to the strict liability rule: 1) If the victim or you were trespassing or committing another wrongdoing or tort that caused harm at the time of the incident. 2) If the victim or you were taunting, torturing, or abusing the dog or animal prior to the bite or injury. 3) In addition, the owner of the animal or dog bears the entire burden of proof when the victim is a child under the age of seven. They must demonstrate that the child was trespassing and attempting to agitate the animal or dog.
Medical Assistance and Collecting the Information After a Dog Bite Incident –
Regardless of how serious the canine bite is, you actually must keep yourself in need and get clinical assistance straightaway. A physician can examine your injuries, administer the appropriate medications and injections, and treat you to prevent infections. You should then report the incident to the animal control agency or the police in Springfield or Chicopee, Massachusetts. You can create a record of the incident if you file a report, which can be helpful in pursuing a personal injury claim. Then, gather the dog’s owner’s contact information, including their name, address, phone number, insurance information, and information about any medical injections the dog has received, such as rabies injections or not. If you have any witnesses, get their contact information so you can give it to the police or use it in court if necessary.
Get Ready Records of the Wounds and Talk with an Individual Physical Issue Legal Counsellor –
Ensure that you take the photos of the injury like torn or harmed clothing, blemishes on the body, and record all the clinical treatment which the specialist gives you, including the visit to the specialist, remedy, etc. It’s critical to hire a dog bite lawyer Chicopee, because Massachusetts’ arduous dog bite laws can be difficult to navigate. A highly qualified dog bite personal injury lawyer can help you learn your rights, gather evidence to support your claim for compensation, and navigate the legal system until the case is resolved.
Victims Can Claim the Following Compensation –
You can get money for things like medical bills, injections, medications, hospitalization in serious cases, surgery, and ongoing care. You can also be compensated for taking time off from work as a result of a dog bite injury by receiving loss wages. incorporating the possibility of losing future earning potential. In addition, there is compensation for the bite’s permanent scarring or disfigurement, as well as for mental and physical anguish. Last but not least, there is also property damage compensation, through which you can be compensated for things like clothing, and other damages if any.