Injured by a dog bite? You should be aware of the statute of limitation in Massachusetts regarding personal injuries. This is the length of time given to the injured which begins immediately after being harmed and after expiration, prevents them from bringing a claim against the at-fault party.
Dog bites fall under personal injury law and the concomitant statute of limitation in Massachusetts is three years from the date of the underlying incident.
Dog owners in the state can be held “strictly liable” for bites or other injuries their dog causes. For a successful injury claim, however, there is a good chance you will have to prove you were not trespassing at the time of the attack and that you were not teasing or otherwise harassing the animal.
What If the Statute of Limitations Has Expired?
If you attempt to file an injury claim after the three years have expired, the dog owner will likely ask the court to dismiss your case, which the court will grant in almost every case. Once a dismissal is granted, your case will be over and you will be left unable to recover compensation.
This means that even if you have a strong case and feel confident you will settle with the dog owner our of course you should ensure there is enough time to file a lawsuit in case negotiations fall through and you need to take your claim to court.
You should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as you are bitten, at least you should consult with one if negotiations are dragging on and are worried the statute of limitations will expire soon. An attorney will be aware of the statute of limitations and can make sure your legal rights to compensation are protected at all times.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog bite you should call our Quincy personal injury lawyer. Our firm has handled countless injury claims and can recover the compensation you deserve so call now!