After the terrifying incident, the neighbors were required to keep the dog inside their home while the selectmen acted on the mother’s complaint. The local animal control officer testified during formal proceedings that the animal would likely bite another time and that such an attack could be even more severe. The selectmen ultimately determined the animal was dangerous and ordered it to be euthanized. The owners were given 10 days to appeal the ruling.

During the 10-day period, the dog attacked and bit a 16-year-old occupant of the owner’s home. She required hospitalization, though she was not believed to be in danger of losing her life. The dog, on the other hand, was surrendered to the local animal control authority and was reportedly put to sleep two days later. There was no further information disclosed on the updated medical conditions of the boy or teenage girl.

As we have noted, there is no real defense to a dog bite attack. Under Massachusetts law, the owner is responsible. The damages are often substantial, owing to the potential for scar tissue, nerve damage and ongoing psychological problems. It was not reported whether the family of the boy intends to pursue claims for personal injury against the dog’s owner. As relieved as they may be that the animal cannot hurt others, their continued focus is likely on the boy’s recovery from his injuries and any emotional issues that may linger.

Source: opposingviews.com, “‘Death Row’ Dog, Milo, Attacks Teenager after Mauling 6-Year-Old Child in January,” Denise A. Justin, March 5, 2013

Nevertheless, accidents do happen, and sometimes they involve vehicles that transport us for a free. One recent collision involved a Brockton Area Transit bus and a car. The collision took place on a recent Friday evening a bit before 6:30 p.m. While specific details of the crash were not initially disclosed, it is known that a passenger on the BAT bus was transported to the hospital for medical care. The specific nature of the passenger’s injuries was not detailed.

The car driver that collided with the bus was also injured. That driver informed authorities she intended to drive to a medical facility on her own for medical care. She complained of lower back pain. Nevertheless, on the day following the collision, authorities sited the driver with unspecified charges resulting from the crash.

A motor vehicle accident is frightening under any circumstances. A victim injured while riding on public transportation often has little or no time to react to a crash and may, as a result, suffer serious injury. Massachusetts personal injury laws provide for the right of those injured in an accident caused by the negligence of others to sue for recovery of damages sustained. If negligence is established in a civil lawsuit the injured passenger may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, lost time from work and other damages permissible under our states’ personal injury laws.

Source: Enterprise News, “Infiniti driver cited after BAT bus crash,” Carla Gualdron, Jan. 5, 2012

Police were in the process of reconstructing the scene of a Cape Cod car accident following a head-on collision in Provincetown recently. The initial details concerning the crash were sparse. The collision occurred on Route 6 on a recent Thursday afternoon.

Preliminary reports suggest that a vehicle that was headed eastbound crossed into the westbound lane for reasons that are not yet clear. That vehicle struck an oncoming car, causing critical injury to both drivers. One was transported to Provincetown Airport and then airlifted to a trauma center. The other driver was transported to Cape Cod Hospital. The specific nature of the injuries sustained was not reported, and the further medical condition of each victim is not known.

As police continue to work on the accident investigation, the immediate hope is for the full recovery of both car accident victims. If the preliminary reports are confirmed by law enforcement, the westbound driver may have the option of pursuing a personal injury action in Massachusetts civil court against the wrong way driver. To prevail, the driver will need to prove the wrong-way driver negligently caused the accident and resulting injuries. If that is established, claims for medical costs and related expenses, along with other damages recognized under our laws, may be awarded.

Source: WCVB Boston, “2 injured in wrong-way head-on crash in Provincetown,” Nov. 1, 2012

It was reported that the early morning crash happened when a pickup driver fell asleep at the wheel. There were two passengers in the pickup along with the 35-year-old driver. While the passengers were not injured, the driver was said to have some type of arm injury. The Trooper did not fare as well. He suffered neck and back injuries and was taken to Boston Medical Center, though he has reportedly since been released.

Normally, when an individual is injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits apply. Though police are excluded from the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system, state law requires that they receive full pay while recovering from a work related injury. Fortunately for the injured officer, he has other potential remedies available to him.

If the evidence confirms initial reports that the truck driver caused the car accident by falling asleep at the wheel, the officer has the right to press forward with a personal injury claim against the driver. Such a claim in Massachusetts courts is based on proof of negligence. If wrongdoing is established, the injured party is entitled to recover monetary damages from the at fault driver for medical costs and other expenses as well as for pain and suffering related to the injuries sustained.

Source: necn.com, “Mass. state trooper released from hospital after Canton accident,” Sept. 26, 2012