What damages can I recover after being bitten by a dog?
In Massachusetts, an injured person may be able to recover damages after being bitten by a dog. The damages that are typically available to the injured person are the following: 1. Compensatory damages - This type of damages compensates the injured person for losses sustained as a result of the dog bite, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage. 2. Punitive damages - This type of damages is given to punish the dog owner for their negligence. 3. Nominal damages - This is a small amount of money given to the injured person to recognize that a wrong has been done. 4. Exemplary damages - This type of damages is awarded when the dog owner’s behavior is particularly outrageous. In Massachusetts, the dog owner is strictly liable for the dog bite. This means that the injured person does not have to prove that the owner was negligent in order to recover damages for a dog bite. However, to recover damages for a dog bite, the injured person must show that the dog bite was a result of the dog’s predatory behavior. In other words, the injured person must show that the bite was a result of the dog’s actual or perceived predatory behavior. Additionally, the injured person must show that they did not provoke the dog. If the injured person is found to have provoked the dog, they may not be able to recover damages for the bite. Finally, it is important to note that, in certain cases, the injured person may not be able to recover damages if the dog owner has homeowner’s insurance. If the dog owner has homeowner’s insurance, it is important to contact the insurance company to discuss the matter.
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