Dog Bites

With over 75 million dogs in the United States, alone, it is probable that people and children will be bitten by a dog. Statistics from 2008 reported that approximately 5 million people were bit by a dog. Out of the 5 million people bitten, over 800 thousand required serious medical attention. Children are twice as likely to be bitten by a dog than are adults. More than half of the serious injuries to children involved a dog bite to the face.

In the past, Massachusetts followed the "one bite free" rule. This meant that the owner of the dog that bit could not be held liable until it is proven that the owner knew his dog had the propensity to bite or injure someone. Once it is proven that the owner knew that his dog was dangerous, liability is limited to the harm that the dog caused.

Massachusetts no longer follows this rule. In fact Massachusetts laws are quite good when it concerns dog bites. A recent case held a Landlord responsible for a tenant that had a dangerous dog that bit someone.

If you've been bitten by a dog, please call my office for a free consultation.

Dog owners can do many things to help lessen the likelihood that their dog will bite someone. The most important thing they can do is use a leash whenever they take the dog out of the home. The owner should check to make sure the dog collar is secure and that the leash is not frayed or easily broken.

Dog owners can also take steps to reduce aggression in dogs by having the animal spayed or neutered. Dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior should never be kept as pets, nor should these types of dogs be brought into households where children are present. Infants and children should never be left alone with a dog.

Children with dogs in the household should be taught not to approach unknown dogs. Even though the child’s family pet may be friendly and well-behaved, this does not mean that another dog will behave the same way. Children should be taught not to play aggressive games with any dog. Rather, they should be taught to teach the dog how to roll over, play fetch and other non-aggressive games.

Even though there are many people who take precautionary steps to help ensure their dog will not bite others, there are other people out there that do not. These dog owners will let their dog run free without a leash, even when leash laws are in effect. These owners will play aggressive games with their dog. These owners will even own and raise aggressive breeds of dogs.

In the event of a dog bite by another person’s dog, notify the dog owner and seek medical treatment. If the owner does not have the dog’s shots up-to-date, the victim may be required to take a series of rabies shots. When there is a serious injury, a personal injury lawyer should be consulted.

The lawyer can advise a person of their legal rights and what course of action should be pursued.