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