Child Dog Bite Cases: Boston

Children are more vulnerable to serious injury in dog bite incidents due to their smaller size and lack of ability to protect themselves. These injuries can have long-lasting physical and emotional consequences. We specialize in representing children who have been injured by dog attacks.

We understand the unique challenges that child victims face, and we are committed to helping your family recover the compensation needed for medical expenses, therapy, and long-term care. Let us fight for your child’s rights and hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Why Dog Bites Are Especially Dangerous for Children

Understanding the Impact of Dog Bites on Children

Children are at a higher risk of severe injury from dog bites for several reasons:

• Smaller Size: Due to their smaller size, children are more likely to be bitten in vulnerable areas such as the face, neck, and head, which can lead to more serious injuries.
• Lack of Awareness: Children may not understand how to interact with animals safely and are more likely to unknowingly provoke a dog, increasing the likelihood of an attack.
• Inability to Defend Themselves: A child’s physical strength and ability to defend themselves are limited compared to adults, which can make dog attacks more dangerous and prolonged.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can leave lasting emotional trauma for children, leading to anxiety, fear of animals, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Because children face unique challenges in recovering from dog bites, it is critical to seek legal help that understands how to approach these sensitive cases.

Common Injuries in Child Dog Bite Cases

The Physical and Emotional Consequences of Dog Bites in Children

Dog bite injuries in children can range from mild to severe, and they often require specialized medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Facial Injuries: Children are more likely to suffer bites to the face, leading to scarring, disfigurement, and the need for reconstructive surgery.
• Head and Neck Injuries: Due to their height, children are often bitten in the neck or head area, which can lead to severe trauma and life-threatening injuries.
• Nerve Damage: Deep bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term or permanent loss of sensation or movement.
• Infections and Rabies: Dog bites can result in infections, including severe bacterial infections or exposure to rabies, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
• Psychological Trauma: Many children develop long-lasting emotional issues after a dog bite, such as fear of dogs or anxiety around animals.

These injuries can have long-term effects on a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Our team will work with medical professionals to assess the full impact of your child’s injuries and ensure they receive the care they need.

Who Is Responsible in a Child Dog Bite Case?

Massachusetts follows a strict liability standard for dog bite cases, not a negligence-based system. This means that dog owners are automatically held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or whether the owner acted negligently. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, a dog owner is liable if their dog injures a person, unless the victim was trespassing, teasing, or provoking the dog. This strict liability applies to injuries caused by the dog, even if the dog has never shown aggressive tendencies before.

For all injuries, whether serious or minor, Massachusetts law applies strict liability to dog owners. Victims do not need to prove negligence. However, in cases where the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, the dog owner may not be held liable.

• Dog Owner’s Liability: The dog owner can be held liable if they were negligent in controlling or restraining their dog, leading to the attack. Unlike strict liability states, Massachusetts requires proof that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care, rather than imposing automatic responsibility.
• Landlord or Property Owner Liability: A landlord may be held liable if they had direct control over the dog or knew about its dangerous tendencies and failed to address the risk. Proving landlord liability can be complex and typically applies when the landlord could have prevented the attack.
• Violations of Local Laws: If the dog owner violated local leash laws or other animal control ordinances, this can further support your claim.

How We Can Help Your Child Recover Compensation

We’ll Fight to Secure the Compensation Your Family Needs

We understand how devastating a dog attack can be for your child and your entire family. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation needed to cover all aspects of your child’s recovery. Here’s how we help:

• Gather Medical and Psychological Evidence: We will work with doctors, therapists, and other specialists to document your child’s injuries and emotional trauma.
• Calculate Long-Term Costs: We’ll carefully assess your child’s future medical needs, including reconstructive surgery, therapy, and any ongoing treatments, to ensure full compensation.
• Handle All Legal Procedures: From filing the claim to negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company, we handle every step of the process so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
• Litigate if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice your child deserves.

We will fight tirelessly to ensure your child’s rights are protected and that they receive the care and compensation they need for a full recovery.

Signs You May Have a Child Dog Bite Claim

How to Know if You Can Pursue a Claim on Behalf of Your Child

1. Your Child Was Bitten by Someone Else’s Dog: If your child was bitten by a dog owned by someone else, you may be able to file a claim against the dog owner or their insurance company.
2. The Dog Owner Was Negligent: If the dog owner failed to control or restrain their dog, leading to the attack, they may be liable for your child’s injuries.
3. Your Child Requires Medical Treatment: If your child needed medical attention for their injuries, including emergency care, reconstructive surgery, or therapy, you may be entitled to compensation.
4. Your Child Is Suffering Emotional Trauma: If your child is experiencing fear, anxiety, or other emotional issues as a result of the dog bite, this can be factored into the claim.

If any of these apply to your case, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to explore your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Child Dog Bite Cases

Can I file a claim on behalf of my child?
Yes, as a parent or legal guardian, you can file a claim on behalf of your child to seek compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.

What if my child is afraid of dogs after the attack?
Many children experience emotional trauma after a dog bite, including fear, anxiety, or PTSD. Compensation for psychological counseling and therapy can be included in your claim to help your child recover emotionally.

How long do I have to file a claim for my child’s dog bite injuries?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the injury. For minors, however, the statute of limitations is extended. A child has until two years after turning 18 to file a claim, giving families additional time to address the long-term effects of the injury and pursue compensation.