Hundreds of thousands of people are bitten by dogs every year, and many of these bites require medical attention. Injuries from a dog attack can range from superficial cuts to punctures, crushing injuries, and broken bones. Complications such as disease and infection can arise if the victim does not receive medical care immediately.
Although children are the most common dog bite victims, anyone can be harmed when a dog’s owner or keeper fails to control their animal. If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, take these steps to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights. If you have questions about filing a claim, a Massachusetts dog bite attorney can provide guidance and support.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately Following a Dog Bite
Even minor injuries can cause serious, life-altering medical complications. If the wound is superficial, you can clean it at home before going to your doctor or urgent care for an assessment. Mayo Clinic recommends using soap and warm water to clean minor scratches, then applying an antibiotic cream or ointment and covering with a clean, sterile bandage.
However, home treatment is not appropriate for most dog bite injuries. Dog bites typically require some medical attention, regardless of severity. You should immediately go to the ER or call 911 for emergency medical assistance if:
- You aren’t sure how serious the bite is
- The bite involves deep puncture wounds
- The wound is bleeding severely or torn
- You notice signs of infection, such as redness, suppuration, or swelling
- The dog has not received appropriate rabies vaccination
- You haven’t gotten a tetanus shot in the last five years
- If the injury is very dirty
- The injury is to the victim’s head or neck
Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, you should seek medical attention for a dog bite. Prompt medical attention addresses injuries before they become serious complications, like sepsis, compartment syndrome, and limb loss. It also creates documentation you will need to support your legal claim for damages.
What a Doctor May Do For Your Dog Bite Injuries
The doctor will examine your wound and assess whether you sustained any more serious damage to muscles, tendons, bones, or nerves. They will clean the wound of dirt and bacteria, stitch it if needed, and bandage it. In severe cases, the wound may require surgical intervention and physical therapy. If the dog bite causes impairment or scarring, the victim might also need cosmetic surgery, assistive equipment, or disability accommodations.
The doctor may recommend a rabies shot if you don’t know the dog’s vaccination history or if it shows signs of rabies, such as paralysis or aggression. They may also suggest a tetanus booster if you haven’t received a tetanus shot in the last five years or prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. If you don’t, it could make your injuries worse, and you could lose your chance of recovering compensation.
Notify Animal Control As Soon As Possible
Local requirements for reporting dog attacks differ, but most areas require you to report bites, especially from aggressive animals, to animal control. Call 911 if the dog continues to pose an active danger to yourself and others. Alternatively, reach out to your state, county, or local animal control office.
Animal control will address the issue as required by state and local laws. Under Massachusetts 330 CMR 10.05, the dog must be placed under a ten-day quarantine if it bites someone, regardless of its vaccination status. Dangerous dog laws may also come into play if the dog has a prior history of aggressive behavior.
Document Everything About the Dog Attack
If you can do so safely, document the scene with your phone or camera. Take photos of the animal, your injuries, and the location where the attack occurred. Try to get the dog’s name and contact details, as well as the owner’s or keeper’s name and contact details, and their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information.
Ask for the veterinarian’s number and the animal’s rabies records, if available. Even if the owner says the dog is up to date on rabies vaccinations, it’s a good idea to follow up with their vet to make sure.
Take down the names and contact details of witnesses who observed the attack. If an officer responds, ask them to create an incident or police report. You can request a copy of this report later to support your claim for damages. You don’t need to take witness statements—your dog bite lawyer can handle this later as part of their evidence gathering process.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Your Area
Reach out to a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack. An attorney can help you gather evidence and handle communication with the dog’s owner or keeper, their insurance company, and any attorneys involved in the case. While you take the time to heal, you can rely on your dog bite attorney to:
- Gather evidence. This may include witness statements, vet records, and prior animal control or police reports about the animal.
- Prove damages. Medical records, invoices, and receipts related to your injuries will help support your case for maximum compensation.
- File an insurance claim. Most dog bites are covered under the owner’s homeowner’s insurance coverage, but a lawyer will explore all available avenues for recovery.
- Negotiate with insurers. Insurance companies often offer lower settlements than victims deserve. A Massachusetts personal injury lawyer will fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
- Represent you in court. If needed, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in all court proceedings.
Massachusetts’ statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a dog owner is typically two years from the date of the bite, per Mass Gen. Laws ch. 260 § 2A. The deadline may differ depending on your injury details, so you benefit from reaching out to a dog bite attorney in Massachusetts as soon as possible.
Seeking Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite claim does more than hold the owner or keeper accountable for their carelessness or recklessness; it also seeks to recover compensation on behalf of the injured party. A dog bite lawyer will help you seek compensation for all your financial and non-financial losses, including:
Medical Expenses
Emergency care and initial treatment for your dog bite are only part of the total medical costs you could face. Depending on your injury severity, you may need surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation that could take months or years to complete. Extensive scarring and disfigurement could require cosmetic surgery and ongoing treatment.
You might also need assistive equipment or accommodations for disability caused by your dog bite injuries. These bills can pile up fast, and insurance companies often fail to account for future medical treatment expenses when offering a claim settlement. A dog bite lawyer will consult with medical and life care experts to make sure you’re getting compensation for all current and future medical care, supplies, and equipment.
Lost Income
A dog bite can prevent you from going to work while you heal. In severe cases, impairment from the bite can make it difficult or impossible to return to your previous employment. When this happens, you can seek compensation for the current and future income you lost. Your dog bite lawyer will obtain expert testimony from economic specialists to show how your injuries affect your current income and future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
The psychological impact of a dog bite can last for years. Many states allow dog attack victims to seek compensation for the physical, mental, and emotional distress they suffered because of the attack. This includes physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment. Speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn which damages you could recover after a dog bite.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
If the owner has insurance, you may receive a call from the insurance adjuster shortly after the incident. During the call, be sure to get the company’s name and address, telephone number, and claim number.
However, remember that even friendly-seeming insurance adjusters are motivated to pay as little as possible. As you speak with a representative, do not accept a settlement or discuss responsibility. To avoid common pitfalls that could hurt your financial recovery, let your attorney handle communication with the insurer as much as possible.
Reach out to Trantolo & Trantolo for a Free Consultation
Dog bites have the potential to cause serious injuries, and an animal that bites one person can place many others at risk. If you find yourself facing extensive recovery and high medical bills, contact Trantolo & Trantolo’s dog bite attorneys today to learn how you can recover compensation for your losses.
We have helped injury victims seek justice and fair compensation for more than 85 years. You can trust us to do what it takes to get the best possible outcome for your case.
