Broken Bones from Dog Bites

Many people own dogs as pets, and while most dogs are friendly, all dogs are capable of unexpectedly biting people. While some dog bites do not cause significant injuries, others cause substantial harm, including broken bones. If you sustained a fracture due to a dog bite, you may be able to recover compensation from the dog’s owner. The skilled Cape Cod dog bite lawyers of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III have collectively been representing people injured by the negligence of others in civil lawsuits for more than fifteen decades. Our zealous representation has helped us recover numerous multi-million settlements and verdicts for our clients.

Generally, there are two ways in which a dog bite can cause a fracture. Many dogs have very strong jaws that can exert a bite force that imposes several hundred pounds of pressure. Thus, the force alone of many bites is sufficient to fracture or crush a bone. Fractures can also occur when a person trips or falls attempting to flee from an attacking dog. Depending on the severity of the break, a person who suffers a fracture due to a dog bite may require casting, a surgical reduction of the fracture, or physical therapy. Additionally, fractures caused by dog bites can result in significant scarring and emotional trauma. A knowledgeable dog bit attorney can help you seek compensation for the injuries you may have suffered in an animal attack.

If you suffered a broken bone due to a dog bite and wish to pursue damages, it is important to act promptly, as in most cases, any lawsuit seeking compensation for a dog bite injury must be filed within three years of the date of the bite. Under Massachusetts law, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs. In other words, if a dog attacks a person, the injured person does not have to establish that the dog owner negligently permitted the attack to occur to be awarded compensation. Instead, if the injured person shows that a dog caused his or her damages, the owner will be liable for the damages, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had a propensity to bite. There are limited exceptions to the strict liability rule, however. Specifically, a dog owner may not be held liable if the injured person was trespassing or committing some other tortious act at the time of the bite. A dog owner may also be excused from liability if the person who was bitten was tormenting or teasing the dog. If the victim of the bite was a minor, there is a presumption that he or she was not trespassing or abusing the dog, and the defendant bears the burden of proving otherwise.

If a dog bite caused you to sustain a fracture, you may be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment you needed, including hospitalization, surgery, therapy, and assistive devices. You may also be owed compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries.

Dog bites can lead to fractures and other serious injuries, and dog owners should be held accountable for any harm caused by their dogs. If you sustained a broken bone due to a dog bite, it is wise to speak with a personal injury attorney regarding your injury and your potential claims. At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, we are skilled at helping people injured by dog bites in the pursuit of compensation, and we will work tirelessly to help you seek a just result. We are proud to uphold a history of successful outcomes, including many verdicts and settlements in excess of a million dollars. We assist injured parties in cases in Cape Cod, and we are available for consultations in Plymouth and Hyannis. We can be reached via our online form or at 888-262-6664 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Nós Falamos Português.