A dog attack can leave you with more than just bite wounds. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens often last for weeks, months, or even years. Meanwhile, the insurance companies representing the dog’s owner are already working to minimize your claim, offering a lowball settlement or trying to shift the blame onto you.
If you’ve been bitten, a Lowell dog bite lawyer will help you secure the compensation you need to recover. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, our team has over 20 years of experience representing injury victims across Massachusetts.
As a Lowell personal injury lawyer, we understand the unique challenges of filing a claim in the area. Whether your attack happened near the Merrimack River walking trails, at Shedd Park, or in a local neighborhood, we’re here to help. You take care of yourself, and we’ll take care of everything else.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws and What They Mean for Your Case
Massachusetts has a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning that dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their pet causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. However, that doesn’t mean insurance companies will pay easily. They often try to:
- Argue that you provoked the dog
- Claim that you were trespassing when the bite occurred
- Minimize the severity of your injuries
- Offer a fast settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term costs
A Lowell dog bite attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company and gather evidence—such as medical records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony—to prove the full extent of your injuries.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bites can lead to serious and sometimes permanent injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or an elderly adult. Even a minor-looking wound might result in severe medical complications.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations: Dog teeth can tear through skin and muscle, often requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery.
- Infections and diseases: Dog bites often introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as cellulitis or even rabies if the dog was not properly vaccinated.
- Nerve damage: Bites on the hands, arms, or legs can damage nerves, causing permanent loss of sensation or mobility.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Many dog attack victims require plastic surgery, particularly if they suffer facial injuries.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a lasting fear of dogs are common after a serious attack.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries, you could receive compensation for more than just your medical bills. A dog bite claim might also cover pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term emotional distress.
Why Do Dog Attacks Happen?
Dog bites are often unexpected, but certain situations increase the risk of an attack. Many dog owners fail to properly train, socialize, or control their pets, leading to preventable injuries. In most scenarios, dog bites can be prevented, but proper education is key.
Situations That Lead to Dog Bites
- Unrestrained dogs in public spaces: Even in designated leash-free areas, dogs should be under their owner’s control at all times.
- Dogs protecting their territory: Some bites occur when delivery workers, postal carriers, or visitors enter a yard or home.
- Children interacting with dogs: Kids often do not recognize warning signs of aggression, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks.
- Startled or scared dogs: A normally friendly dog might lash out if it feels threatened by loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar people.
- Breaking up a dog fight: Many people suffer bites when they attempt to separate two fighting dogs.
Regardless of the situation, a negligent dog owner is responsible for the harm their pet causes. If you were bitten in Lowell, our legal team is ready to investigate your case and pursue the compensation you need for recovery.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Lowell
Taking the right steps after a dog bite helps protect both your health and your legal rights. Even if the injury seems minor at first, it’s crucial to document the attack and seek medical attention.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Get medical treatment: Even small bites often become infected or lead to complications if untreated.
- Identify the dog and owner: Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, and vaccination records if possible.
- Report the bite: Notify Lowell Animal Control or the local health department so they can investigate.
- Document your injuries: Take photos of the wound, any torn clothing, and the location of the attack.
- Collect witness statements: If anyone saw the attack, their testimony will strengthen your claim.
- Avoid speaking with the insurance company alone: They might try to pressure you into accepting a quick, undervalued settlement.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we take on the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters and legal paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.
Speak to a Lowell Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog attack often leaves you with more than just injuries—it can disrupt your daily life, cause emotional distress, and create unexpected financial burdens. You shouldn’t have to handle the legal fight alone while dealing with the aftermath.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims throughout Massachusetts. We know how to push back against insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. With our Stone Cold Guarantee®, you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us—we only get paid if we win.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Lowell, don’t wait to take action. Call us today for a free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 to respond to you.
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