Suppose you or your loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. In that case, you may be facing painful physical wounds, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. You deserve justice and the full compensation the law allows from the negligent dog owner.
A dedicated Massachusetts dog bite attorney at the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano understands the emotional and physical devastation a dog attack can cause. We specialize in holding dog owners strictly liable for their animal’s actions under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 140, § 155), fighting to recover the maximum settlement for your medical bills, plastic surgery, and emotional suffering. Call us today at (401) 288-3888 for a free, confidential consultation.
Our firm has a proven record of helping dog bite victims and their families rebuild their lives after traumatic incidents. We handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus completely on your physical and psychological recovery.
How Michael F. Campopiano Can Help After a Serious Dog Attack
Dog bite cases can be complicated, particularly when dealing with insurance companies who may try to claim the dog was provoked or that the victim was trespassing. In Massachusetts, however, the law is heavily on the side of the victim.
A Massachusetts dog bite attorney from our team will:
- Apply Strict Liability Law: We immediately establish the dog owner’s fault based on Massachusetts’ powerful strict liability statute (M.G.L. c. 140, § 155), which holds owners liable for damage caused by their dog, regardless of prior behavior.
- Document Physical & Psychological Trauma: We work with plastic surgeons, trauma specialists, and mental health experts to thoroughly document not only physical scarring and infection but also the significant emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety that often follows an attack.
- Identify Insurance Coverage: We pursue compensation from the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy held by the dog owner, which is typically the source of recovery in these claims.
- Protect Your Rights: We handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring you do not unintentionally damage your claim by giving an uninformed statement.
Call us today at (401) 288-3888 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Understanding Massachusetts Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Massachusetts law provides robust protection for dog bite victims. Unlike some states that require a “one-bite rule” (proving the dog owner knew the animal had bitten before), Massachusetts implements strict liability for dog owners.
Key Aspects of Massachusetts Dog Bite Law:
- Owner Responsibility: The owner or keeper of a dog is liable for injuries caused by the dog to any person or property. This liability is “strict,” meaning you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression.
- No Prior Knowledge Required: You do not have to prove the dog had a “vicious propensity.” The simple fact that the bite or injury occurred is enough to establish liability.
- Defenses: The owner may attempt to defend the claim by arguing the victim was trespassing, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. Our firm is skilled at defeating these defenses.
- Special Protection for Children: If the victim is a child under the age of 7, the law presumes that the child did not tease, torment, or abuse the dog. The burden of proof to show otherwise is extremely high for the dog owner.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Damages We Recover
Dog attacks often result in injuries far more severe than simple punctures, leading to massive financial strain and lifelong physical and emotional damage.
Types of Severe Injuries:
- Deep Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Requiring stitches, surgical cleaning, and often leading to infection.
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Especially on the face, hands, and limbs, often necessitating costly reconstructive or plastic surgery.
- Nerve Damage: Causing loss of feeling or function in the affected area.
- Bone Fractures: Caused by the force of the bite or a fall during the attack.
- Infection and Rabies Exposure: Requiring extensive medical treatment and testing.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Severe emotional trauma, anxiety, and fear of dogs, particularly common in children.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Our legal team fights to recover compensation for all losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, anti-infection treatment, hospitalization, and mandatory vaccinations.
- Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery Costs: Both initial procedures and any necessary future cosmetic surgeries.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the injury prevents you from working.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and permanent disfigurement.
Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into a quick, low settlement. Contact us today for a free review of your case.
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Areas We Serve
- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions from Dog Bite Victims
1. Who pays for my medical bills after a dog bite?
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, is responsible for paying for your damages. We handle the process of filing the claim against the insurance company directly, so you don’t have to deal with the owner.
2. What if I was bitten by a dog while visiting a friend's house?
You can still file a claim. If you were legally invited to the property (not trespassing), the owner is strictly liable for your injuries. Filing a claim is against their insurance company, not your friend personally, which often covers the damages without the friend paying out-of-pocket.
3. Does the owner have to put the dog down if I file a lawsuit?
No. A civil lawsuit for compensation does not automatically require the animal to be euthanized. That decision is usually made by local Animal Control based on the severity of the incident and the dog’s history. Our case is focused solely on recovering financial compensation for your injuries.
4. Is the owner always liable under Massachusetts' strict liability law?
The owner is liable unless the victim was trespassing, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the attack. For children under 7, the law presumes they did not do any of these things.
5. How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Massachusetts?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Massachusetts, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the injury.
Contact Our Massachusetts Dog Bite
Attorney for a Free Consultation
Contact Our Massachusetts Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
At MFCLaw, we know how overwhelming life can feel after a dog attack. Medical bills and emotional trauma add stress when you should be focused on healing. Our Massachusetts dog bite attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, and all surrounding areas. To better support our community, our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels understood and informed.
Schedule your free, confidential consultation today and let us guide you through this difficult time.
We’re here for you. We fight for every dollar you deserve. No fee unless we’re successful. Contact us today.
We're here for you.
We fight for every dollar you deserve. No fee unless we’re successful.
Where Your Voice Finds Strength.
Wherever you are, we’ll fight for your rights bringing justice to light.