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Personal Injury Cases – Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone
Legal News and Personal Injury Publications provided by The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone

Massachusetts Dog Attacks Cause Serious Injuries, Even Dog Bite Fatalities

Posted on | April 27, 2012 | Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone

Massachusetts is known for its beautiful walking neighborhoods, which is one reason so many residents own dogs. Unfortunately, though, that means a leisurely stroll around the block can quickly turn awry if an aggressive dog appears. We've all been there: You're walking down the sidewalk, enjoying a peaceful afternoon, when a dog suddenly comes charging out of nowhere, hostile and barking. Or on a motorcycle or bike ride, a dog lunges out from behind a parked car, snarling and nipping at you. Runners often deal with aggressive dog chasing them down the street, turning their daily jog into a sprint. Many dog attacks turn into dog bite injuries, or associated injuries from the attack, and the statistics are shocking.

In 2010, there were 34 dog attack fatalities. Massachusetts personal injury attorney Mark E. Salomone knows that the issue is a complicated one, because it can become a legal issue, in which you can and should pursue dog bite compensation for your injuries.

If you are bitten by an aggressive dog that lives on a rental property, in a business or if it is a stray, dog bite insurance issues become even more complex. Say you're sitting at an outside cafe and a tourist's Rottweiler jumps up and tries to get your burger but gets your hand instead. You could have a serious dog bite injury requiring stitches, and you might have broken bones, preventing you from being able to do your job at the office where you work.

In that moment, the last thing on your mind is whether that person has some sort of insurance, if he or she is a Massachusetts dog owner or from afar. And yet, if a dog bite ends up impacting your ability to go to work or to get around and live life normally, you need to take several immediate steps to take care of your dog bite injury, both medically and legally.

The first thing to do is call 911, get a police officer to make a full report and get all identification from the dog's owner. Then call a tough, experienced dog bite attorney, one who is as forceful as that dog was. You will need to find out your legal rights. You need to be compensated not just for dog bite lost wages but possibly dog attack emotional trauma that the event may have caused as well.

If you or a loved one was injured by a dog bite, find out your legal rights from someone who knows dog attack laws inside and out—Massachusetts personal injury attorney, Mark E. Salomone. For a free and confidential consultation, call 1-800-WIN-WIN-1 or contact us online today. We are ready to listen to you and discuss your legal options.

The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone
175 State Street, Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01103

Dogs can bite when you least expect it. Be prepared.

Posted on | May 27, 2010 | Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone

Dogs bring joy to many people’s lives. But sometimes, often when you least expect it, dogs attack. Each year, dogs bite more than 4.7 million Americans nationwide. One in five dog bites result in injuries requiring medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control.What should you do if a dog bites you or your child? And what if you are the owner of a dog that has bitten someone else?

Laws covering dog bites vary from state to state. In Massachusetts, the owner of a dog is held liable for most dog attacks. But there are exceptions. They include if the victim was trespassing, committing another crime or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Children under 7 years old who are bitten by a dog are presumed to have not done these things, but even that’s up for debate by law.

And don’t worry about having deal with your friends or neighbors directly if you or a loved one is a victim of a dog attack. Insurance companies handle dog bites. That means you get the compensation you’re entitled to without having to make enemies with the owner of the dog.

Certain steps should be taken right after a dog bite. There’s also things you can do as a dog owner to reduce the likelihood of your dog attacking someone.

Dog bite cases are complicated. Knowing what to do can be difficult. You may be entitled to more than you realize. Don’t assume anything. We can help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone today. When you chose us, you get experienced, dog bite injury lawyers who know how to aggressively fight for your family to get the justice you deserve.

Don’t let a dog’s reckless behavior ruin your life. Take action now. Contact us today.