A dog attack in Worcester, Massachusetts, can leave you with scars that stay long after the bleeding stops and the wounds close. On top of the initial costs of immediate medical care, you may also need expensive cosmetic procedures to try to correct the damage. Massachusetts law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their animals cause, which includes the cost of scar revision surgery and other reconstructive treatments you need long after the bite occurs.
What Massachusetts strict liability covers
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155 holds dog owners responsible for all damages their dog causes. This applies even if the owner did not know the dog was dangerous. You can recover money for future medical costs beyond your emergency room visit.
The dog owner’s homeowners insurance usually pays these costs. Insurance companies often rush to settle cases before your scars fully develop. But early settlements leave you without money for the treatments you will need later.
Scar treatment you can claim
Dog bite scars on visible areas like your face, neck and hands can require multiple procedures over several years. Massachusetts law allows you to seek compensation for various treatments:
- Laser scar revision and skin resurfacing procedures
- Plastic surgery to minimize visible scarring
- Dermabrasion and chemical peels for texture improvement
- Ongoing treatments as scar tissue matures and changes
Without including these future costs in your personal injury claim, you pay out of pocket for procedures that can cost thousands of dollars per treatment. Some scars require multiple sessions before showing significant improvement.
Why early settlements backfire
Insurance companies rush to settle dog bite cases before scars fully mature and reveal the true extent of damage. By the time you realize how much scar revision you need, the settlement money has already run out and you have signed away your right to seek more compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect you from accepting offers that disappear long before your scars do, ensuring the dog owner’s insurance covers every procedure you need to reclaim what the attack took from you.
