Dog Bites

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites and Dog Attacks

Dangerous dogs are in the news more and more often these days, and dog owners are increasingly aware of their responsibility to keep dangerous or unstable dogs away from the general public. Even so, injuries and even deaths caused by dog bites or dog attacks occur every year. Sadly, children are especially vulnerable.

Robert A. DiTusa, Attorney at Law
Springfield, Massachusetts
Personal Injury · Dog Bites · Dog Attacks
413-233-4068 · E-mail

Under Massachusetts law, dog owners — or whoever has care and control of the dog at the moment — are strictly liable for any injuries or deaths caused by their dog. This means that if you are attacked and bitten by a dog, you will recover money from the dog owner without having to prove anything other than: (1) You were injured by the dog, and (2) the dog was owned or being cared for by the person you are suing. The only exception to this law of strict liability for dog bites and dog attacks is if it can be shown that the injured person provoked the attack by teasing or tormenting the dog — or if the injured person was trespassing when the attack occurred.

Types of Injuries

An attack by a dangerous animal can be absolutely terrifying and can result in very serious injuries, including broken bones, scarring, disfigurement, and deep cuts to the face or limbs.

Because the injuries can be so severe, it is important to immediately seek high quality medical care. See a doctor before you call a lawyer. You may need plastic surgery to minimize the risk of permanent scarring or disfigurement. All of these medical analyses should be in place before a demand for settlement is made to the dog owner or the dog owner's insurance company.

Contact Our Springfield, Massachusetts Law Office Today

If you have suffered injury from dog bites and would like legal advice, please contact our office for a free, confidential and no-pressure initial consultation with attorney Robert A. DiTusa. We will listen to your story, and answer your most pressing questions, to help you decide whether or not to move forward with legal action.

To set up a meeting, please call us at 413-233-4068 or send us an e-mail.