At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we’ve handled countless personal injury cases — and one question we hear often is, “Do I really need a lawyer for a dog bite injury?” The truth is, not every case requires legal action, but when injuries are serious or insurers refuse to take responsibility, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference.
Dog attacks happen suddenly and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Medical bills, lost income, and trauma often follow, and victims are left wondering what to do next. In this article, we’ll walk through when hiring a dog bite injury lawyer makes sense, how dog bite laws work, and what our firm does to help clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws and Liability
Dog bite laws vary from state to state, but most — including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut — use a strict liability rule. In plain terms, this means the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries caused by their animal, even if the dog had no history of aggression. Victims usually don’t need to prove negligence — only that they were legally on the property and did not provoke the animal.
That said, every case has unique factors. Some municipalities have additional leash laws or ordinances that can impact liability. Our firm’s dog bite personal injury attorneys often find that small details — such as whether the owner ignored prior complaints or violated local regulations — can strengthen a claim.
In other cases, liability may also involve negligence. If a property owner allowed a dangerous dog to roam freely or failed to post warnings, those actions can increase their legal responsibility. As lawyers, we evaluate every possible avenue to hold negligent owners accountable.
When You Should Hire a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Not every bite leads to a lawsuit, but if the injury required medical treatment, caused scarring, or disrupted your life, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer. We’ve seen clients come to us months after an attack, frustrated that the insurance company undervalued their claim or blamed them for the incident.
You should consider calling a dog bite injury lawyer if:
- The bite caused serious injury, infection, or disfigurement.
- The victim is a child or elderly person.
- You missed work or lost income due to recovery.
- The dog owner denies fault or won’t provide insurance details.
- The insurance company delays or denies your claim.
In our experience, early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes. Once we’re involved, we can immediately begin preserving evidence, documenting medical care, and managing communications with insurers to prevent mistakes that could weaken your case.
Why Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney Makes a Difference
Dog bite cases might sound simple, but they’re rarely straightforward. We’ve seen insurance companies minimize injuries, question whether victims provoked the dog, or even argue that scarring is “cosmetic” and doesn’t warrant full compensation. That’s why working with a dog bite injury compensation attorney can change the trajectory of your case.
Our attorneys investigate each claim in detail. We gather medical records, witness statements, veterinary reports, and photographs of injuries. When necessary, we consult medical experts or plastic surgeons to help demonstrate long-term damage. The goal is to ensure your settlement reflects the full impact of the attack — not just the immediate medical bills.
If an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re prepared to file a dog bite lawsuit and present your case in court. Insurers often reconsider once they see you’re represented by experienced legal counsel willing to fight for fair compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Lasting Effects
Dog bite injuries vary widely, but they often extend beyond what’s visible on the surface. Deep puncture wounds can damage nerves or muscles, and even small bites can become infected. We’ve represented clients who needed multiple surgeries and years of therapy to recover.
Typical injuries include:
- Deep lacerations or puncture wounds
- Nerve damage and mobility loss
- Facial or neck injuries requiring reconstruction
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD
Children are especially vulnerable — both physically and emotionally. Many of our clients tell us their children develop lasting fear or behavioral changes after an attack. Those emotional injuries are just as real and compensable as physical ones.
How the Dog Bite Injury Claim Process Works
After a dog bite, your first priority should be safety and medical care. But once you’ve been treated, the steps you take next can directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Our firm’s process typically includes:
- Immediate medical attention. Medical records serve as key evidence and protect your health.
- Reporting the incident. We encourage clients to contact animal control or the police to create a written record.
- Collecting documentation. Photos of your injuries, witness statements, and contact information for the dog’s owner all matter.
- Filing an insurance claim. We handle all communication with the insurer, ensuring nothing is said that could be used against you.
- Negotiation or litigation. Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial.
Throughout this process, we keep clients informed and involved. Our attorneys take pride in explaining each step clearly, so you always know what to expect.
Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims
Compensation in dog bite cases varies, but it often includes more than most people realize. In addition to covering medical expenses, victims may recover for:
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress or therapy costs
Every case is different. A dog bite case attorney can assess your unique circumstances, document your losses, and pursue a settlement or verdict that reflects your true recovery needs.
Filing Deadlines and Legal Time Limits
In Massachusetts, New Jersey, and most nearby states, victims generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing that deadline can bar recovery entirely. We always advise clients to speak with a dog bite personal injury attorney as soon as possible so evidence and deadlines are protected.
Why Clients Choose Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law
We’ve helped many clients who started off feeling hopeless after a dog bite. Our firm knows the emotional and financial strain these injuries can cause, and we work hard to take that weight off your shoulders. From the moment you call, our focus is on protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
We handle every detail — investigating the attack, communicating with insurers, and negotiating fair settlements. And if we have to go to court, we do. Our clients know we’re not just advocates; we’re partners in their recovery.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is ready to help. We’ll review your case, explain your dog bite legal rights, and guide you through the dog bite injury claim process from start to finish.
Contact us today for a free consultation