Injuries Sustained While Escaping a Dog Attack

While dogs are among the most popular pets in the nation, not all dogs are friendly, and millions of dog attacks occur each year. An attack by a dog can lead to significant injuries, scarring, and psychological trauma. In some cases, even if a person is able to avoid a dog attack, he or she may nonetheless sustain injuries. If you suffered injuries sustained escaping a dog, it is prudent to speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney to analyze whether you may be able to recover compensation from the owner of the dog. The Cape Cod dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, collectively have over 150 years’ experience helping victims seek damages for injuries sustained due to a dog attack. Our skill in handling Massachusetts personal injury claims has enabled us to recover multiple multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for the parties whom we represent.

While a person escaping a dog attack may avoid being bitten, it does not mean that he or she is immune from sustaining injuries. A person attempting to avoid an attack may trip and fall, resulting in strains, sprains, contusions, and even fractures. Massachusetts has a stringent law that imposes liability on dog owners for harm caused by their dogs. While it is known as a “dog bite” statute, it does not solely impose liability on a dog owner for harm caused by dog bites. It holds the owner accountable for any injury or property damage caused by a dog. As a result, a dog owner can be held liable even if the dog does not actually bite someone.

The dog bite statute is a strict liability statute. In other words, unlike most personal injury plaintiffs, a person injured while trying to escape a dog attack does not need to show that the owner of the dog was negligent to recover damages. Additionally, the injured party does not need to show that a dog’s owner knew or should have known that the dog was likely to cause harm. Instead, to recover compensation for injuries sustained escaping a dog, the injured party simply needs to show that the dog caused the harm alleged.

There are some circumstances in which the dog bite statute does not apply, however. For example, it will not apply if the injury occurs while the injured party is trespassing. Moreover, the dog bite statute is not applicable if the injured party was abusing, teasing, or tormenting the dog in any way. If you were injured while trying to escape a dog attack, you should speak with an experienced Cape Cod attorney to discuss the circumstances surrounding your injury and whether you may be able to recoup compensation.

If you suffered an injury while trying to escape a dog attack, you may be able to recover compensation for any pain and suffering caused by the injury. You can also seek compensation for the cost of any medical care needed to treat your injury and any related expenses. If you were unable to work following your injury, you may be owed lost wages as well. It is important to act in a timely manner if you wish to pursue a claim for injuries suffered while escaping a dog attack, since Massachusetts personal injury claims must be filed within three years of when the injury occurred.

Dogs can go from friendly to vicious in an instant, and a dog attack can be physically and psychologically harmful. If you suffered injuries while trying to escape a dog attack, you should meet with a skilled personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, our trusted personal injury attorneys have a record of successful outcomes and will work tirelessly to help you pursue a favorable verdict. We represent injured parties throughout Cape Cod and are available for consultations in Hyannis and Plymouth. We can be reached at 888-262-6664 or through our online form to set up a conference.