Dog Bites

Dog bites and other types of attacks by dogs happen an astounding four million times a year in America, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Each year, between 10 and 20 people are killed by a dog in the U.S.

Dog bites can be very serious matters—even if it was a "small" bite from a small dog. A dog bite can result in permanent loss of function in a hand or limb, permanent disfigurement, and significant medical bills. Dog bites happen most frequently to children and innocent visitors to private residences (such as mail carriers and utility company employees), but anyone can be vulnerable to a dog bite.

If You've Been Bitten by a Dog, Seek Medical Care

The first this to do when a dog has bitten you or your child is to get medical attention. Don't write off the injury as “just a dog bite,” no matter what its severity. Get and keep all of the medical records and bills regarding the dog bite. These records should show information regarding:

• the wound(s)
• stitches or surgery
• medication
• scar reduction measures
• bandages
• further care

In addition, if the bite was from a stray or unlocatable dog, the individual who was bitten will most likely need to get rabies shots.

Take photographs of the dog bite wound(s) and any bruises, as soon as possible after they were incurred, and at several more intervals if necessary to show their progress.

Then Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Many dog bites are from a dog that the injured person was familiar with, e.g., a neighbor's dog, a dog at a merchant's store, or a dog that frequents a dog park with its owner. Identifying the owner will help greatly in efforts to obtain financial compensation for the injuries (and possible income loss) due to the dog's bite.

Try to record all of the following information:

• the circumstances of the incident (the time of day, any witnesses, the type of dog involved)
• the location where the dog bite took place
• the dog's name, breed, and age
• the dog owner's name, phone number, and address
• potential witnesses' names, phone numbers, and addresses (go back to the scene if necessary to try to locate witnesses)

If possible, ask the dog owner whether he is insured for his dog's bites; get the insurer's information too.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Don't talk to the dog owner's attorney or an insurance company representative regarding the dog bite before you have talked with a Massachusetts personal injury attorney about your own needs. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to protect your rights today.

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Lowell, MA 01852

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