The owner of the attacking dog received a citation for the dog’s actions, and the owner was also told to muzzle the dog. A hearing over the incident was scheduled. In Massachusetts, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. This makes the attacking dog’s owner liable for the results of the attack.
Victims of dog bites may suffer from severe emotional and mental trauma. They may relive the incident in their minds and may develop a phobia of dogs as a result of an attack. If you have been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, in addition to any medical expenses the attack may have caused. Dog bites are sometimes covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy, which may result in an insurance company being liable for damages. An experienced attorney may be able to explain your rights and plan a course of action that may be in your best interests.
Source: Needham Times, “Needham Police: Dog bites man,” Jan. 21, 2013