Massachusetts, like many states, has a “dog bite” law that holds people strictly liable for any injuries their dogs cause innocent people to suffer. While the dog bite law does not require an injured party to establish negligence to recover damages, it does require proof of other elements, like ownership.…
Landowners and those who own businesses can be held liable for injuries on their property in many instances. Similarly, those who own animals – dogs in particular (although not exclusively) – can also be held accountable for injuries inflicted on others under certain circumstances. Of course, not every encounter between…
Those who own animals that cause serious injury to others by biting them or otherwise attacking them can be held liable for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages. Of course, there are some limitations on this general rule. For instance, if the bite or attack came as a result…
In a Cape Cod dog bite injury lawsuit, there can be a wide variety of issues. As always, the burden of proof lies on the party asserting the claim. Insurance coverage can be an issue in some cases. Depending on the facts, it may be the plaintiff, or it may…
A liability insurance policy is, at its essence, a contract. In determining whether to enter into the agreement, an insurance company is entitled to rely on certain representations made by the would-be insured and to price its product accordingly. Once the agreement is made, the insured has the right to…
Statistics concerning dog bite cases are fairly alarming, especially for people with kids. According to an article written in the New York Post and backed by research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of the almost 4.5 million Americans bitten by dogs each year are children. In fact,…
Pet ownership brings joy to many people and families. But unfortunately, there are also many reports of dogs hurting and injuring people, strangers and family members alike. Statistics maintained by the website, dogsbite.org, indicate that each day, approximately 1,000 people in the United States require emergency care treatment for a…
Many people in Cape Cod have pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (the “AVMA”) compiles statistics on pet ownership throughout the United States. According to the data, 50.4% of households in Massachusetts own a pet; of that number, 23.6% have a dog. While dogs bring much pleasure to the families…
According to the Cape Cod Today, the Provincetown Police Blotter reported several animal calls for the two weeks ending at July 22, 2013.During that time period, the local police responded to one dog bite incident and several loose and lost dogs, among other matters. In all likelihood, there were many…
Many people in Cape Cod are victims of unanticipated dog bites. Often, children are bitten because of the way they approach and play with unfamiliar dogs. There are many ways to avoid a dog bite and there are certain behaviors to look for to understand when a dog may feel…