Many people treasure their dogs and treat them like members of their families. However, dogs are not always cuddly and sweet. Occasionally, they can lash out, attack, and bite people.
If a dog attacked you or your loved one, you could be facing physical, emotional, and financial injuries, pain, and other losses. Our personal injury attorneys at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. understand everything you are going through and are ready to support you and your family through this process. A skilled Pittsfield dog bite lawyer could work closely with you to fight for a financial damages award or settlement that could make a difference in your recovery and overall quality of life.
This is a particularly favorable state for people who have sustained dog bites. Unlike in states that require people to prove that the dog that attacked them had a prior history of aggression, courts operate with a strict standard of liability. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 § 155, courts recognize that dog owners, keepers, or handlers are automatically legally responsible if their dog attacks someone and causes injuries or property damage, even if the dog had never been aggressive before.
To be successful in your lawsuit against the dog’s owner, you do not need to show that the dog had bitten someone before or that the dog’s owner was negligent in their handling of the animal. However, if you provoked the dog to attack you by trespassing or tormenting it, strict liability would not apply, and the dog’s owner would not be liable for your resulting injuries. If the dog attacks a child under the age of seven, different considerations would apply.
Our knowledgeable Pittsfield attorneys are familiar with local animal attack laws. We could review what happened to you or your child and confirm if you have valid legal grounds to pursue a claim.
A dog attack can have serious consequences. You could face extensive physical injuries, including the following:
Dog attacks can also lead to debilitating emotional trauma. You could develop an overwhelming fear of dogs, which could result in anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
Your medical bills and treatments could cause you to experience severe financial strain, particularly if you need to take time off from work to focus on your recovery. Our compassionate lawyers could work with you to fight for the financial recovery you need after being bitten by a dog in Pittsfield.
A dog attack can be a terrifying experience that you might relive in your mind every day. You deserve compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Call a determined Pittsfield dog bite lawyer, and let us explore your legal options with you and your family. We are the oldest and largest personal injury law firm in central and western Massachusetts. Call today to see how we can help you.
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley
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