Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Highlights $300,000 Dorchester Dog Bite Settlement Obtained by Gavagan Law
A recent Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly publication highlighted a $300,000 settlement obtained by Gavagan Law in a serious Dorchester dog bite case involving injuries at a multi-family rental property in Boston, Massachusetts.
The case involved a woman who suffered serious dog bite injuries after being attacked by two dogs near the entrance of a private residence in Dorchester. The attack resulted in puncture wounds, scarring, emotional trauma, and medical treatment requiring ongoing care. Through investigation, Gavagan Law identified evidence suggesting prior aggressive behavior and prior incidents involving the dogs. Despite multiple defendants failing to cooperate and initial insurance coverage issues, our law firm conducted an independent investigation and ultimately identified applicable insurance coverage that resulted in a full policy limits settlement.
The case ultimately resolved for the landlord’s full $300,000 insurance policy limits.
Quick Summary:
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recently highlighted a $300,000 settlement obtained by Gavagan Law in a serious Dorchester dog bite case involving injuries at a multi-family rental property in Boston, Massachusetts.
- The case involved significant investigation into prior dog incidents, landlord liability issues, and available insurance coverage after multiple defendants failed to cooperate.
Dog Bite Injuries in Boston, Dorchester & Throughout Massachusetts
Dog bite incidents and animal attacks can result in serious injuries, permanent injuries, emotional distress, psychological trauma, infections, nerve damage, and significant medical expenses. Victims of dog bites and victims of dog attacks often require immediate medical attention, ongoing medical care, and future medical treatment depending on the severity of the injuries.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Dog bite wounds and puncture injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections requiring medical treatment
- Emotional trauma and fear of dogs
- Serious dog bite injury involving surgery or rehabilitation
These incidents frequently occur:
- At apartment buildings and multi-family rental properties
- In shared common areas and hallways
- On sidewalks and residential streets
- In parks and public spaces
- At private residences throughout Dorchester, Boston, Quincy, Cambridge, and surrounding Massachusetts communities
Massachusetts Dog Bite Law & Liability
Massachusetts follows a strict liability law in dog bite incidents. Under Massachusetts law, dog owners are generally strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs unless the injured person was trespassing, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. Under strict liability, the injured party only needs to prove that the dog caused the injury – not that the owner was negligent.
Massachusetts dog bite claims may involve liability beyond the dog’s owner alone. In some situations, landlords and property owners can also face liability where they knew or should have known about prior dangerous behavior or failed to take reasonable steps to address known safety risks at the property. Liability also can extend to any ‘keeper’ of the dog, such as dog walkers, and dog sitters. However, there is no right to recovery
Dog bite claims frequently involve:
- Dangerous dog allegations
- Aggressive behavior and prior incidents
- Failure to exercise reasonable care
- Landlord or property owner liability
- Homeowner’s insurance policy disputes
- Insurance companies attempting to minimize injuries
- Questions involving the dog’s past behavior
In many serious dog bite cases, identifying available insurance coverage becomes a critical part of the investigation. Claims may involve homeowner’s insurance policies, landlord coverage, renter’s insurance, and premises liability considerations depending on how and where the attack occurred.
Building Strong Dog Bite Claims
At Gavagan Law, we help dog bite injury victims understand the legal process, protect their legal rights following serious dog attacks, and pursue full compensation for their injuries.
Our firm works to:
- Obtain medical records and treatment documentation
- Gather witness statements and evidence
- Investigate prior incidents and aggressive behavior
- Identify all available insurance coverage
- Pursue maximum compensation and fair compensation for injured clients
Dog bite lawsuits and personal injury claims may involve compensation for:
- Medical expenses and medical costs
- Future medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent injuries and scarring
- Pain and suffering
Our personal injury law firm handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Massachusetts
If you were injured in a dog bite accident or animal attack, taking the proper steps early can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Important steps may include:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to local animal control or the health department
- Take photographs of injuries and the scene if possible
- Obtain information regarding the dog owner, property owner, and witnesses
- Preserve medical records and treatment information
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding your legal rights
- Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer for legal advice regarding next steps
Massachusetts dog bite claims are subject to a statute of limitations, meaning deadlines apply to filing legal action.
