Labrador Retriever Dog Bites

Attorneys Helping Clients on Cape Cod

Labrador retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in Massachusetts, and many people view them as friendly and harmless creatures. While that may be true in many cases, Labrador retriever dog bites are responsible for more bite incidents than most other breeds, and, when they attack, they can cause significant injuries. If you were bitten by a Labrador retriever, you have the right to seek damages from the dog’s owner, and you should speak to a lawyer about your potential claims and settlements. At The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, our skilled Cape Cod dog bite attorneys have more than fifteen decades of mutual experience representing people in lawsuits arising out of dog attacks, and if we represent you, we will work diligently to help you seek the best outcome achievable in your case. Our knowledgeable representation has enabled us to recover many multi-million dollar damages awards for our clients.

Injuries Caused by Labrador Retriever Dog Bites

While most Labrador retrievers are good-natured, some are not. Further, even normally friendly dogs can suddenly become aggressive and attack people. Labrador retrievers are a large breed with considerable strength, and their jaws produce a significant amount of force with each bite. Therefore, Labrador retriever dog bites can cause lacerations, torn ligaments, tendons and muscles, puncture wounds, fractures, contusions, and extensive bleeding. Labrador retriever attacks often also result in scarring and psychological damages.

Recovering Damages for Dog Bites in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts legislature enacted a statute referred to as the “dog bite law.” Pursuant to this law, if a dog bites someone, its owner can be held strictly liable for the damages the victim suffers. In other words, the law provides that if a dog causes a person to sustain bodily injuries, the owner or handler of the dog will be deemed strictly liable. This means that the victim does not have to prove that the dog bite was brought about by the owner’s negligence or that the owner had actual or constructive knowledge that the dog posed a threat of harm to other people. Rather, the victim only has to prove he or she sustained injuries that were caused by the dog. Notably, the statute does not limit injuries to those caused by bites but imposes liability for any harm caused by a dog onto the dog’s owner.

There are certain exceptions that will preclude an owner from being held strictly liable for harm caused by a dog, however, and it is not uncommon for a dog owner to argue that they apply to avoid paying damages. Specifically, the law states that an owner will not be found strictly liable if the victim was trespassing, teasing ,or tormenting the dog, or otherwise partaking in tortious behavior at the time of the attack. If the victim is a child under the age of seven, though, it is presumed that none of the exceptions to strict liability apply, and the owner must provide evidence rebutting the presumption for an exception to be applicable. Even if an owner cannot be held strictly liable for harm caused by a dog, the victim may be able to prove that the owner should be found accountable under a theory of negligence.

Damages Awarded in Dog Bite Cases

The dog bite law states that the owner of a dog will be liable for any damages the dog causes. Damages are not defined under the statute, but the Massachusetts courts have found the term to mean medical expenses incurred treating injuries caused by the dog, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. It also encompasses compensation for the psychological harm, suffering, and pain caused by the bite.

Speak to an Attorney on Cape Cod

Labrador retrievers, like all dogs, can have dangerous temperaments or unexpectedly attack people, and if they do, it can lead to serious injuries. If you were bitten by a dog, you could be owed compensation, and it is in your best interest to speak to a lawyer. The capable attorneys of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, can advise you of your potential claims and gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome. We proudly maintain a record of successful results, including multiple settlements and verdicts that exceed one million dollars. We frequently help injured parties pursue damages in dog bite lawsuits on Cape Cod. We are also available for conferences in Hyannis and Plymouth. You can reach us at via our online form or at (888) 262-6664 to set up a meeting. Nós Falamos Português.