While some dog bites are minor, resulting in little more than a few scrapes and hurt feelings, others can be serious, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. When a dog attacks an adult or a child, it is important to get medical care as soon as possible. However, many families find that they are unable to afford the costs associated with a critical dog bite.
In Massachusetts, a dog bite claim may be able to be brought forward in order for the victim and their family to obtain financial compensation to help cover costs. Here’s what you need to know about the types of damages a dog bite claim may cover.
1. Medical Care
The chief damages that a dog bite claim is designed to cover are the medical costs associated with the attack. This can include hospitalization, surgical procedures, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and other medical costs.
If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog, it is imperative that you keep diligent records of all medical treatment and related costs. Make copies of your medical bills and submit them to your Massachusetts dog bite attorney in order to help increase the value of your dog bite claim.
2. Scarring and Disfigurement
Unfortunately, all dog bites involve some form of scarring. Depending upon the size of the dog and the extent of the attack, the scarring can be gruesome and traumatic. Scars can be physically painful to the touch and also emotionally painful to look at. This type of injury and damage resulting from a dog attack is why you need an experienced attorney to represent your interests. It is vital to consider future medical treatment and scar revision surgery when evaluating a dog attack case for purposes of settlement.
3. Emotional Trauma
Often, dog attacks will create significant emotional trauma for the victim, especially if the victim is a child. The victim may become afraid of dogs, or be apprehensive about going to places where dogs may be present. If you or your loved one have suffered any kind of emotional challenges as a result of the attack, it is important that you seek counseling or psychological care.
Costs for these services may be able to be included on your dog bite claim if it is clear that you are obtaining counseling or psychological care directly in relation to the attack. Additionally, the court may award you damages simply for pain and suffering. Discuss how these damages may be able to increase the value of your dog bite claim with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact Mazow & McCullough Today
At Mazow & McCullough, we work with dog bite victims and their families every day. Our goal is to help dog bite victims obtain the highest settlement possible from the attack in order to cover all related damages. When you consult with us, we will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine who may be held liable for your injuries.
We will work hard to exhaust every possible resource for financial compensation, and we will guide you through the process of bringing forward a claim for maximum damages. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your legal needs with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
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