Infections from Dog Bites

The Cape Cod dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III represent people in personal injury cases arising from actions by a pet owner or the pet. We have more than a century and a half of combined experience fighting for Massachusetts accident victims in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Our attorneys know the law as it applies to these cases and understand how judges and juries often approach the legal and factual issues. We have a strong track record of success in personal injury cases, which we invite you to explore.

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can also be people’s worst enemy when not properly monitored and housed. Some breeds are simply more aggressive and have more volatile tempers than others. In other instances, a seemingly well-mannered pup may fly off in a fit of rage. When a dog bites, it can range from a relatively harmless “soft bite” on the arm to a vicious, even life-threatening snap on the leg. Rabies and tetanus infections are particular concerns with any dog bite. These infections can cause lasting health problems and may even result in death if they are not properly treated. That is why it is important to seek timely medical assistance if you are injured by someone else’s dog.

If you suffer an infection or another injury after being bitten by a dog, Massachusetts law gives you the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner. Parents can also seek compensation on behalf of their children, and sometimes other family members can sue for their own pain and suffering related to a loved one’s injury. The money damages typically available in dog bite cases include compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost income due to time away from work, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress. To get those damages, you may need to file a lawsuit and litigate the case in court. These cases can also often be resolved through a negotiated settlement.

Massachusetts is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. An owner is generally responsible for any bite or property damage that their dog causes to another person, as long as the person was not trespassing at the time or clearly provoking the animal. Even if the dog showed no previous signs of being a biter, state law puts the owner on the hook for any injuries, including those related to infections from dog bites. Children under the age of seven are widely considered under the law to be incapable of trespassing or provocation.

State law also makes time of the essence. Massachusetts’ statute of limitations is three years in dog bite cases. That means that your attorney generally has three years from the time of the bite to file a lawsuit. If you file after that time, a judge is likely to dismiss the case.

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, we have been representing clients in dog bite cases and other personal injury claims since 1994. We know how to gather all of the necessary evidence and present it to a judge or jury in a clear and convincing way. We have also had success dealing with insurance companies and resolving cases efficiently and effectively through negotiated settlements. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims get back on their feet after a dog bite by getting them the compensation to which they are entitled. We are proud to stand by clients at every step of the legal process. Our Cape Cod lawyers offer free consultations at offices located in Hyannis and Plymouth, but we can also visit a dog bite victim at home or in the hospital. We do not charge a fee in most dog bite cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.