A dog can be a large part of any family. They often form long lasting relationships with their owners. But it is also important to remember that dogs are still fundamentally animals, with natural animalistic tendencies. As animals, they still have primal instincts and responses, including sometimes violent ones, resulting in occasional bites and personal injury. If you or a family member have been injured by a dog bite or dog attack, you need the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries. Our Boston dog bite attorneys have decades of experience in recovering millions of dollars in damages for our clients. Please call 617-787-3700, 24/7, or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com today for your free and confidential consultation.
In Oakland County, Michigan, a black Labrador Retriever recently attacked a local young girl. The girl, who was only seven at the time of the attack, was bit behind her ear, tearing the skin, and also suffered several puncture marks on her skull. Besides her physical suffering, the girl underwent a year of psychological therapy for her trauma and emotional injuries.
Michigan applies strict liability law to dog owners when their dog attacks another person, so long as the person did not provoke the dog. The jury did not believe that the girl provoked the dog, and found in her favor and awarded $52,000 in damages.
Massachusetts similarly applies strict liability to dog owners: so long as the injured party was not trespassing, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog, the owner is strictly liable. This means that all one has to do to prove their case to the court is show that they sustained injuries from a dog attack incident and that the other party is, in fact, the dog’s keeper or the dog’s owner. Generally, dog bites are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy; however, if the dog owner does not have insurance; or their policy does not cover injuries caused by dogs, then the only remedy is to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog and go after the owner’s personal assets.
If you or a family member have been injured by a dog bite, please contact one of our expert personal injury lawyers. Call us 24/7 at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!
