Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers Joins the "All My Children Wear Fur Coats" Podcast with Peggy Hoyt 4.6.24
In a recent episode of All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Jeremy Cohen discussed an important breakthrough in legislation regarding pet custody
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DEFENDING DOG OWNERS WHEN THERE IS NO INSURANCE
When your dog bites someone or bites a dog, you can expect that the victim or the dog owner is thinking about suing you.
Some pet owners have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance which might provide liability coverage. We represent uninsured owners, owners whose coverage was denied and also owners with insurance coverage.
At BDL we know that we investigate dog bite claims better than insurers do in one particular area: why the dog attacked. There are dozens to hundreds of reasons and facts as to why a dog bite someone or their dog. These factors must be considered when determining liability and the amount of damages, if any, to be paid. We have the team of investigators, trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and claims adjusters who seek to find out the truth.
There are many defenses to a dog bite and if one exists for you, we will pursue it. We look at the history of the dog and the victim. We look at the location, the time, the weather, the clothing, the leash, fence or other dog involved. There is so much to find out before determining whether to pay out on a dog bite lawsuit and we put in the time necessary to investigate.
DEFENSE OPTIONS: TRESPASSING AND PROVOCATION
Never let anyone tell you that there are no defenses when a dog attacks.
In Massachusetts, the most often utilized defense is that of trespass and provocation.
If the injured person was on the private property of the owner without permission the owner may not be liable for the injuries that occurred. In addition, if the injured person was provoking the dog in any manner such as teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog the owner may not be liable because these actions likely caused the dog to react in an aggressive manner.
If a person goes into an area where there is a “beware of dog” sign, we believe there may be a defense to a bite. At BDL we argue that “Beware” is a verb requiring diligence and care on the part of the person who is about to be the victim of an attack. We want to know why they were there and what steps they took to avoid the incident.
QUESTIONS WE MAY ASK:
Did you get a letter from a lawyer representing a dog bite victim who is claiming your dog bit them?
Did you present the claim to your homeowner or rental insurer? Is there coverage?
You don't have insurance but were sued in court and served by a sheriff for a minor dog bite?
Were you told that when it comes to owning a dog who bit there is strict liability and you must pay and there are no defenses (not true)?
Did your insurer deny coverage or tell you that the loss amount will exceed your policy limits?
Was the alleged dog bite victim even supposed to be on your property?
Had you warned the dog bite victim not to pet your dog or not to come near your dog?
Are you being asked to pay for vet bills or "out-of-pocket" medical expenses because of a dog bite? Did you get a release of all other claims before you paid?
CONTACT US
Potential Clients Are Encouraged to Provide Their Information Below to Receive a Callback Within 24 Hours or Call Us Directly at 844-DOG-ATTY (844-364-2889).*
*Advisory: Your further communication with Boston Dog Lawyers (BDL) indicates your express acknowledgment and informed consent that you should not provide any confidential information and if you do, this will not prohibit any lawyer at BDL from representing a different or opposing party in the matter. You should limit the information provided at the intake stages to your contact information and the general nature of your concern. Any claim that BDL is disqualified from representing an adverse party because information considered confidential was provided by the prospective client is expressly waived. Any communications between BDL and the prospective client do not constitute legal advice and do not create a lawyer-client relationship. The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice and by contacting BDL you understand that no attorney-client relationship has been created nor will one be created until we have a mutually agreed-upon and fully executed written contract for legal services.
OUR REVIEWS
"If you’re looking for a high quality attorney who is also a kind and honest person, look no further than Boston Dog Lawyers. Attorney Cohen was extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and committed to helping me with my case. More than that, attorney Cohen was incredibly empathetic and supportive throughout my entire time working with him. He helped me to feel empowered throughout the court process, and made me feel heard and validated. I had complete trust in him and his abilities. He helped me set realistic expectations about my case, but still explored every avenue to try and help me reach my desired outcome. I enthusiastically recommend working with Attorney Cohen and his team at Boston Dog Lawyers!" -Chelsea M.
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