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German Shepherd Dog Bites
Attorneys Advocating for Injury Victims on Cape Cod
German Shepherd dogs are prized for their intelligence and trainability. However, a personal injury lawyer Plymouth sees them as a leading contributor to severe injuries when they attack people unexpectedly. If you, or someone you know, have suffered injuries due to German Shepherd dog bites, you or they may be owed compensation from the dog’s owner, and it is advisable to contact a lawyer. At The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have attorneys with over fifteen decades of collective experience helping people harmed by dogs seek compensation for their losses. When working with us, a Cape Cod personal injury lawyer will vigorously pursue the total recoverable damages if you engage our services. Our dedicated representation has garnered numerous multi-million dollar damages awards for our clients.
Harm Caused by German Shepherd Dog Bites
German Shepherd dogs are often used by police departments and other law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, track criminals, and patrol areas. Many people own them as pets as well. Although German Shepherds are both working dogs and beloved companions, they are also one of the most dangerous breeds and have one of the highest rates of attacks. Due to the strength of their jaws, German Shepherd dog bites often cause severe injuries when they bite people, such as:
- Fractures
- Hemorrhaging
- Tissue damage
- Lacerations
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Fatal Wounds
Massachusetts Law Regarding Dog Bites
In Massachusetts, dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs under a statute known as the “dog bite law.” The law states that if a dog causes someone to suffer bodily harm, the dog’s owner or handler can be held strictly liable. In other words, the injured party does not have to prove that the owner knew or should reasonably have known that the dog was dangerous or likely to cause harm or that the owner was otherwise negligent in recovering damages. Instead, the person hurt must merely show an injury caused by the dog. The law broadly imposes liability and does not explicitly refer to bites. Still, any wounds caused by a dog, including those suffered due to bites, constitute grounds for pursuing claims against the owner. Having a reliable personal injury lawyer Plymouth MA is beneficial in pursuing legal action.
Exceptions to Strict Liability
There are some exceptions to the imposition of strict liability, though. For example, suppose a person is bitten while trespassing, engaging in other tortious behavior, or attacked while tormenting or teasing the dog. In that case, the owner will not be deemed strictly liable. In cases where the person bitten is a child younger than seven, there is a presumption that the exceptions to strict liability do not apply, and the dog’s owner must prove that the child engaged in behavior that would make the exception operative. In cases in which an owner cannot be held strictly liable, the injured party may be able to recover damages via a negligence claim with the help of a personal injury lawyer Cape Cod.
Compensation Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases
According to the dog bite law, the dog’s owner is responsible for damages caused by the dog. The law does not define damages, but the term has been interpreted to mean the cost of medical treatment needed, such as surgery, for the injuries suffered or that will be required. It also includes lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and suffering, pain, and mental trauma caused by the attack.
Trust The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, a Personal Injury Lawyer Plymouth, MA
German Shepherds can be lovable companions, but they can cause significant harm when they become aggressive and attack. If a dog bit you, you have the right to seek compensation and should meet with an attorney as soon as possible. The experience held as a Cape Cod personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III possesses the skills and knowledge needed to help animal attack victims seek compensation for their losses. We proudly uphold a record of favorable results, including many verdicts and over one million dollars in settlements. We regularly represent injured parties in cases on Cape Cod and can meet for consultations in Hyannis and Plymouth. Contact a personal injury lawyer Plymouth, MA, to schedule a meeting through our online form or at (888) 262-6664. Nós Falamos Português.
